The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 425, sponsored by Rep. Frizzell, on low level offenses. Author Sen. Young explained that the bill reduces a number of election crimes from Level 6 felonies to Class A misdemeanors. It also permits an alcoholic beverage retailer or dealer to: (1) accept credit cards; and (2) extend credit to a consumer if the amount owed is paid … [Read more...] about Low level offenses
Opioid addiction
The House Public Health Committee heard SB 499, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald and Rep. Kirchhofer, on involuntary commitment of people with opioid addiction as a pilot program in Allen, Marion, and Wayne counties. The bill also establishes the criteria for the program. It specifies that existing involuntary commitment laws apply to persons at serious risk of injury or death due to … [Read more...] about Opioid addiction
Substance abuse pilot program
The House Public Health Committee heard SB 510, sponsored by Rep. Kirchhofer and Rep. Davisson, creating a 4-year substance abuse pilot program in Allen County. The bill originally provided that the program was part of the Indiana Commission to Combat Drug Abuse, but that portion was removed by amendment. The bill was also amended to change the start date to June 30, 2017. Judge … [Read more...] about Substance abuse pilot program
Notaries public and trademarks
The House Judiciary Committee heard SB 539, sponsored by Rep. Carbaugh and Rep. Steuerwald, and authored by Sen. Bray, on notaries public and trademarks. The bill provides for registration of a trademark electronically, describes permitted notarial actions and seal components, amends notarial fees and bond requirements, specifies records that need notarization, and sets standards … [Read more...] about Notaries public and trademarks
Mental health matters
The Senate Health and Provider Services Committee heard HB 1006, sponsored by Sen. Merritt and Sen. Charbonneau, on mental health matters. Portions of the bill (1) expand eligibility for Recovery Works services to include individuals under the age of 18 whose cases were waived to adult court or direct filed into adult court, and (2) permit the Division of Mental Health and … [Read more...] about Mental health matters