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
Criminal
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
Department of Correction wardens
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard Sen. Tomes present SB 387 sponsored by Rep. Washburne, changing the Indiana Code references from superintendent to Department of Correction wardens. The bill passed 10-0. Read the bill at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2017/bills/senate/387 … [Read more...] about Department of Correction wardens
Commitment to the DOC for a Level 6 felony
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1010 on commitment to the DOC for a Level 6 felony. Sponsor Sen. Young explained that the bill amends the law limiting the circumstances under which a person convicted of a Level 6 felony can be committed to the Department of Correction (DOC). Provides that a person convicted of a Level 6 felony can be committed to the DOC … [Read more...] about Commitment to the DOC for a Level 6 felony
Controlled substances
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1019 on controlled substances. Sponsor Sen. Merritt explained that the bill adds the substance U-47700 to Schedule I, adds Etizolam to Schedule I, and adds the chemical description of buphedrone. The bill passed 7-0. Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2017/bills/house/1019 … [Read more...] about Controlled substances