The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 14 on child exploitation and child pornography sponsored by Rep. Eberhart. The bill enhances the crime of child exploitation from a Level 5 felony to a Level 4 felony under certain circumstances. The bill also enhances the crime of possession of child pornography from a Level 6 felony to a Level 5 felony under certain … [Read more...] about Child exploitation and child pornography
sentencing
DOC commitments and motorboat OWI
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 142 on DOC commitments and motorboat OWI sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald. The bill provides that an individual convicted of a Level 6 felony may be committed to the Department of Correction (DOC) if the person received an enhanced sentence for being a habitual vehicular substance offender. An amendment providing that an individual … [Read more...] about DOC commitments and motorboat OWI
Foreclosure mischief
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 183 on foreclosure mischief sponsored by Rep. Price. The bill provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally damages, permanently removes an object from, or defaces residential real property that is the subject of a foreclosure action commits a Class B misdemeanor. The offense is enhanced to a Class A misdemeanor if the p … [Read more...] about Foreclosure mischief
Human trafficking and common nuisances
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1028, sponsored by Sen. Head, on human trafficking and common nuisances. The bill creates new offenses for visiting (Class A misdemeanor) or maintaining (Level 6 felony) a common nuisance where certain human trafficking crimes are committed. The Indiana State Police and Office of the Attorney General testified in support of … [Read more...] about Human trafficking and common nuisances
Bureau of Motor Vehicles omnibus bill
The Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee heard HB 1087 sponsored by Sens. Yoder and Arnold on the Bureau of Motor Vehicles omnibus bill. The bill amends the chapter regarding the rescission for lifetime Habitual Traffic Violator (HTV) suspensions regarding eligibility and adding a new code section to outline the procedures to be used by the court once the petition … [Read more...] about Bureau of Motor Vehicles omnibus bill