The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 331 on the deposition of child victims sponsored by Rep. Jeter. The bill redefines the terms “deposition” and “depose” to reference both Indiana Trial Rule 30 and Rule 31 in an effort to protect vulnerable child victims from further traumatization. Rep. Jeter introduced a bill amendment, adopted by consent, that expands the scope … [Read more...] about Deposition of child victim
children
Sibling groups in family reunification plans
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1169 authored by Rep. Schaibley on sibling groups in family reunification plans. The bill requires courts to consider whether a child’s reunification with a parent, guardian, or custodian will result in separation of the child from a sibling and whether that separation from the sibling is in the child’s best interest. Foster parents and Cha … [Read more...] about Sibling groups in family reunification plans
Child sex offenses
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 48 on child sex offenses authored by Sen. Crider.The bill provides that a criminal prosecution of a sex offense committed against a child that is otherwise barred by the statute of limitations may nevertheless be commenced within five years from the date on which: (1) the state discovers DNA evidence; (2) the … [Read more...] about Child sex offenses
Car insurance for foster children
S.E.A. 246, P.L. 59 Effective July 1, 2022 Adds Ind. Code § 31-26-4.5 to create the Insuring Foster Youth Trust Program to provide monies to foster youth to defray the cost of car insurance, subject to available funding. Provides DCS administers this fund. Read the bill at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2022/bills/senate/246 … [Read more...] about Car insurance for foster children
Statute of limitations
S.E.A. 109, P.L. 31 Effective: July 1, 2020 Provides that an otherwise barred offense may be commenced not later than five years from the earlier of the date on which: (1) the state first discovers DNA evidence sufficient to charge the offender; (2) the state first becomes aware of a recording that provides evidence sufficient to charge the offender; or (3) a person confesses to the … [Read more...] about Statute of limitations