This bill aims to enhance the safety of individuals in certain judicial professions by allowing judicial officers, as well as the attorney general, deputy attorney general, and assistant attorney general, to obtain permits to carry weapons. The bill amends existing laws to include these positions in the list of those eligible for weapon permits, which authorize them to carry firearms at all times, including on school grounds. It also establishes that these permits remain valid throughout the holder's employment unless canceled, and requires the surrender of the permit upon termination of employment. Additionally, the bill allows the supreme court to impose further training requirements on judicial officers holding such permits.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new criminal offenses related to the safety of judicial officers and their immediate families. It criminalizes threatening a judicial officer or their family with the intent to instill fear, disrupt their duties, or retaliate against them, classifying such threats as a class C felony. Additionally, it prohibits the malicious sharing of personal information about judicial officers or their families, defining the offense as a serious misdemeanor. The bill also expands the definition of harassment to include true threats made against public officials, ensuring that such threats are taken seriously and can lead to legal consequences.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 724.6, 708.7