The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1304 on various criminal law issues, sponsored by Sen. Steele. Fifteen testified on the the legislation including Judge Mary Willis, President, Indiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and Linda Brady, President, Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana. Judge Willis focused on potential use of restraints for juveniles in limited cases and the need for safety when juveniles are in the courtroom. She also discussed the need for data before making the proposed changes to the ages for presumptive and nonpresumptive waiver of juveniles. Linda Brady supported the increase in treatment options for adults with mental health issues in the legislation. Other speakers discussed the recording custodial interrogations of juveniles, the confusion with the use of the term CASA for representatives in mental health cases, credit time in certain cases and other areas. The bill was held for the Committee’s next meeting.
Read the bill at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/bills/house/1304.