The House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard HB 1562, which would permit filing of adoption petitions in any county. Rep. Carbaugh, author, introduced the bill and explained this legislation would permit an adoption petition to be filed in any probate court in Indiana, which would permit petitioners to go to the most efficient court. He explained his adoption case … [Read more...] about Adoption petitions in any county
School bus stop arm violation enforcement
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 69 authored by Sen. Niemeyer related to school bus stop arm violation enforcement. The bill creates an inference for the trier of fact that the registered owner of a vehicle was driving the vehicle when it was involved in passing a school bus when the arm signal device was in the extended position unless the registered owner … [Read more...] about School bus stop arm violation enforcement
Domestic battery enhancement
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 79 concerning domestic battery enhancement authored by Sen. Crider. The bill enhances the penalty for domestic battery when the offender has a prior conviction for strangulation against the same family or household member. Testimony was presented in favor of the bill by the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council and the … [Read more...] about Domestic battery enhancement
Sentencing
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 133 concerning sentencing authored by Sen. Freeman and Sen. Sandlin. The bill enhances the penalty for child exploitation and child pornography if the person has a previous conviction. The bill provides that a court may suspend only that part of a sentence that is in excess of the minimum sentence for a person convicted of a … [Read more...] about Sentencing
Provocation and obstruction
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 194 regarding provocation and obstruction authored by Sen. Baldwin. The bill increases the penalty for provocation if committed against a public safety official and increases the penalty for obstruction of traffic under certain circumstances. The bill was amended to remove the provisions concerning provocation. Testimony in … [Read more...] about Provocation and obstruction