The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1144 on courts and court officers sponsored by Sen. Brown. Author Rep. Jeter gave background on the bill, which adds two new superior courts in Hamilton County (No. 8 and No. 9). The new Hamilton County judges will be elected during the November 2026 general election, take office on January 1, 2027, and serve a term of six years. In addition, … [Read more...] about Courts and court officers
Rape kits
On March 11, 2025, the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1413 on rape kits. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Freeman and Sen. Carrasco. Rep. Cash, the author, presented the bill, which: The Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and a member of the public testified in support of the bill. On March 25, 2025, on hearing for amend and vote only, the Committee … [Read more...] about Rape kits
Juvenile law matters
The Senate Appropriations Committee heard HB 1605 on juvenile law matters sponsored by Sen. Brown and Sen. Koch. Author Rep. McGuire introduced the bill, which in summary: The bill passed 10-3. Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1605 … [Read more...] about Juvenile law matters
Eyewitness identification procedures
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 141 on eyewitness identification procedures, sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald and Rep. McNamara. Author Sen. Brown introduced the bill, which would establish a procedure to be used by a law enforcement agency in conducting a lineup or in person witness identification. The Committee amended the bill by consent to require the … [Read more...] about Eyewitness identification procedures
Crime of swatting
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 198 on crime of swatting, sponsored by Rep. Ireland. Author Sen. Freeman introduced the bill, which specifies that, for purposes of the crime of false informing, hindering a "law enforcement process" includes causing a law enforcement officer to be dispatched. The bill also enhances the penalty for making a false report that a … [Read more...] about Crime of swatting