Rep. Hatcher has introduced HB 1536 which would modify the definition of the crime of intimidation. The new definition would simply be “a threat to another person, with the intent that another person be placed in fear that the threat will be carried out.” The current definition is a threat: 1) with the intent that the person engage in conduct against their will; 2) with the intent that the person will be placed in fear of retaliation for a prior lawful act; and/or 3) the intent that a dwelling or vehicle will be evacuated or interfering with the occupancy of the dwelling or vehicle.
Obviously the new definition would be much broader. For example, it would encompass fear of retaliation for a prior unlawful act which I could envision being both good and bad. “I’m going to kick your ass for bullying my daughter” is more sympathetic than “I’m going to kick your ass for selling me bad heroin.” I’m sure the change has broader implications than that, but it’s early, and I’m not coming up with anything that’s much more sophisticated.
Leave a Reply