The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Sen. Grooms’ SB 42 concerning the pro bono legal services fee. Sen. Grooms explained that the bill extends the $1.00 fee in civil actions including small claims cases for another five years, through July 1, 2022. A representative of the Indiana Bar Foundation explained that the extension was needed because current low interest rates keep the Fou … [Read more...] about Pro bono legal services fee
Drug or alcohol screening tests
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 55 authored by Sen. Bray 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. A Morgan County Deputy Prosecutor testified in support of the bil … [Read more...] about Drug or alcohol screening tests
Patronizing a prostitute
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 100 authored by Sen. Bray on patronizing a prostitute. The bill renames the crime of patronizing a prostitute to unlawful proposition allowing the prosecution of individuals who solicit sex in exchange for money although the solicitation did not involve a prostitute. A Morgan County deputy prosecutor testified in support of t … [Read more...] about Patronizing a prostitute
Plea agreements and sentencing
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. It would also repeal Ind. Code § 35-38-1-1(b)’s requirement that … [Read more...] about Plea agreements and sentencing
Value of property
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 190 authored by Sen. M. Young on the value of property. The bill authorizes the prosecutor to charge multiple offenses as a single count and to aggregate the value of the property of the involved offenses when offenses with enhanced penalties due to the value of the property are involved. A technical amendment was adopted by … [Read more...] about Value of property