The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 238, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald, on the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (CJI). This bill expands the possible recipients of grants from the CJI beyond a county government or the state government and changes their responsibility from administering sexual offense services, domestic violence programs, and assistance to victims … [Read more...] about Indiana Criminal Justice Institute
Nonconsensual pornography
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 243, sponsored by Rep. Speedy, on nonconsensual pornography. This bill defines "intimate image" and provides that a person who knows that an individual does not consent to the posting of an intimate image of the individual on the Internet and posts the image on the Internet; commits internet distribution of an intimate image, a … [Read more...] about Nonconsensual pornography
Probation and parole for animal abusers
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 474, sponsored by Rep. Negele, on probation and parole for animal abusers. This bill defines "animal abuse offense" and "companion animal" and establishes as a mandatory condition of probation and parole that a person convicted of an animal abuse offense may not own, harbor, or train a companion animal. The Tippecanoe Prosecutor, … [Read more...] about Probation and parole for animal abusers
Department of Child Services
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard HB 1006, sponsored by Sen. Houchin, about changes to the Indiana Department of Child Services. This legislation, based on the Child Welfare Group (CWG) report: Creates a new third category of caseload for a family case manager for children in out of home care Provides an older youth who received foster care is eligible to … [Read more...] about Department of Child Services
Interfering with law enforcement
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1114 on interfering with law enforcement, sponsored by Sen. Head. The bill provides that a person commits interfering with law enforcement, a Class B misdemeanor, if the person enters a crime scene or similar location that is marked off with barrier tape, other markers, or a physical barrier. The bill also increases the … [Read more...] about Interfering with law enforcement