The provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions are the subject of this analysis. The bill would amend the Election Code as it relates to election practices and procedures. Under the provisions Coercion Against Candidacy would be transferred from one section of the Election Code to another section of the Election Code. The offense is punishable by a misdemeanor or felony with the punishment based on the specific circumstances of the offense.

A third degree felony is punishable by confinement in prison for a term from 2 to 10 years and, in addition to confinement, an optional fine not to exceed $10,000. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by confinement in county jail for a term not to exceed one year and, in addition to confinement, an optional fine not to exceed $4,000.

Transferring an offense without modification to the criminal penalty or associated behaviors is not expected to result in additional demands upon the correctional resources of counties or of the State.  In fiscal year 2018, fewer than ten people were arrested, placed on community supervision, or admitted into state correctional institutions for the offense for which changes are proposed.  This analysis assumes the provisions of the bill addressing felony sanctions would not result in a significant impact on state correctional populations or the demand for state correctional resources.