The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1418 on forensic diversion and drug courts authored by Rep. Goss-Reaves. 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 Indiana Public Defender Council, Good Trouble Coalition, American College of Obstetricians … [Read more...] about Forensic diversion and drug courts
Criminal
Trafficking of harmful substances in jails
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1422 on trafficking of harmful substances in jails authored by Rep. Gore. 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 Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, Indiana Department of … [Read more...] about Trafficking of harmful substances in jails
Compensation for victims of violent crime
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 172 on compensation for victims of violent crime authored by Sen. Crider. The bill does the following: The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the Indiana Public Defender Council testified in support of the bill. The bill passed 8-0. Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills/senate/172 … [Read more...] about Compensation for victims of violent crime
Commission on court appointed attorneys
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 179 on the commission on court appointed attorneys authored by Sen. Koch. The bill amends the name of the Indiana Public Defender Commission to the Indiana Commission on Court Appointed Attorneys, provides for a seven-county pilot that would reimburse 100% for misdemeanor cases through June 30, 2029, for compliance with commission … [Read more...] about Commission on court appointed attorneys
Regulation of drones near correctional facilities
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 182 on regulation of drones near correctional facilities authored by Sen. Koch. The bill provides that the crime of trafficking with an inmate includes the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) to deliver contraband, and that the crime of public safety remote aerial interference includes operation of a drone to … [Read more...] about Regulation of drones near correctional facilities