The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 299, sponsored by Rep. Washburne and Rep. Steuerwald, on offenses involving unmanned aerial vehicles. Author Sen. Koch presented the bill, which amends the definition of "unmanned aerial vehicle" to specify that the term includes: (1) an unmanned aircraft and an unmanned aircraft system, and (2) a small unmanned aircraft and a … [Read more...] about Offenses involving unmanned aerial vehicles
Criminal
Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 344 on possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Sponsor Rep. Lucas explained that an alien who is illegally or unlawfully present in the United States and knowingly or intentionally possesses a firearm commits unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien, a Level 6 felony. The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council testified … [Read more...] about Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
Abortion, child abuse, and human trafficking
The House Public Policy Committee heard SB 404 on abortion, child abuse, and human trafficking sponsored by Rep. Mayfield and Rep. Washburne. Author Sen. Houchin characterized the bill as strengthening parental rights by requiring parental consent with proof of identity to be provided before a minor may have an abortion. The bill addresses, among other items, a number of abortion … [Read more...] about Abortion, child abuse, and human trafficking
Low level offenses
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 425, sponsored by Rep. Frizzell, on low level offenses. Author Sen. Young explained that the bill reduces a number of election crimes from Level 6 felonies to Class A misdemeanors. It also permits an alcoholic beverage retailer or dealer to: (1) accept credit cards; and (2) extend credit to a consumer if the amount owed is paid … [Read more...] about Low level offenses
Mental health matters
The Senate Health and Provider Services Committee heard HB 1006, sponsored by Sen. Merritt and Sen. Charbonneau, on mental health matters. Portions of the bill (1) expand eligibility for Recovery Works services to include individuals under the age of 18 whose cases were waived to adult court or direct filed into adult court, and (2) permit the Division of Mental Health and … [Read more...] about Mental health matters