The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1577, sponsored by Sen. Houchin, Sen. Zakas and Sen. Merritt, on DNA samples of felony arrestees. The bill requires every person arrested for a felony after June 30, 2017, to submit a DNA sample, and specifies that the sample may be obtained only by buccal swab. The bill provides that a DNA sample may be obtained from a person arrested … [Read more...] about DNA samples of felony arrestees
Certifications concerning breath tests
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 37, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald and Rep. Ober, on certifications concerning breath tests. The bill authorizes the Department of Toxicology to use its website to publish its certifications of breath test operators, equipment, and chemicals and its approved techniques, and would allow the Internet certifications to be admitted as … [Read more...] about Certifications concerning breath tests
Pro bono legal services fee
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 42 on the pro bono legal services fee. Sponsor Rep. Clere presented the bill, which extends the $1.00 pro bono fee in civil actions, including small claims cases, for another five years through July 1, 2022. The Indiana State Bar Association, the Indiana Bar Foundation, and Doxpop spoke in support of the bill, which passed … [Read more...] about Pro bono legal services fee
Plan for the permanent placement of a child
he House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard SB 49, sponsored by Rep. Zent, on requiring the filing of a plan for the permanent placement of a child when a petition for termination of parental rights is filed with a court. Representatives of FSSA and the Indiana Association of Child Advocacy testified in favor of the bill which passed 12-0. Read the bill at … [Read more...] about Plan for the permanent placement of a child
Drug or alcohol screening tests
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 55, sponsored by Rep. McNamara, on drug and alcohol screening tests. The bill amends the definition of a “drug and alcohol screening test” to include tests ordered by a court as part of a civil action under the law governing forgery, fraud and other deceptions crimes. Sen. Bray explained that the change would criminalize efforts … [Read more...] about Drug or alcohol screening tests