The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1403 on juvenile justice matters sponsored by Sen. Crider. Author Rep. McNamara gave background on the bill noting that Youth Justice Oversight Committee (YJOC) was created in 2022 to address juvenile justice reform. The bill at that time required formation of committees, development of reports, and pilot programs. With the completion of those … [Read more...] about Juvenile justice matters
Pro bono legal services fee
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1478 on pro bono legal services fee sponsored by Senator Koch. Author Rep. Zimmerman summarized the bill noting that there is currently a $1.00 fee charged when certain civil actions are filed. The fee is transmitted to the Indiana Bar Foundation to assist in their funding pro bono legal services in Indiana. It does not fund any attorneys but … [Read more...] about Pro bono legal services fee
Driving with suspended driving privileges
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1554 on driving with suspended driving privileges sponsored by Sen. Crider. Author Rep. Bascom introduced the bill and explained that the bill amends the penalty for operating a motor vehicle while under a lifetime forfeiture of driving privileges as follows: (1) a Level 6 felony, if the forfeiture occurred before July 1, … [Read more...] about Driving with suspended driving privileges
Town and city court judges
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HJ 1 on town and city court judges, sponsored by Sen. Brown and authored by Rep. Aylesworth. Rep. Aylesworth introduced the bill which would permit the judge of a city or town court to reside in either 1.) the county in which the city or town court is located; or 2.) in the bordering Indiana county that is closest to the location of the … [Read more...] about Town and city court judges
Controlled substances
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1056 on controlled substances sponsored by Sen. Carrasco. Author Rep. McNamara introduced the bill which adds 2-Methyl AP-237 (synthetic opioid) and ethylphenidate (a central nervous system stimulant) to the list of controlled substances. The Professional Licensing Agency testified in support of the bill. The bill … [Read more...] about Controlled substances