The bill would amend the Penal Code by making the offense of terroristic threat punishable as a felony of the second degree if the act is committed with intent to: a) place the public in fear of serious bodily injury; or b) influence the conduct or activities of a branch or agency of the federal government, the state, or a political subdivision.  The offense of terroristic threat is currently punishable as a class A misdemeanor or a felony of the third degree.  The bill would also amend the Penal Code by making the murder occurring during the commission of the offense of terroristic threat punishable as a capital offense. 

Increasing the penalty for any criminal offense is expected to result in increased demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State due to longer terms of probation, or, longer terms of confinement in county jails or prison. The increased workload and demand for resources from increasing the punishment for the offense of terroristic threat to a felony of the second degree would probably not be substantial.  The provision that would make murder occurring during the commission of the offense of terroristic threat punishable as a capital offense is also not likely to result in additional significant impact on adult corrections agencies because under current law and policy, and under the proposed bill, the average time served in prison by persons likely to be affected by the provisions of this bill is greater than five years.