The House Courts & Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1064 authored by Rep. Steuerwald and co-authored by Rep. Pierce on habitual offender requirements. The bill is meant to clarify legislative intent behind the amendments to I.C. § 35-50-2-8(c) that took effect in 2014 and provides that persons convicted of a new level 5 felony offense will qualify for sentencing as a habitual off … [Read more...] about Habitual offender requirements
Authorization to carry a handgun
The House Public Policy Committee heard Rep. Eberhart’s HB 1071 providing that certain persons protected by a civil protection order have authorization to carry a handgun without a license for: (1) 60 days after the date the civil protection order is issued; or (2) 60 days after the date the person applies for a license to carry a handgun, if the person applies for the license d … [Read more...] about Authorization to carry a handgun
Immunity for rescuing an animal from a motor vehicle
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1085 on immunity for rescuing an animal from a motor vehicle authored and presented by Rep. Cook. The bill provides for immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances if a person rescues an animal from a motor vehicle and provides that person who recklessly, knowing, or intentionally leaves a domestic animal in a vehicle unattended … [Read more...] about Immunity for rescuing an animal from a motor vehicle
Bail and bail agent license renewal
The House Insurance Committee heard, for amend and vote only, Rep. Frizzell’s HB 1137 on bail and bail agent license renewal. This bill decreases the bail agent renewal fee from $600 to $300. The bill also requires a court to declare a bail bond obtained by a defendant by deposit of cash or securities forfeited not later than (rather than not earlier than) 120 days after failure of t … [Read more...] about Bail and bail agent license renewal
Cannabidiol
The House Courts & Criminal Code Committee heard Rep. Friend’s HB 1148 on cannabidiol. Rep. Friend reported the bill was drafted with extensive input from the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council and explained that it is intended to legalize use of the substance cannabidiol, or CBD oil, for use in the treatment of juvenile epilepsy. The bill provides an affirmative defense to th … [Read more...] about Cannabidiol