The House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee heard Rep. Steuerwald’s HB 1065 requiring the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to prepare its annual report on criminal code reform for the governor and the legislative council before December 1 of each year instead of July 1 of each year. The Executive Director of the Criminal Justice Institute testified in support of the bill. … [Read more...] about Annual report on criminal code reform
Commission on Improving the Status of Children
The House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee heard Rep. Frizzell’s HB 1080 on the Commission on Improving the Status of Children (Commission). This bill provides that the Commission may appoint an executive director to perform duties as assigned by the Commission. It also provides that the Office of Judicial Administration shall pay the salary of the executive director, a … [Read more...] about Commission on Improving the Status of Children
Forfeiture
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