New bill could add time served for crimes committed in front of children

A new proposed bill could add up to 5 years in prison for crimes committed in the presence of a child. The General Assembly, now in possession of the bill, prohibits a criminal from, “committing a certain crime of violence when the person knows or reasonably should know that a minor of a certain age is present in a residence.”

The bill stems from studies showing emotional and developmental issues in children, which are created when witnessing violence acts. These issues only create a continuation of domestic violence.