PIERRE – The maximum penalty for attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer would double under a measure that sailed through the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday.

“I think it’s just time to recognize this and put it in place,” Rep. David Kull said. Kull, a Republican from Brandon and former police chief, made the motion to pass the bill out of committee, which it did unanimously.

The bill was presented by Attorney General Marty Jackley. The enhanced penalty would take the sentencing range from 0 to 25 years to 0 to 50 years under the legislation.

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