The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1238 concerning competency evaluations sponsored by Sen. Brown. The author, Rep. McNamara, explained that the bill: The bill was amended by consent to require that DMHA establish a training program to certify an advanced practice registered nurse with a certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse … [Read more...] about Competency evaluation
Criminal
Criminal law issues
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1240 concerning criminal law issues sponsored by Sen. Freeman. The bill makes numerous changes to criminal law, including: The Indiana Public Defender Council testified on concerns about the bill; representatives from the Marion County Public Defender’s Office and Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana tes … [Read more...] about Criminal law issues
Forensic diversion and drug courts
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1418 concerning forensic diversion and drug courts sponsored by Sen. Bohacek. The author, Rep. Goss-Reaves, explained that 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 bill was amended by consent to … [Read more...] about Forensic diversion and drug courts
Trafficking of harmful substances in jails
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1422 concerning trafficking of harmful substances in jails sponsored by Sen. Carrasco. The author, Rep. Pierce, explained the bill defines "chemical intoxicant" and increases the penalty for trafficking with an inmate to a Level 5 felony if the trafficked article is a chemical intoxicant. The Department of … [Read more...] about Trafficking of harmful substances in jails
Bail and release review commission
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 70 concerning bail and release review commission sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald. The author, Sen. Koch, explained that the bill would establish a temporary executive branch commission (sunsets June 30, 2026) with sixteen statutorily outlined members staffed by the office of the Governor. The membership includes four legislative m … [Read more...] about Bail and release review commission