A measure sponsored by Delegate Mike McDermott would double the sentences of those who convicted of aiding a murder after the fact.
Under the legislation it would rise from 5 years to 10 years in either first or second degree murder convictions.
The Salisbury Daily Times reports that the former County Sheriff’s deputy named the measure the Sheddy-Bennett Act after two Lower Shore homicide victims
An individual must have knowledge of a completed crime.
The Worcester County Republican told a Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee hearing that the punishment has to fit the crime.
The legislation must go to the full Senate for a vote.
Meanwhile, the measure was passed by the House of Delegates earlier this March after the maximum penalty of 20 years for first-degree murder accessory was reduced to 10 years.