This bill proposes updates to current statutes regarding the issuance of arrest warrants. Under the new provisions, a magistrate would be required to issue an arrest warrant if they determine, based on an affidavit sworn to or affirmed before them, that there is probable cause that a specific felony offense has been committed and that a particular individual is responsible for that offense. This adds a clear requirement for the magistrate's review of the affidavit before issuing a warrant, enhancing the procedural rigor in the warrant issuance process.

Additionally, the bill modifies the current law regarding the jurisdiction of magistrates when an arrest is made. It removes the requirement that the arrest must occur in the same county where the warrant was issued and allows for the arrested individual to be taken before the nearest or most accessible magistrate in the county where the arrest occurs, or in the county where the alleged offense was committed. This change aims to streamline the process and ensure that individuals are brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, regardless of county lines.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-3904
Senate Engrossed Version: 13-3904
House Engrossed Version: 13-3897