H.F. 2226 Section 1. Section 720.4, Code 2022, is amended to read as 1 follows: 2 720.4 Tampering with witnesses or jurors. 3 A It shall be unlawful for a person who offers to offer any 4 bribe to any person who the offeror believes has been or may be 5 summoned as a witness or juror in any judicial or arbitration 6 proceeding, or any legislative hearing, or who makes to make 7 any threats toward such person or who forcibly or fraudulently 8 detains detain or restrains restrain such person, with the 9 intent to improperly influence such witness or juror with 10 respect to the witness’ or juror’s testimony or decision in 11 such case, or to prevent such person from testifying or serving 12 in such case, or who, in retaliation for anything lawfully done 13 by any witness or juror in any case, harasses to harass such 14 witness or juror , . A person who violates this section commits 15 an aggravated misdemeanor a class “B” felony . 16 EXPLANATION 17 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with 18 the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. 19 This bill relates to tampering with witnesses or jurors, and 20 provides penalties. 21 Current law provides that a person who tampers with a witness 22 or juror commits an aggravated misdemeanor. An aggravated 23 misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than two 24 years and a fine of at least $855 but not more than $8,540. 25 The bill provides that a person who tampers with a witness 26 or juror commits a class “B” felony. A class “B” felony is 27 punishable by confinement for no more than 25 years. 28 -1- LSB 5059YH (7) 89 as/rh 1/ 1