The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Sen. Merritt’s and Sen. Ruckelhaus’ SB 155 on capital punishment and serious mental illness. This bill establishes a procedure to determine whether a defendant charged with or convicted of murder is an individual with a serious mental illness. It also prohibits the imposition of the death penalty on a defendant found to be an individual with a ser … [Read more...] about Capital punishment and serious mental illness
Contributing to delinquency
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard Sen. Koch’s SB 189 on contributing to delinquency. The bill provides that the penalty for the crime of contributing to delinquency of a minor is a felony one level higher than that of the delinquent act committed by the child, except that: (1) the penalty for inducing a child to commit a Level 1 felony is a Level 1 felony; and ( … [Read more...] about Contributing to delinquency
Bail
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard Sen. M. Young’s SB 228 on bail. The bill codifies bail guidelines recommending that arrestees, with some exclusions, who do not present a substantial risk of flight or danger be released without bail, subject to restrictions determined by the court. The bill also repeals a provision relating to the impeachment of witnesses. An a … [Read more...] about Bail
Guardianships
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard Sen. Crider’s SB 235 on guardianships. The bill requires guardians to monitor and only permit appropriate contact, communication and social interaction between the protected adult and individuals with whom the adult had significant past family or social relationships. Sen. Crider explained this legislation would permit review … [Read more...] about Guardianships
Child neglect defense
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard Sen. Holdman’s and Sen. Head’s SB 246 providing an additional child neglect defense to an emergency medical provider who took custody of a child under Indiana’s Save Haven law. The bill was held by the author after lengthy discussion on an amendment permitting the use of baby boxes in hospitals. A baby box is used for the safe … [Read more...] about Child neglect defense