The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1418 on forensic diversion and drug courts authored by Rep. Goss-Reaves. The bill provides that a pregnant woman charged with a drug crime may be referred to a forensic diversion program or a drug court at an initial hearing.
The Indiana Public Defender Council, Good Trouble Coalition, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Department of Child Services testified in support of the bill. The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council testified in opposition. The bill was held.
On January 27, 2024, the bill was heard for amendment and vote. The bill was not amended. The bill passed 12-0.
Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills/house/1418