The House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code heard Rep. Washburne’s HB 1406 on manufacturing methamphetamine. Rep. Washburne explained that the bill establishes manufacturing methamphetamine as an offense separate from delivering methamphetamine and increases the felony Level for manufacturing from Level 5 to Level 4. The bill makes related technical changes in the statutes on re … [Read more...] about Manufacturing methamphetamine
Appointment of magistrates
The House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code heard Rep. Speedy’s HB 1625 on appointment of magistrates. Rep. Speedy explained that this bill continues a multi-year program to convert Marion Superior commissioner positions into magistrate appointments. The bill increases the number of authorized Marion Superior magistrates from 16 to 20. Marion Superior Judge Tim Oakes testified i … [Read more...] about Appointment of magistrates
Plan for the permanent placement of a child
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard Sen. Glick’s SB 49 requiring a post-termination plan for the permanent placement of a child to be filed simultaneously with a petition for termination of a parent-child relationship. The proposed permanency plan must include the intended permanent arrangements for care and custody of the child and all remaining steps necessary f … [Read more...] about Plan for the permanent placement of a child
Plea agreements and sentencing [Updated with clarification]
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Sen. Koch’s SB 120 on plea agreements and sentencing. The bill repeals Ind. Code § 35-35-3-3(b)’s provision that a felony plea agreement, the presentence investigation for it, and the hearing are not part of “’the official record of the case” unless the court approves the agreement. Clarification: This bill does not affect Ind. Code 35-38-1-13; pr … [Read more...] about Plea agreements and sentencing [Updated with clarification]
Adverse possession
The Senate Civil Law Committee heard Sen. Koch’s SB 121 permitting a person or other entity exempt from the payment of property taxation to claim property by adverse possession. A property attorney testified in support of the bill. The Probate, Trust & Real Property Section of the Indiana State Bar Association testified that they don’t have an official position, but voiced conc … [Read more...] about Adverse possession