This bill proposes to amend current statutes regarding first degree felony murder by explicitly including the death of an unborn child in the definition of the offense. Under the new language, it would be specified that causing the death of an unborn child during the course of, in furtherance of, or in immediate flight from a criminal offense is considered first degree felony murder. This addition would clarify that the existing provisions apply to unborn children at any stage of development, thereby expanding the scope of the law to encompass these cases.

The bill also makes a minor adjustment to the current statute by adding a reference to unborn children in the context of the offenses listed that could lead to felony murder charges. Specifically, the language would be inserted to state that the death of an unborn child is included in the circumstances where a person causes the death of any person while committing certain specified crimes. This change aims to ensure that the legal framework recognizes the unborn child as a victim in these serious offenses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-1105
House Engrossed Version: 13-1105