The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1258 on crimes of violence sponsored by Sen. Freeman and authored by Rep. Jeter. The bill revises the definition of “crime of violence” to include arson, escape, criminal stalking, and offenses related to regulated explosives. The bill also amends the definition of violent offender to mean a person who is convicted of an offense or attempted offense that is a crime of violence or a person who is charged with an offense or attempted offense that is a crime of violence. In addition, the bill amends the definition of “violent arrestee” to mean a person arrested for or charged with a crime of violence that is a Level 1 felony, Level 2 felony, Level 3 felony, Level 4 felony, or a Level 5 felony, and amends the definition of “violent criminal” to mean a person convicted of a crime of violence.
The Committee amended the bill by consent to add to the crimes of violence list the following: (1) dangerous possession of a firearm by a child with two priors; and (2) unlawful carrying of a handgun with two priors.
The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council testified in support of the bill. The Indiana Public Defender Council testified in opposition. The amended bill passed 6-2.
Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1258