The proposed bill establishes a new right of appeal for the state in criminal cases, specifically allowing the state to appeal from various orders and judgments. These include final judgments of dismissal, orders suppressing evidence, motions to withdraw guilty pleas, and several other significant rulings that could impact the prosecution's ability to proceed with a case. The bill outlines a comprehensive list of circumstances under which the state may appeal, including issues related to double jeopardy, mental competency, and illegal sentences.
Additionally, the bill permits the state to seek discretionary appellate review of any interlocutory orders before jeopardy attaches, expanding the state's ability to challenge decisions made during the pre-trial phase. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.