The House Judiciary Committee heard SB 143 on parental rights sponsored by Rep. Lindauer and Rep. Commons. Author Sen. Brown introduced the bill, which: The Committee amended the bill by consent to remove the provision stating that a governmental entity that is a party to a civil, judicial, or administrative proceeding has the burden of proof to demonstrate by clear and … [Read more...] about Parental rights
Protection of property rights
The House Judiciary Committee heard SB 157 on protection of property rights sponsored by Rep. King and Rep. Davis. Author Sen. Gaskill introduced the bill, which: The Committee amended the bill by consent to: Rep. Bauer introduced an amendment that was defeated by voice vote that would have amended the emergency possessory order statutes. The Indiana Apartment Association … [Read more...] about Protection of property rights
Prosecutors
On March 11, 2025, the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1006 on prosecutors. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Freeman and Sen. Carrasco and authored by Rep. Jeter. Sen. Freeman presented the bill, which provides a special prosecutor unit, a prosecutor review board, and a public prosecution fund. It sets guidelines and standards that allow counties to be eligible … [Read more...] about Prosecutors
Courts and court officers
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1144 on courts and court officers sponsored by Sen. Brown. Author Rep. Jeter gave background on the bill, which adds two new superior courts in Hamilton County (No. 8 and No. 9). The new Hamilton County judges will be elected during the November 2026 general election, take office on January 1, 2027, and serve a term of six years. In addition, … [Read more...] about Courts and court officers
Rape kits
On March 11, 2025, the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1413 on rape kits. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Freeman and Sen. Carrasco. Rep. Cash, the author, presented the bill, which: The Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and a member of the public testified in support of the bill. On March 25, 2025, on hearing for amend and vote only, the Committee … [Read more...] about Rape kits