The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1577, sponsored by Sen. Houchin, Sen. Zakas and Sen. Merritt, on DNA samples of felony arrestees. The bill requires every person arrested for a felony after June 30, 2017, to submit a DNA sample, and specifies that the sample may be obtained only by buccal swab. The bill provides that a DNA sample may be obtained from a person arrested … [Read more...] about DNA samples of felony arrestees
Criminal
Certifications concerning breath tests
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 37, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald and Rep. Ober, on certifications concerning breath tests. The bill authorizes the Department of Toxicology to use its website to publish its certifications of breath test operators, equipment, and chemicals and its approved techniques, and would allow the Internet certifications to be admitted as … [Read more...] about Certifications concerning breath tests
Patronizing a prostitute
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 100, sponsored by Rep. Mayfield, on patronizing a prostitute. The bill renames the crime of patronizing a prostitute to making an unlawful proposition. A prosecutor explained that victims can be offended by the present crime definition characterizing them as a prostitute. The bill passed 9-0. Read the bill at: h … [Read more...] about Patronizing a prostitute
Plea agreements and sentencing
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 120, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald, on plea agreements and sentencing. The bill repeals Ind. Code § 35-35-3-3(b)’s provision that a felony plea agreement, the presentence investigation for it, and the hearing are not part of “’the official record of the case” unless the court approves the agreement. It also repeals Ind. Code § 35-3 … [Read more...] about Plea agreements and sentencing
Victim notification
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 239 on victim notification. Sponsor Rep. Friend explained that the bill provides that if the discharge or release date of an offender is changed during the 40-day notification period before an offender's planned discharge or release, the Department of Correction shall notify the victim as soon as possible but not more than 48 … [Read more...] about Victim notification