he House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1054 authored by Rep. Cox and Rep. Dermody on garnishment of state tax refunds. The bill, introduced for the third year, establishes a post-judgment collections process for the state tax refunds of debtors. The bill includes protection for unobligated spouses by exempting part or excluding all of the joint tax refund attributable to the spouse of … [Read more...] about Garnishment of state tax refunds
Terminating the parent-child relationship
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1064 authored by Rep. Slager on terminating the parent-child relationship. The bill allows a parent, who is a victim of rape resulting in the conception of a child, to file a petition to terminate the parental rights of the alleged rapist. The bill includes time frames for filing a petition depending on the age of the parent/victim. Testimony in … [Read more...] about Terminating the parent-child relationship
Bureau of Motor Vehicles omnibus bill
The House Roads and Transportation Committee heard HB 1087 authored by Rep. Soliday on the Bureau of Motor Vehicles omnibus bill. The bill was heard in committee last week and testimony from the BMV and Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council was taken, but held for amendment. Rep. Soliday presented a technical corrections amendment which was approved by the committee. The bi … [Read more...] about Bureau of Motor Vehicles omnibus bill
Criminal justice matters
The Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard HB 1102 authored by Rep. Steuerwald on criminal justice matters. The bill: requires the DOC commissioner to coordinate with DMHA, and local criminal justice agencies to collaborate with each other, in creating DOC-funded community-corrections and recidivism-reduction programs; encourages counties to include courts, prosecutors, public … [Read more...] about Criminal justice matters
Child exploitation and child pornography
The Senate Committee on Corrections & Criminal Law heard SB 14 authored by Sen. Head on child exploitation and child pornography. The bill (1) enhances those offenses by one level if the offense involves depiction of bestiality, a mentally disabled child, force or threat of force against the victim, or the victim receives a bodily injury while participating in the depicted … [Read more...] about Child exploitation and child pornography