The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 8 authored by Sen. Boots on forfeiture. The bill authorizes the forfeiture of seized property only if the property owner has been convicted of a crime. Sen. Young’s amendment to incorporate procedures for reclaiming seized property in hardship cases was adopted by consent. The Heartland Institute, Indiana Public Defender Coun … [Read more...] about Forfeiture
Certifications concerning breath tests
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Sen. Zakas’ SB 37 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 evidence in OWI prosecutions. The head of D … [Read more...] about Certifications concerning breath tests
Pro bono legal services fee
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