The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 255 concerning expungement authored by Sen. Freeman. The bill permits expungement of eligible felony convictions if the convicted person meets certain requirements and has not been convicted of another felony within a specified time period. The bill was amended to remove language regarding waiting periods and prohibit sale … [Read more...] about Expungement
Expiration of contact preference forms
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 268 on expiration of contact preference forms, authored and presented by Sen. Michael Young. The bill provides adoptees can receive information regarding birth parents after the birth parent has died regardless of the date of the adoption. The bill also eliminates the use of contact preference forms for adoptions finalized after June 30, … [Read more...] about Expiration of contact preference forms
Court matters
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 380 on court matters, authored and presented by Sen. Koch. The bill provides for a new Hamilton Superior Court. The bill also allows for appointment of a magistrate in Decatur County, Hancock County, Huntington County, Knox County, and Lake Superior Court. It also allows clerks to retain a $3 administrative fee from excess amounts collected b … [Read more...] about Court matters
Civil immunity related to COVID-19
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1002 authored by Rep. Torr regarding civil immunity related to COVID-19. This bill protects health care providers from professional discipline for certain acts or omissions related to health care services provided during a state disaster emergency. The provider is not protected from discipline if the action, omission, or decision constitutes … [Read more...] about Civil immunity related to COVID-19
Local justice reinvestment advisory councils
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1068 authored by Rep. Frye regarding local justice reinvestment advisory councils. The bill establishes a local justice reinvestment advisory council (local advisory council) in each county in Indiana and provides that the purpose of a local advisory council is to review local criminal justice systems, policies, and procedures. … [Read more...] about Local justice reinvestment advisory councils