The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 70 which would amend the obstruction of justice statute authored by Sen. Crider. This bill includes giving untruthful testimony in a criminal proceeding to the list of things a perpetrator can induce a witness to do and also adds persuasion to the list of the manner in which a perpetrator could commit obstruction of justice. The bill would also eliminate the exceptions for attorneys, law enforcement, and judges acting in their professional capacity. The bill was amended by consent to reinstate the attorney exception.
Representatives from the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council testified in favor of the bill. The Indiana Public Defender Council testified in opposition. The amended bill passed 7-2.
Read the bill at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022/bills/senate/70.