The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1132 concerning criminal law matters authored by Rep. Steuerwald. The introduced bill contained provisions related to search warrants for DNA samples, procedures for waiver of jury trial and submission of case for trial to the court, affirmative defenses, alteration or obliteration of markings on firearms, and consecutive sentencing.
An amendment adopted by consent reduced the scope of the bill. The amended bill does the following: amends IC 35-47-2-18 by replacing “handgun” with “firearm” to conform to federal law on alteration or obliteration of markings on firearms, which is a Level 5 felony; requires the affidavit by law enforcement regarding the seizure of firearms to include the quantity and type of each firearm seized; and provides that the total executed time must be served for consecutive sentences before serving any suspended portion of a sentence. Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council and Indiana Public Defender Council testified in support of the amended bill. The amended bill passed 11-0.
Read the bill at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2020/bills/house/1132