H.E.A. 1238, P.L. 85 Effective: July 1, 2024 Requires the division of mental health and addiction to establish a training program to certify a competency evaluator to assist a court in determining competency. Provides that certain licensed individuals may examine a defendant and testify as to whether the defendant can understand the criminal proceedings and assist in the … [Read more...] about Competency evaluation
Criminal law issues
H.E.A. 1240, P.L. 148 Effective: July 1, 2024 Makes numerous changes to the criminal law, including: (1) changing references from "county prosecuting attorney" to "prosecuting attorney"; (2) specifying the membership of county school safety commissions; (3) removing and replacing the organized theft statute; (4) increasing the penalty for fraud and battery under certain … [Read more...] about Criminal law issues
Security of property and meeting decorum
H.E.A. 1338, P.L. 171 Effective: July 1, 2024 Provides that a person commits criminal trespass by knowingly or intentionally: (1) entering a locked area without permission; or (2) refusing to leave an area not publicly accessible after being asked to leave by a law enforcement officer or agent of the property owner or operator. Read the bill at: … [Read more...] about Security of property and meeting decorum
Trafficking of harmful substances in jails
H.E.A. 1422, P.L. 71Effective: July 1, 2024 Defines "chemical intoxicant" and increases the penalty for trafficking with an inmate if the trafficked article is a chemical intoxicant. Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills/house/1422 … [Read more...] about Trafficking of harmful substances in jails
Forensic diversion and drug courts
H.E.A. 1418, P.L. 166 Effective: July 1, 2024 Provides that a pregnant woman charged with a drug crime may be referred to a forensic diversion program or a drug court at an initial hearing. Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills/house/1418 … [Read more...] about Forensic diversion and drug courts