1. A. The Commission shall classify criminal offenses into felony and misdemeanor categories on the basis of their severity. The Commission may utilize either the criminal laws enacted as of the effective date of this act or a recommended modification or recodification of such criminal laws in performing its duties under the provisions of this act. Such classifications, if approved by the Legislature, shall become effective July 1, 1996. In determining the proper category for each felony and misdemeanor, the Commission shall consider, to the extent that it has relevance, the following:

   1. 1. The nature and degree of harm likely to be caused by the offense, including whether the offense involves property, irreplaceable property, a person, a number of persons, or a breach of the public trust;
   2. 2. The deterrent effect a particular classification may have on the commission of the offense by others;
   3. 3. The current incidence of the offense in the state as a whole; and
   4. 4. The rights of the victim.
2. B. For each classification of felonies and misdemeanors formulated pursuant to this section, the Commission shall assign a suggested range of punishment. Such ranges, if approved by the Legislature, shall become effective July 1, 1996.

Laws 1994, HB 1249, c. 355, § 10, emerg. eff. July 1, 1994.