The bill would amend the Business and Commerce Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure as they relate to fraudulent investment schemes.  Under the provisions of the bill contriving, preparing, establishing, operating, advertising, selling or promoting a fraudulent investment scheme would be punishable as a felony of the first degree.

A felony of the first degree is punishable by imprisonment in the institutional division for any term of not more than 99 years or less than 5 years, or, in addition to confinement, a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Expanding the list of offenses punishable by imprisonment 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. It is expected individuals who would be affected by the provision of this bill are currently being sentenced for other, possible lesser felony, offenses.