On January 6, 2026, the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SJ 1 on the constitutional amendment concerning bail authored by Sen. Koch. The resolution provides that an offense other than murder or treason is not bailable if: (1) the proof is evident or the presumption strong; and (2) the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will … [Read more...] about Constitutional amendment concerning bail
Bail procedures
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 2 on bail procedures authored by Sen. Freeman. The bill provides that offenses other than murder are not bailable if the state proves: (1) by a preponderance of the evidence that the proof is evident or the presumption strong; and (2) by clear and convincing evidence that the arrestee is dangerous and that no conditions of … [Read more...] about Bail procedures
Constitutional amendment ballot language
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 3 on the constitutional amendment ballot language authored by Sen. Koch. The bill prescribes the ballot language for the proposed constitutional amendment concerning bail. The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council testified in support of the bill, and the Indiana Public Defender Council provided neutral testimony. The … [Read more...] about Constitutional amendment ballot language
Victim impact statement at sentencing
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 9 on victim impact statement at sentencing authored by Sen. Brown. The bill requires a defendant to be present in the courtroom while a victim makes a statement concerning the crime and the sentence unless the defendant presents a safety risk or causes a significant disruption. The Committee amended the bill by consent to … [Read more...] about Victim impact statement at sentencing
Grandparent visitation
On January 7, 2026, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 52 on grandparent visitation authored by Sen. Clark and Sen. Walker. The bill provides that a grandparent who has had a demonstrable history of meaningful contact with a child may seek visitation rights; allows a parent, guardian, or custodian to submit a confidential statement regarding the parent's, guardian's, or … [Read more...] about Grandparent visitation