The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SR 34 authored by Sen. Messmer urging the legislative council to assign to an appropriate committee the topic of the sentencing level of a caregiver who causes the death of a mentally handicapped person 18 years of age or older. The resolution passed 6-0. Read the bill at https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2015/resolutions/senate/simple/34. … [Read more...] about Sentencing level of a caregiver causing the death of a mentally handicapped adult
Statute of limitations for rape
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 94, Sen. Crider’s bill to extend the statute of limitations for rape to allow prosecutions for Level 3 felony rapes within five years of the time prosecution becomes possible with DNA evidence or the time a confession is obtained. Rep. Hale testified in support of the bill, as did David Powell of the Indiana Prosecuting At … [Read more...] about Statute of limitations for rape
Definition of “sexual conduct
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 313, sponsored by Rep. Kirchhofer and Rep. Hale, Sen. Head’s bill to change the definition of “sexual conduct” to include exhibition of the female breast as used in child exploitation and pornography offenses. After Sen. Head presented the bill, Suzanne O’Malley of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council said that the law had b … [Read more...] about Definition of “sexual conduct
Shotguns
The House Public Policy Committee heard SB 433, sponsored by Rep. Lucas, repealing the prohibition against manufacturing, importing, selling, or possessing a sawed-off shotgun. This bill also provides for a 10-year sentence enhancement if a person possesses a sawed-off shotgun in violation of federal law while committing certain offenses. A representative of the National Rifle … [Read more...] about Shotguns
Serious sex offenders
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 522, deterring serious sex offenders from entering school grounds. Sen. Mrvan explained that the bill defines “serious sex offenders” and makes it a Level 6 felony for a serious sex offender to enter school property. The bill allows these offenders to vote by mail. The Committee expressed concern about the bill’s creation of a ne … [Read more...] about Serious sex offenders