On February 2, 2021, the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 199 authored by Sen. M. Young and Sen. Garten regarding self-defense. The bill specifies that “reasonable force” includes the pointing of a loaded or unloaded firearm for purposes of self-defense and arrest statutes. The bill was amended by consent to clarify that pointing a firearm is not reasonable for … [Read more...] about Self-defense
Criminal
Mental health and addiction forensic treatments
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1127 authored by Rep. Steuerwald regarding mental health and addiction forensic treatments. The bill removes a provision that allows a: (1) delinquent child's; or (2) person's; Medicaid participation to be terminated following a two-year suspension due to certain adjudications or incarceration. The bill adds competency … [Read more...] about Mental health and addiction forensic treatments
Criminal appeals
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1293 authored by Rep. Jeter regarding criminal appeals. The bill provides that an order granting a motion to discharge a defendant before trial may be appealed to the supreme court or the court of appeals. The bill also provides that the state may appeal an interlocutory order if the trial court certifies the appeal and the court … [Read more...] about Criminal appeals
Battery against emergency room staff
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1478 authored by Rep. Engleman regarding battery against emergency room staff. The bill amends the definition of "emergency medical services provider" for the offense of battery to include a staff member in the emergency department of a hospital. The Indiana College of Emergency Physicians, the Indiana State Medical Association, … [Read more...] about Battery against emergency room staff
Protection of monuments, memorials, and statues
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 187 on protection of monuments, memorials, and statues authored by Sen. Koch. The bill requires the state police department to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of persons who destroy, damage, vandalize, or desecrate a monument, memorial, or statue and assist political subdivisions in the investigation and … [Read more...] about Protection of monuments, memorials, and statues