SPONSOR: |
Rep. Heffernan & Sen. Sokola |
|
Reps.
Q. Johnson, Keeley, Mitchell |
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 146th GENERAL ASSEMBLY |
HOUSE BILL NO. 245 |
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE ADOPTION OF PEOPLE FIRST LANGUAGE IN AND THE REMOVAL OF INSENSITIVE AND OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE FROM THE CRIMINAL CODE. |
Section 1. Amend § 222, Title 11 of the Delaware Code by
making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by strikethrough
as follows:
When used in this Criminal
Code:
(1) "Building," in
addition to its ordinary meaning, includes any structure, vehicle or
watercraft. Where a building consists of 2 or more units separately secured or
occupied, each unit shall be deemed a separate building.
(2) "Controlled
substance" or "counterfeit substance" shall have the same
meaning as used in Chapter 47 of Title 16.
(3) "Conviction"
means a verdict of guilty by the trier of fact, whether judge or jury, or a
plea of guilty or a plea of nolo contendere accepted by the court.
(4) "Dangerous
instrument" means any instrument, article or substance which, under the
circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used or threatened to be
used, is readily capable of causing death or serious physical injury, or any
disabling chemical spray, as defined in paragraph (6) of this section or any
electronic control devices including but not limited to a neuromuscular
incapacitation device designed to incapacitate a person.
(5) "Deadly weapon"
includes a "firearm", as defined in paragraph (12) of this section, a
bomb, a knife of any sort (other than an ordinary pocketknife carried in a
closed position), switchblade knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, metal
knuckles, slingshot, razor, bicycle chain or ice pick or any "dangerous
instrument", as defined in paragraph (4) of this section, which is used,
or attempted to be used, to cause death or serious physical injury. For the
purpose of this definition, an ordinary pocketknife shall be a folding knife
having a blade not more than 3 inches in length.
(6) "Disabling chemical
spray" includes mace, tear gas, pepper spray or any other mixture
containing quantities thereof, or any other aerosol spray or any liquid,
gaseous or solid substance capable of producing temporary physical discomfort,
disability or injury through being vaporized or otherwise dispersed in the air,
or any cannister, container or device designed or intended to carry, store or
disperse such aerosol spray or such gas or solid.
(7) "Defraud"
means to acquire a gain or advantage by fraud.
(8) "Drug" means
any substance or preparation capable of producing any alteration of the
physical, mental or emotional condition of a person.
(9) "Elderly
person" means any person who is 62 years of age or older. Thus, the terms
"elderly person" and "person who is 62 years of age or
older" shall have the same meaning as used in this Code or in any action
brought pursuant to this Code.
(10) "Electronic
control device" is a device designed to incapacitate a person, including
but not limited to a neuromuscular incapacitation device.
(11) "Female"
means a person of the female sex.
(12) "Firearm"
includes any weapon from which a shot, projectile or other object may be
discharged by force of combustion, explosive, gas and/or mechanical means,
whether operable or inoperable, loaded or unloaded. It does not include a BB
gun.
(13) "Fraud" means
an intentional perversion, misrepresentation or concealment of truth.
(14) "Law"
includes statutes and ordinances. Unless the context otherwise clearly
requires, "law" also includes settled principles of the common law of
Delaware governing areas other than substantive criminal law.
(15) "Law-enforcement
officer" includes police officers, the Attorney General and the Attorney
General's deputies, sheriffs and their regular deputies agents of the State
Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, correctional officers, state fire
marshals, municipal fire marshals that are graduates of a Delaware Police
Academy which is accredited/authorized by the Council on Police Training, sworn
members of the City of Wilmington Fire Department who have graduated from a
Delaware Police Academy which is authorized/accredited by the Council on Police
Training, environmental protection officers, enforcement agents of the
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and constables.
(16) "Lawful"
means in accordance with law or, where the context so requires, not prohibited
by law.
(17) "Male" means
a person of the male sex.
(18) "Mental
defect" means any condition of the brain or nervous system recognized as
defective, as compared with an average or normal condition, by a substantial
part of the medical profession.
(19)(18) "Mental
illness" means any condition of the brain or nervous system recognized as
a mental disease by a substantial part of the medical profession.
(20)(19) "Narcotic
drug" shall have the same definition as contained in § 4701(27) of Title
16.
(21)(20) "Oath or
affirmation," for the purpose of warrants, can be made via videophone,
telephone, secure electronic means or in person.
(22)(21) "Person"
means a human being who has been born and is alive, and, where appropriate, a
public or private corporation, a trust, a firm, a joint stock company, a union,
an unincorporated association, a partnership, a government or a governmental
instrumentality.
(23)(22) "Physical
force" means any application of force upon or toward the body of another
person.
(24)(23) "Physical
injury" means impairment of physical condition or substantial pain.
(24) "Serious mental
disorder" means any condition of the brain or nervous system recognized as
defective, as compared with an average or normal condition, by a substantial part
of the medical profession.
(25) "Serious physical
injury" means physical injury which creates a substantial risk of death,
or which causes serious and prolonged disfigurement, prolonged impairment of
health or prolonged loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ, or
which causes the unlawful termination of a pregnancy without the consent of the
pregnant female.
(26) "Telephone,"
in addition to its ordinary meaning, includes any computer (as defined in § 931
of this title) or any other electronic device which is actually used to engage
in a wire communication (as defined in § 2401(20) of this title) with any other
telephone, computer or electronic device.
(27) "Therapeutic
abortion" means an abortion performed pursuant to subchapter IX of Chapter
17 of Title 24.
(28) "Unlawful"
means contrary to law or, where the context so requires, not permitted by law.
It does not mean wrongful or immoral.
(29) "Vehicle"
includes any means in or by which someone travels or something is carried or
conveyed or a means of conveyance or transport, whether or not propelled by its
own power.
Section 2. Amend § 401(a), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(a) In any prosecution for an offense, it is an
affirmative defense that, at the time of the conduct charged, as a result of
mental illness or mental defect serious mental disorder, the
accused lacked substantial capacity to appreciate the wrongfulness of the
accused’s conduct. If the defendant prevails in establishing the affirmative
defense provided in this subsection, the trier of fact shall return a verdict
of “not guilty by reason of insanity.
Section 3. Amend § 401(b), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(b) Where the
trier of fact determines that, at the time of the conduct charged, a defendant
suffered from a mental illness or mental defect serious mental
disorder which substantially disturbed such person's thinking, feeling or
behavior and/or that such mental illness or mental defect serious
mental disorder left such person with insufficient willpower to choose
whether the person would do the act or refrain from doing it, although
physically capable, the trier of fact shall return a verdict of “guilty, but
mentally ill.
Section 4. Amend § 402(b), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(b) A
psychiatrist or other expert testifying at trial concerning the mental
condition of the accused shall be permitted to make a statement as to the
nature of the examination, the psychiatrist’s or expert’s diagnosis of the
mental condition of the accused at the time of the commission of the offense
charged and the psychiatrist’s or expert’s opinion as to the extent, if any, to
which the capacity of the accused to appreciate the wrongfulness of the
accused’s conduct or to choose whether the accused would do the act or refrain
from doing it or to have a particular state of mind which is an element of the
offense charged was impaired as a result of mental illness or mental defect
serious mental disorder at that time.
The psychiatrist or expert shall be permitted to make any explanation
reasonably serving to clarify the diagnosis and opinion and may be
cross-examined as to any matter bearing on the psychiatrist’s or expert’s
competence or credibility or the validity of the diagnosis or opinion.
Section 5. Amend § 404(a), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(a) Whenever the
court is satisfied, after hearing, that an accused person, because of mental
illness or mental defect serious mental disorder, is unable to
understand the nature of the proceedings against the accused, or to give
evidence in the accused’s own defense or to instruct counsel on the accused’s
own behalf, the court may order the accused person to be confined and treated
in the Delaware Psychiatric Center until the accused person is capable of
standing trial. However, upon motion of
the defendant, the court may conduct a hearing to determine whether the State
can make out a prima facie case against the defendant, and if the State fails
to present sufficient evidence to constitute a prima facie case, the court
shall dismiss the charge. This dismissal shall have the same effect as a
judgment of acquittal.
Section 6. Amend the catchline to § 405, Title 11 of the
Delaware Code by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as
shown by strikethrough as follows:
§ 405. Confinement in
Delaware Psychiatric Center of persons becoming mentally disabled developing mental illness
after conviction but before sentencing; adjustment of sentences.
Section 7. Amend § 405(a), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(a) Whenever the
court is satisfied that a prisoner has become mentally ill developed
a mental illness after conviction but before sentencing so that the
prisoner is unable understandingly to participate in the sentencing
proceedings, and if the court is satisfied that a sentence of imprisonment may
be appropriate, the court may order the prisoner to be confined and treated in
the Delaware Psychiatric Center until the prisoner is capable of participating
in the sentencing proceedings.
Section 8. Amend § 406, Title 11 of the Delaware Code by
making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(a) Whenever in any case it
appears to the Superior Court, upon information received from the Department of
Health and Social Services, that a prisoner confined with the Department has become
mentally ill developed a mental illness after conviction and
sentence, the Court may appoint 2 reputable practicing physicians to inquire of
the mental condition of the prisoner and make report of their finding to the
Court within 2 days from the date of their appointment, by writing under their
hands and seals. Should the report of the physicians be that the prisoner is
mentally ill has a mental illness, the prisoner shall at once be
ordered by the Court transferred from the prison facility where the prisoner is
confined to the Delaware Psychiatric Center.
(b) The expenses of the removal
of such mentally ill person a person with a mental illness and of
admission into such Psychiatric Center and maintenance therein up and until the
time the person is discharged by the Court shall be borne by the State. If any such mentally ill person a
person with a mental illness has any real or personal estate, the
Department of Health and Social Services shall have for the expenses and
charges so incurred the same remedy as is provided in § 5127 of Title 16.
Section 9. Amend § 408(a), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(a) Where a
defendant’s defense is based upon allegations which, if true, would be grounds
for a verdict of “guilty, but mentally ill” or the defendant desires to enter a
plea to that effect, no finding of “guilty, but mentally ill” shall be rendered
until the trier of fact has examined all appropriate reports (including the
presentence investigation); has held a hearing on the sole issue of the
defendant’s mental illness, at which either party may present evidence; and is
satisfied that the defendant was in fact mentally ill did in fact
have a mental illness at the time of the offense to which the plea is
entered. Where the trier of fact, after such hearing, is not satisfied that the
defendant was mentally ill had a mental illness at the time of
the offense, or determines that the facts do not support a “guilty, but
mentally ill” plea, the trier of fact shall strike such plea, or permit such
plea to be withdrawn by the defendant. A defendant whose plea is not accepted
by the trier of fact shall be entitled to a jury trial, except that if a
defendant subsequently waives the right to a jury trial, the judge who presided
at the hearing on mental illness shall not preside at the trial.
Section 10. Amend § 408(b), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(b) In a trial
under this section a defendant found guilty but mentally ill, or whose plea to
that effect is accepted, may have any sentence imposed which may lawfully be
imposed upon any defendant for the same offense. Such defendant shall be committed
into the custody of the Department of Correction, and shall undergo such
further evaluation and be given such immediate and temporary treatment as is
psychiatrically indicated. The
Commissioner shall retain exclusive jurisdiction over such person in all
matters relating to security. The
Commissioner shall thereupon confine such person in the Delaware Psychiatric
Center, or other suitable place for the residential treatment of criminally
mentally ill individuals under the age of 18 with criminal mental
illnesses who have been found nonamenable to the processes of Family Court.
Although such person shall remain under the jurisdiction of the Department of
Correction, decisions directly related to treatment for the mental illness for
individuals placed at the Delaware Psychiatric Center, shall be the joint
responsibility of the Director of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental
Health and those persons at the Delaware Psychiatric Center who are directly
responsible for such treatment. The Delaware Psychiatric Center, or any other
residential treatment facility to which the defendant is committed by the
Commissioner, shall have the authority to discharge the defendant from the
facility and return the defendant to the physical custody of the Commissioner
whenever the facility believes that such a discharge is in the best interests
of the defendant. The offender may, by written statement, refuse to take any
drugs which are prescribed for treatment of the offender’s mental illness;
except when such a refusal will endanger the life of the offender, or the lives
or property of other persons with whom the offender has contact.
Section 11. Amend § 422, Title 11 of the Delaware Code by
making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by strikethrough
as follows:
Evidence of voluntary
intoxication shall not be admissible for the purpose of proving the existence
of mental illness, mental defect, serious mental disorder or psychiatric
disorder within the meaning of § 401 of this title.
Section 12. Amend § 453(2), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(2) It is given by a person who, because of
youth, mental illness, mental condition, mental defect, serious mental
disorder, psychiatric disorder or intoxication is manifestly unable or
known by the defendant to be unable to make a reasonable judgment as to the
nature or harmfulness of the conduct charged to constitute the offense; or
Section 13. Amend § 468(3), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(3) The
defendant is the guardian or other person similarly responsible for the general
care and supervision of an incompetent person a person who is
incompetent, and:
a. The force is used for the purpose of
safeguarding or promoting the welfare of the incompetent person person
who is incompetent, including the prevention of misconduct, or, when such incompetent
person person who is incompetent is in a hospital or other
institution for care and custody, for the maintenance of reasonable discipline
in such institution; and
b. The force
used is reasonable and moderate; the size, age, condition of the incompetent
person person who is incompetent, location of the force and the
strength and duration of the force shall be factors considered in determining
whether the force used is reasonable and moderate; and
c. The force is
not enumerated under paragraph (1)c.; and
d. The force is
not proscribed as abuse or mistreatment under Chapter 11 of Title 16; or
Section 14. Amend § 468(4), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(4) The defendant is a
doctor or other therapist or a person assisting at the doctor's or other
therapist's direction, and:
a. The force is used for the
purpose of administering a recognized form of treatment which the defendant
believes to be adapted to promoting the physical or mental health of the
patient; and
b. The treatment
is administered with the consent of the patient or, if the patient is a minor
or an incompetent person a person who is incompetent, with the
consent of a parent, guardian or other person legally competent to consent in
the patient’s behalf, or the treatment is administered in an emergency when the
defendant believes that no one competent to consent can be consulted and that a
reasonable person, wishing to safeguard the welfare of the patient, would
consent; or
Section 15. Amend the title to Subchapter V to Chapter 5
of Title 11 of the Delaware Code by making insertions as shown by underlining
and deletions as shown by strikethrough as follows:
Section 16. Amend §1105(e), Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(e) No person
shall be sentenced for both an underlying offense and a crime against a vulnerable
adult. No person shall be sentenced for a violation of subsection (a) of this
section if the underlying offense, as charged against the accused, has an
element that the victim was 62 years of age or older or was an infirm adult“adult
who is impaired” as defined in § 3902(2) of Title 31.
Section 17. Amend the catchline to § 3516, Title 11 of
the Delaware Code by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as
shown by strikethrough as follows:
§ 3516. Hearsay
exception for infirm adult an adult who is impaired or patient or
resident victim’s out-of-court statement of abuse.
Section 18. Amend § 3516(a), Title 11 of the Delaware
Code by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(a) An out-of-court
statement made by an adult who is impaired, as defined in § 3902 of Title 31,
or by a patient or resident of a state facility, as defined in § 1131 of Title
16, at the time of the proceeding concerning an act that is a material element
of any of the following offenses:
(1) Abuse,
neglect, exploitation or mistreatment of an infirm adult adult who is
impaired or a patient/resident, as set forth in § 3913 of Title 31 and §
1136 of Title 16 respectively; or
(2) Any felony
set forth in this title which is defined as a violent felony pursuant to § 4201
of this title; or
(3) Any felony
set forth in subparts D, E, H or I of subchapter III of Chapter 5 of this
title, that is not otherwise admissible in evidence, is admissible in any
judicial proceeding if the requirements of subsections (b) through (f) of this
section are met.
Section 19. Amend § 3913(a), Title 11 of the Delaware
Code by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(a) The result of any human
immunodeficiency virus testing conducted pursuant to this subchapter shall only
be made available by the Division of Public Health to the victim, or the parent
or guardian of the victim who is a minor or is mentally retarded or mentally
incapacitated has an intellectual disability or a mental incapacity,
the defendant, the court issuing the order for testing, and any other person or
agency pursuant to Chapters 12 and 12A of Title 16.
Section 20. Amend § 4201(c), Title 11 of the Delaware
Code by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(c) The following felonies
shall be designated as violent felonies:
Title 11, Section Crime
513 Conspiracy First Degree
602 Aggravated Menacing
604 Reckless Endangering
First Degree
605 Abuse of a Pregnant
Female in the Second Degree
606 Abuse of a Pregnant
Female in the First Degree
612 Assault in the Second
Degree
613 Assault in the First
Degree
614 Assault on a Sports
Official
615 Assault by Abuse
617 Criminal Youth Gangs
629 Vehicular Assault in the
First Degree
630 Vehicular Homicide in
the Second Degree
630A Vehicular Homicide in
the First Degree
631 Criminally Negligent
Homicide
632 Manslaughter
633 Murder by Abuse or
Neglect in the Second Degree
634 Murder by Abuse or
Neglect in the First Degree
635 Murder in the Second
Degree
636 Murder in the First
Degree
645 Promoting Suicide
768 Unlawful Sexual Contact
in the Second Degree
769 Unlawful Sexual Contact
in the First Degree
770 Former Unlawful Sexual
Penetration in the Third Degree or
Rape in the Fourth Degree
771 Former Unlawful Sexual
Penetration in the Second Degree or
Rape in the Third Degree
772 Former Unlawful Sexual
Penetration in the First Degree or
Rape in the Second Degree
773 Former Unlawful Sexual
Intercourse in the Third Degree or
Rape in the First Degree
774 Sexual Extortion
775 Bestiality
776 Continuous Sexual Abuse
of Child
777 Dangerous Crime Against
a Child
777A Sex Offender Unlawful
Sexual Conduct Against a Child
778 Sexual Abuse of a Child by
a Person in a Position of Trust,
Authority or Supervision in
the First Degree
778A Sexual Abuse of a Child
by a Person in a Position of
Trust, Authority or
Supervision in the Second Degree
782 Unlawful Imprisonment in
the First Degree
783 Kidnapping in the Second
Degree
783A Kidnapping in the First
Degree
802 Arson in the Second
Degree
803 Arson in the First
Degree
825 Burglary in the Second
Degree
826 Burglary in the First
Degree
831 Robbery in the Second
Degree
832 Robbery in the First
Degree
835 Carjacking in the Second
Degree
836 Carjacking in the First
Degree
846 Extortion
1108 Sexual Exploitation of
a Child
1109 Unlawfully Dealing in
Child Pornography
1112A Sexual Solicitation of
a Child
1250 Assault in the First
Degree Against a Law-Enforcement
Animal
1253 Escape After Conviction
1254 Assault in a Detention
Facility
1256 Promoting Prison
Contraband (Deadly Weapon)
1302 Riot
1304 Hate Crimes
1312 Stalking
1338 Bombs, Incendiary
Devices, Molotov Cocktails and
Explosive Devices
1339 Adulteration (Causing
Injury or Death)
1353 Promoting Prostitution
in the First Degree
1442 Carrying a Concealed
Deadly Weapon (Firearm Offense)
1444 Possessing a
Destructive Weapon
1445 Unlawfully Dealing With
a Dangerous Weapon
1447 Possessing a Deadly
Weapon During the Commission of a
Felony
1447A Possessing a Firearm
during the Commission of a Felony
1448(e) Possession of a
Deadly Weapon by Persons Prohibited
(Firearm or Destructive
Weapon Purchased, Owned, Possessed or Controlled by a Violent Felon).
1455 Engaging in a Firearms
Transaction on Behalf of Another
(Subsequent Offense)
1449 Wearing Body Armor
During the Commission of a Felony
1503 Racketeering
3533 Aggravated Act of
Intimidation
Title 16,
Section Crime
1136
Abuse/Mistreatment/Neglect of a Patient
4751 Former
Manufacture/Delivery/Possession With Intent to
Deliver a Controlled or
Counterfeit Controlled Substance, Manufacture or
Delivery Causing Death
4752 Former
Manufacture/Delivery/Possession With Intent to
Deliver a Controlled or
Counterfeit Controlled Substance
4752A Former Unlawful
Delivery of a Noncontrolled Substance
4753A Former Trafficking in
Marijuana, Cocaine, Illegal Drugs,
Methamphetamine, LSD,
Designer Drugs or MDMA
4752 Drug Dealing -
Aggravated Possession; Class B Felony
4753 Drug Dealing - Aggravated
Possession; Class C Felony
4754 Drug Dealing -
Aggravated Possession; Class D Felony
4755 Aggravated Possession;
Class E Felony
4756 Aggravated Possession;
Class F Felony
4761 Former Distribution to
Minors
4761(c) Illegal Delivery of
Prescription Drugs
and (d)
4774 Delivery of Drug
Paraphernalia to a Minor
Title 31,
Section Crime
3913
Abuse/Neglect/Exploit/Mistreat an Infirm Adult who is Impaired
Any attempt to commit any
felony designated in this subsection as a violent felony shall also be designated
as a violent felony.
Section 21. Amend § 4209(d)(3), Title 11 of the Delaware
Code by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(3)a. Not later than 90 days
before trial the defendant may file a motion with the Court alleging that the
defendant was seriously mentally retarded had a profound intellectual
developmental disorder at the time the crime was committed. Upon the filing
of the motion, the Court shall order an evaluation of the defendant for the
purpose of providing evidence of the following:
1. Whether the defendant has
a significantly subaverage level of intellectual functioning;
2. Whether the defendant's
adaptive behavior is substantially impaired; and
3. Whether the conditions
described in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section existed before the
defendant became 18 years of age.
b. During the hearing
authorized by subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the defendant and the
State may present relevant and admissible evidence on the issue of the
defendant’s alleged mental retardation profound intellectual
developmental disorder, or in rebuttal thereof. The defendant shall have the burden of proof
to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was
seriously mentally retarded had a profound intellectual developmental
disorder at the time of the offense.
Evidence presented during the hearing shall be considered by the jury in
making its recommendation to the Court pursuant to paragraph (c)(3) of this
section as to whether the aggravating circumstances found to exist outweigh the
mitigating circumstances found to exist. The jury shall not make any
recommendation to the Court on the question of whether the defendant was
seriously mentally retarded had a profound intellectual developmental
disorder at the time the crime was committed.
c. If the defendant files a
motion pursuant to this paragraph claiming serious mental retardation he
or she had a profound intellectual developmental disorder at the time the
crime was committed, the Court, in determining the sentence to be imposed,
shall make specific findings as to the existence of serious mental
retardation a profound intellectual developmental disorder at the
time the crime was committed. If the Court finds that the defendant has
established by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was
seriously mentally retarded had a profound intellectual developmental
disorder at the time the crime was committed, notwithstanding any other
provision of this section to the contrary, the Court shall impose a sentence of
imprisonment for the remainder of the defendant’s natural life without benefit
of probation or parole or any other reduction.
If the Court determines that the defendant has failed to establish by
clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was seriously mentally
retarded had a profound intellectual developmental disorder at the
time the crime was committed, the Court shall proceed to determine the sentence
to be imposed pursuant to the provisions of this subsection. Evidence on the
question of the defendant’s mental retardation alleged profound
intellectual developmental disorder presented during the hearing shall be
considered by the Court in its determination pursuant to this section as to
whether the aggravating circumstances found to exist outweigh the mitigating
circumstances found to exist.
d. When used in this
paragraph:
1. "Adaptive
behavior" means the effectiveness or degree to which the individual meets
the standards of personal independence expected of the individual's age group,
sociocultural background and community setting, as evidenced by significant
limitations in not less than 2 of the following adaptive skill areas:
communication, self-care, home living, social skills, use of community resources,
self-direction, functional academic skills, work, leisure, health or safety;
2. “Seriously mentally
retarded” or “serious mental retardation” “Profound intellectual
developmental disorder” means that an individual has significantly
subaverage intellectual functioning that exists concurrently with substantial
deficits in adaptive behavior and both the significantly subaverage
intellectual functioning and the deficits in adaptive behavior were manifested
before the individual became 18 years of age; and
3. "Significantly
subaverage intellectual functioning" means an intelligent quotient of 70
or below obtained by assessment with 1 or more of the standardized,
individually administered general intelligence tests developed for the purpose
of assessing intellectual functioning.
Section 22. Amend § 4209(e)(1)q., Title 11 of the
Delaware Code by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as
shown by strikethrough as follows:
q. The victim
was severely handicapped or severely disabled particularly vulnerable
due to a severe intellectual, mental or physical disability.
Section 23.
Amend § 6525, Title 11 of the Delaware Code by making insertions as
shown by underlining and deletions as shown by strikethrough as follows:
§
6525. Treatment of mentally ill and mentally defective inmates inmates
with mental illnesses and serious mental disorders; transfer.
(a) The Department shall establish resources and programs for
the treatment of mentally ill and defective persons with mental
illnesses and serious mental disorders, either in a separate facility or as
part of other institutions or facilities of the Department. The Department
shall coordinate its work with any other state agency to reduce overlapping or
duplication of functions and services.
(b) The Commissioner is empowered to transfer to other
appropriate state institutions for care and treatment inmates who have been
determined to be mentally ill have mental illnesses. Transfer may
also be made to such facilities in other jurisdictions, or to municipal or
private facilities, upon the consent of responsible administrators of such
facilities. Such transfers shall occur only as set forth at § 5153 of Title 16.
Inmates to be transferred as contemplated herein who have not reached the age of
18 years and have been found nonamenable to the processes of Family Court shall
not be transferred to the Delaware Psychiatric Center. Nonamenable inmates under the age of 18 years
shall be transferred to appropriate residential treatment facilities within the
State of Delaware or in other states.
(c) When, in the judgment of the administrator of the
institution to which an inmate has been transferred, the inmate has recovered
from the condition which occasioned the transfer, the inmate shall be returned to
the Department.
Section 24. Amend § 6571(e), Title 11 of the Delaware
Code by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(e)
“Institution” means any penal or correctional facility, including but not limited
to a facility for the mentally ill or mentally defective persons with
mental illness or serious mental disorders, in which inmates as defined in
(d) above may lawfully be confined.
Section 25. Amend § 6703, Title 11 of the Delaware Code
by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
For purposes of this chapter, the words “violent
crime” shall mean: abuse of an infirm adult adult who is impaired;
abuse of a patient in a nursing facility; abuse of a patient causing injury;
abuse of a patient causing death; adulteration causing death; adulteration
causing injury; aggravated intimidation; arson in the first degree; arson in
the second degree; assault in the first degree; assault in the second degree; assault
in the third degree; assault in the first degree on K-9 dog causing, injury or
death to the dog; assault on a K-9 dog with risk of injury to the dog; assault
in a detention facility which causes injury; assault in a detention facility;
assault on a sports official; bestiality; burglary in the first degree;
carjacking; carrying a concealed deadly weapon (firearm offense); continuous
sexual abuse of child; criminally negligent homicide; dealing with child
pornography, second offense; possession of a destructive weapon; reckless
endangering; escape after conviction; escape in the second degree; extortion;
possession of an explosive device; unlawful imprisonment; incest; kidnapping in
the first degree; kidnapping in the second degree; manslaughter; manufacture or
use or possession of explosives or an incendiary device; murder in the first
degree, murder in the second degree; organized crime and racketeering;
possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony; possession of
a destructive weapon; possession of a firearm during the commission of a
felony; promoting prison contraband (weapon); promoting prostitution in the
first degree; racketeering; reckless endangering first degree; reckless
endangering in the second degree; riot; robbery in the first degree; robbery in
the second degree; continued sexual abuse of child; unlawful sexual contact in
the first degree; unlawful sexual contact in the second degree; unlawful sexual
contact in the third degree; sexual exploitation of a child; sexual extortion;
rape in the first degree; rape in the second degree; rape in the third degree;
rape in the fourth degree; unlawful sexual intercourse in the first degree;
unlawful sexual intercourse in the second degree; unlawful sexual intercourse
in the third degree; unlawful sexual penetration in the first degree; unlawful
sexual penetration in the second degree; unlawful sexual penetration in the
third degree; stalking; terroristic threatening; unlawful firearm transactions
(second or subsequent offense); unlawful imprisonment in the first degree;
unlawful transportation of a firearm to commit a felony; vehicular assault in
the first degree; vehicular assault in the second degree; vehicular homicide in
the first degree; vehicular homicide in the second degree; wearing body armor
during felony.
Section 26. Amend § 8564(a), Title 11 of the Delaware
Code by making insertions as shown by underlining and deletions as shown by
strikethrough as follows:
(a) Definitions. -- As used
in this section:
(1) "Adult abuse"
means:
a. Physical
abuse by unnecessarily inflicting pain or injury to an infirm adult adult
who is impaired. This includes, but is not limited to, hitting, kicking,
pinching, slapping, pulling hair or any sexual molestation. When any act
constituting physical abuse has been proven, the infliction of pain shall be
assumed.
b. Emotional abuse which
includes, but is not limited to, ridiculing or demeaning an infirm adult
adult who is impaired, making derogatory remarks to an infirm adult or
cursing directed towards an infirm adult adult who is impaired,
or threatening to inflict physical or emotional harm on an infirm adult adult
who is impaired.
(2) “Adult who is impaired”
means any person 18 years of age or older who, because of physical or mental
disability, is substantially impaired in the ability to provide adequately for
the person’s own care and custody or any person who is a patient or resident of
a nursing facility and similar facility.
(2)(3) "Child care
facility" means any child care facility that is required to be licensed by
the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.
(3)(4) "Direct
access" means the opportunity to have personal contact with persons
receiving care during the course of one's assigned duties.
(4)(5) “Financial exploitation”
means the illegal or improper use or abuse of an infirm adult’s adult
who is impaired’s resources or financial rights by another person, whether
for profit or other advantage.
(5)(6) "Health care
service provider" means any person or entity that provides services in a
custodial or residential setting where health, nutritional or personal care is
provided for persons receiving care, including, but not limited to, hospitals,
home health care agencies, adult care facilities, temporary employment agencies
and contractors that place employees or otherwise provide services in custodial
or residential settings for persons receiving care, and hospice agencies.
"Health care services provider" does not include any private
individual who is seeking to hire a self-employed health caregiver in a private
home.
(6) "Infirm adult"
means any person 18 years of age or older who, because of physical or mental
disability, is substantially impaired in the ability to provide adequately for
the person's own care and custody or any person who is a patient or resident of
a nursing facility and similar facility.
(7) “Mistreatment” includes
the inappropriate use of medications, isolation, or physical or chemical
restraints on or of an infirm adult adult who is impaired.
(8) “Neglect”
means:
a. Lack of
attention to physical needs of the infirm adult adult who is impaired
including, but not limited to, toileting, bathing, meals and safety;
b. Failure to
report the health problems or changes in health problems or changes in health
condition of an infirm adult adult who is impaired to an
immediate supervisor or nurse;
c. Failure to
carry out a prescribed treatment plan for an infirm adult adult who
is impaired; or
d. A knowing
failure to provide adequate staffing which results in a medical emergency to
any infirm adult adult who is impaired where there has been
documented history of at least 2 prior cited instances of such inadequate
staffing levels in violation of staffing levels required by statute or
regulations promulgated by the Department of Health and Social Services, all so
as to evidence a willful pattern of such neglect.
(9) "Nursing facility" and
"similar facility" means any facility required to be licensed under
Chapter 11 of Title 16. This includes, but is not limited to, facilities
commonly called nursing homes, assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities
for persons with mental retardation, neighborhood group homes, family care
homes and rest residential care facilities. Also included are the Stockley
Center, the Delaware Psychiatric Center and hospitals certified by the
Department of Health and Social Services pursuant to § 5001 or § 5136 of Title
16.
(10) "Person receiving
care" means a person who, because of that person's physical or mental
condition, requires a level of care and services suitable to that person's
needs to contribute to that person's health, comfort and welfare.
(11) "Person seeking
employment" means any person applying for employment with or in a health
care service provider, nursing facility or similar facility or child care
facility where the employment may afford direct access, or a person applying
for licensure to operate a child care facility. It shall also include a
self-employed health caregiver who has direct access in any private home.
SYNOPSIS
House Bill 214 of this General Assembly
sought to convert the Delaware Code to the use of People First Language
(“PFL”) as part of a national movement to promote dignity and inclusion for
people with disabilities. 78 Del. Laws
c. 179 (2011). During the pendency of
House Bill 214, it became clear that the proposed changes to the Delaware
Criminal Code should be further studied.
More specifically, there was a concern that certain phrases and
language present in the criminal code might have meanings unique to criminal
law that had been adopted from the Model Penal Code, settled by prior
decisional law or otherwise been defined by practice and custom. It had been, and remains, the purpose of
House Bill 214 and this Act to adopt PFL and related changes only for the purpose of removing
insensitive and offensive language from the criminal code; not to in any way
effect change in the statutory definitions of conditions or circumstances
described therein or Delaware’s substantive criminal law. In turn, those
House Bill 214 criminal code provisions were amended out, researched and
those changes deemed advisable are contained in this Act. For example, in describing one statutory
aggravating circumstance in Delaware’s capital sentencing statute offensive
language that labels the victim as “severely handicapped or severely
disabled” now appears. This language
would be changed to describe the victim instead as “particularly vulnerable
due to a severe intellectual, mental or physical disability.” This change in labeling language, however,
would affect no definitional or substantive change. Such a victim would, just as now, be deemed
a person who suffers from a temporary or permanent physical, intellectual or
mental impairment resulting from disease, an injury, a functional disorder,
or a congenital condition that renders him or her incapable to adequately
provide for his or her own personal care, safety or protection. So too with the phraseology
“severe mental retardation” now found in Del.
Code Ann. tit. 11, § 4209. That
phrase, which is unique to Delaware’s criminal statutes, would be updated to
“profound intellectual developmental
disorder.” While the label of this
mitigating circumstance would be changed to this more acceptable form, again,
there is absolutely no change to its legal definition, the legal burdens
prescribed to prove such, or any other substantive aspect of related Delaware
law. In sum, none of the changes to
the labeling language brought about by this Act should be viewed to affect
prior Delaware judicial or legal interpretations of the terms or phrases
amended. |