The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1238 concerning competency evaluations sponsored by Sen. Brown. The author, Rep. McNamara, explained that the bill: The bill was amended by consent to require that DMHA establish a training program to certify an advanced practice registered nurse with a certification as a psychiatric mental health nurse … [Read more...] about Competency evaluation
Criminal law issues
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1240 concerning criminal law issues sponsored by Sen. Freeman. The bill makes numerous changes to criminal law, including: The Indiana Public Defender Council testified on concerns about the bill; representatives from the Marion County Public Defender’s Office and Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana tes … [Read more...] about Criminal law issues
Children in need of services
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard HB 1310 authored by Rep. Lauer and sponsored by Sen. Walker and Sen. Johnson on children in need of services. The bill provides that: Champions for Children and a foster parent testified in support of the bill. The bill passed 8-0. Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills/house/1310 … [Read more...] about Children in need of services
Department of Local Government Finance
The Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee heard HB 1328 on the Department of Local Government Finance. The bill, authored by Rep. Snow and sponsored by Sen. Bassler and Sen. Deery, was amended in Committee to add the same language found in SB 33 that limits use of the judicial local income tax that was passed in 2023 to “courtroom costs” for staffing the court reporter, bailiff, or … [Read more...] about Department of Local Government Finance
Forensic diversion and drug courts
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1418 concerning forensic diversion and drug courts sponsored by Sen. Bohacek. The author, Rep. Goss-Reaves, explained that the bill 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. The bill was amended by consent to … [Read more...] about Forensic diversion and drug courts