sentencing

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

The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 173 concerning the Department of Correction specialized vocational program. Sponsor Rep. Washburne explained that this bill permits the Department of Correction to establish a specialized vocational program to train minimum security inmates in trades such as truck driving, manufacturing, plumbing, construction, and heating, … [Read more...] about DOC specialized vocational program

The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 175 sponsored by Rep. Steuerwald on credit time. This bill is intended to resolve conflicts in the interpretation of the various credit time terms used throughout the Indiana Code. Rep. Pierce introduced an amendment, adopted by consent, specifying that this bill (1) clarifies current law and does not create new law, (2) does not … [Read more...] about Credit time

The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 285 sponsored by Rep. Dermondy and Rep. McMillin on inmate correspondence. Author Sen. Tomes explained that the bill gives offenders within the Department of Correction the option of sending correspondence via electronic mail or through the US Postal Service. Sen. Tomes stated that DOC currently provides offenders with stationery … [Read more...] about Inmate correspondence