1994-03-09                     House Journal                      Page 2689
HB 525                                                                       
fact that the defendant's own past contains an even more violent               
record.  This bill would fix the rule by permitting the prosecution to         
stand up for the victim, and to rebut these claims by introducing              
evidence of the defendant's own past violence.                               
                                                                               
A defendant who claims that the victim was the aggressor should not            
be able to hide behind Rule 404 to keep a jury from learning that the          
defendant has an even greater reputation for violence in the                   
community.  The most common relevant character trait of the                    
accused contemplated in this proposed amendment to Rule of                     
Evidence 404(a) is the accuseds reputation for violence or aggression.         
                                                                               
The changes proposed in this bill will help level the playing field for        
the state in its efforts to combat crime.  I urge your favorable action        
on this bill.                                                                  
                                                                               
				Sincerely,                                                                 
									/s/                                                                   
				Walter J. Hickel"                                                          
				Governor"                                                                  
                                                                               
                                                                               
HB 526                                                                       
HOUSE BILL NO. 526 by the House Rules Committee by request of                  
the Governor, entitled:                                                        
                                                                               
"An Act relating to the confidentiality of certain information in             
vehicle records; and providing for an effective date."                         
                                                                               
was read the first time and referred to the State Affairs and Finance          
Committees.                                                                    
                                                                               
The following fiscal notes apply:                                              
                                                                               
Fiscal note, Dept. of Public Safety, 3/9/94                                    
Zero fiscal notes (2), Dept. of Administration, 3/9/94                         
Zero fiscal note, Dept. of Law, 3/9/94                                         
                                                                               
The Governor's transmittal letter, dated March 9, 1994, appears below: