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
Criminal
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
Compensation for victims of violent crime
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 172 concerning compensation for victims of violent crime sponsored by Rep. McNamara. The author, Sen. Crider, explained that the bill: The bill was amended by consent to remove the word “division” and add in its place “board of trustees of the institute." The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute testified in support of … [Read more...] about Compensation for victims of violent crime
Commission on court appointed attorneys
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 179 concerning commission on court appointed attorneys sponsored by Rep. McNamara. The author, Sen. Koch, explained that the bill: The bill was amended by consent to add Crawford and Perry Counties to the pilot program and to make technical corrections. The Indiana Public Defender Commission testified in support of … [Read more...] about Commission on court appointed attorneys
Regulation of drones near correctional facilities
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 182 concerning regulation of drones near correctional facilities sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald. The author, Sen. Koch, explained the bill provides that the crime of trafficking with an inmate includes the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) to deliver contraband, and the crime of public safety remote aerial … [Read more...] about Regulation of drones near correctional facilities