FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM PENALTY

HB 496 increases penalties for individuals convicted of serious violent felonies who possess a firearm. It requires a minimum six-year prison sentence for a first offense and classifies second and subsequent offenses as first-degree felonies. This applies to those convicted of specific violent crimes (e.g., aggravated assault or robbery) within the last ten years without a pardon or deferred sentence. The bill does not change penalties for regular felons (who remain subject to a third-degree felony) or for other prohibited groups, who face misdemeanor charges for firearm possession.