Issue · Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Every criminal justice bill, vote, and legislator stance in Indiana, automatically classified by Maddy, our AI policy reader.

Total bills
9
2026 Regular Session
Top supporter
Rodney Pol
100% support rate
Top opponent
Elizabeth Rowray
0% support rate
Ranked legislators
10
5 support · 5 oppose
Key legislators

Who's moving criminal justice in Indiana

Legislators moving criminal justice in Indiana
Legislator Party Stance Support rate Votes
Rodney Pol
Rodney Pol Senate · District 4
D
Strong +
100% 23
John Bartlett
John Bartlett House · District 95
D
Support
70% 75
Alex Burton
Alex Burton House · District 77
D
Support
70% 72
Vernon Smith
Vernon Smith House · District 14
D
Support
70% 74
Robin Shackleford
Robin Shackleford House · District 98
D
Support
70% 74
Elizabeth Rowray
Elizabeth Rowray House · District 35
R
Strong −
0% 62
Ed Clere
Ed Clere House · District 72
I
Strong −
10% 75
Heath VanNatter
Heath VanNatter House · District 38
R
Strong −
12% 71
Mike Aylesworth
Mike Aylesworth House · District 11
R
Strong −
20% 75
Shane Lindauer
Shane Lindauer House · District 63
R
Oppose
25% 69
Showing 9 of 9 bills

All criminal justice bills

signed · Indiana · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 1249: Various criminal law matters.

HB 1249 changes juvenile court jurisdiction by adding "unlawful carrying of a handgun charged as a felony" to the list of offenses where juvenile courts cannot handle cases. This means juveniles facing felony handgun charges would be processed in adult court instead of juvenile court. The bill directly affects young people under 18 charged with this specific weapon-related offense. It modifies existing law by expanding the category of serious crimes excluded from juvenile court jurisdiction, requiring such cases to move to adult criminal court proceedings. The bill passed the House unanimously (74-18) and is now before the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law.
signed · Indiana · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 91: Syringe exchange program.

SB 91 extends the expiration date of the state's syringe exchange program to July 1, 2036. This directly affects people who use syringe exchange services, primarily to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis. The bill changes the program's current expiration date to a new end date in 2036, ensuring continued funding and operation. It does not alter the program's existing structure or eligibility requirements.
signed · Indiana · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 160: Public safety.

Makes wearing a mask during the commission of a criminal offense a sentencing aggravator. Makes it malicious littering, a Class A misdemeanor, for a person to place refuse on the property of another person with the intent to cause the owner or occupant of the property to reasonably fear for their physical safety.
signed · Indiana · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 284: Law enforcement civilian oversight boards.

Provides that any type of law enforcement civilian oversight board or commission or any other entity established by a county, municipality, or township to provide civilian oversight over a law enforcement agency, excluding merit boards and commissions, may operate only in an advisory capacity to the applicable law enforcement agency and does not have binding authority over the law enforcement agency.
signed · Indiana · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 1343: Public safety matters.

Provides that the law enforcement training board (board) shall select an executive director to serve at the pleasure of the board. Authorizes the waiver of certain training requirements for law enforcement officers with experience in other states. Provides that a person confined to a county jail may be required to make a copayment in an amount of not more than $30 (current law is $15). Provides that a person confined to a county jail is not required to make a certain copayment if, among other things, the person does not have funds in the person's commissary account or trust account within 180 days after the service is provided (current law is 60 days). Requires certain water vessels to include an engine cut-off switch. Provides that a sailing vessel at least seven meters in length must comply with federal regulations. Makes changes to the employment eligibility requirements for employees of the Indiana department of veterans' affairs (department). Makes changes to the purpose of the military family relief fund (fund). Provides that the department shall report to the Indiana veterans' affairs commission (commission), at least quarterly, as to the status of all applications regarding assistance from the fund during the previous quarter. Adds provisions indicating who is eligible for a grant from the fund. Provides that the department shall make a comprehensive assessment of an applicant's financial condition and needs when making a determination regarding an award from the fund. Provides that an applicant may not be eligible for assistance from the fund if the applicant's federal gross income, or the combined federal gross income of the applicant and the applicant's spouse, exceeds two times the poverty guideline unless the commission approves an income waiver. Provides that an applicant must establish that the applicant has incurred a genuine hardship to be eligible to receive assistance from the fund. Provides that the department or commission may impose stipulations or conditions concerning an applicant seeking an award from the fund. Makes changes to the subject matter that must be included in administrative rules established by the commission. Makes certain changes relating to the review of grants from the fund to employees of the department. Provides that an applicant may appeal a denied request for short term financial assistance from the fund. Authorizes the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard (adjutant general) to establish a military police force of the Indiana National Guard. Provides that a member of the military police force of the Indiana National Guard has police powers: (1) when the member is called to state active duty; and (2) if the individual successfully completes either army or air military police occupational training and receives qualifying instruction on Indiana law enforcement prescribed by the adjutant general. Requires the military police force of the Indiana National Guard, upon authorization, to respond in accordance with the National Incident Management System and in coordination with the Indiana state police. Makes changes to the authorized duties and responsibilities of the adjutant general in which the state armory board (board) may make contributions. Provides that the board may utilize any and all appropriate methods to lease or purchase real estate. Provides that an armory may not be erected on land that is leased for less than 25 years. (Current law provides that an armory may not be erected on land that is leased for less than 50 years.) Provides that the board may adopt policies or procedures for the use and governance of armories. (Current law authorizes the board to adopt rules for the use and governance of armories.) Specifies the types of donated property that the board may reconvey if the board determines that the property is no longer usable. Provides that if the board receives from the adjutant general information of the disbandment of the organization of the armed forces of Indiana occupying and using an armory, the board shall take charge of the armory. Makes various changes to provisions relating to the sale of property owned by the board. Establishes the Indiana civilian cyber corps program (program) as a subdivision of the Indiana guard reserve. Provides that the program includes civilian volunteers who have expertise in addressing cybersecurity incidents and who volunteer at the invitation of the adjutant general. Provides that the work product of a civilian cyber corps volunteer or adviser, including any information voluntarily submitted to the volunteer or adviser, is exempt from disclosure. Provides that a civilian cyber corps volunteer or adviser is immune from tort liability for an injury to a person or damage to property that occurs while the volunteer or adviser is deployed and acting on behalf of the adjutant general if certain conditions are met. Provides that the adjutant general may appoint additional general officers. (Current law authorizes the appointment of assistant adjutants general.) Changes the definitions of "veteran" for purposes of provisions relating to: (1) the governor's commission on supplier diversity; (2) the state civil service system; and (3) authorizing preference points for the appointment of veterans. Removes a requirement that the National Guard tuition supplement grant must be used within eight years after the date the individual first applies and becomes eligible for benefits. Repeals: (1) the Indiana cyber civilian corps program advisory board; (2) a provision relating to contracts to use Stout Field as a commercial runway; (3) a definition of "qualified service member"; (4) a provision requiring a muffler or underwater exhaust for a boat; and (5) a provision prohibiting the use of a boat motor equipped with a muffler cutout or bypass. Makes it a Class B misdemeanor for a person to knowingly or intentionally possess an imitation firearm: (1) in or on school property; or (2) on a school bus. Makes technical corrections and conforming amendments.
signed · Indiana · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2: Bail procedures.

Provides that offenses other than murder are not bailable if the state proves: (1) by a preponderance of the evidence that the proof is evident or the presumption strong; and (2) by clear and convincing evidence that the arrestee is dangerous and that no conditions of release will reasonably protect the safety of other persons or the community. Establishes procedures for a bail hearing. Removes duplicative provisions concerning repeat violent arrestees. Permits a court to retain cash bail for the payment of certain costs without an indigency hearing if the defendant has executed an agreement permitting the court to retain the cash bail for these purposes.
passed · Indiana · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SB 250: Regulation of hemp.

Defines "THC" for purposes of Indiana alcohol and tobacco law. Expands certain crimes concerning alcohol and tobacco, including crimes regarding possession by minors and sales to minors, to include products containing THC. Provides that a violation of the hemp derived cannabinoid products chapter is a deceptive act. Provides that the offense of aiding unlawful possession includes unlawful possession of a product containing THC. Provides that the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) shall conduct random inspections of locations where products containing THC are sold. Allows law enforcement officers to engage minors who are at least 16 years of age to purchase THC products as part of a law enforcement action. Enacts provisions regulating the manufacture, distribution, sale, and transportation of hemp derived cannabinoid products (hemp derived cannabinoid products law). Requires the commission to enforce and administer the hemp derived cannabinoid products law. Provides for issuance of: (1) manufacturer permits; (2) distributor permits; (3) retail permits; and (4) carrier permits; for hemp derived cannabinoid products. Prohibits the sale of hemp derived cannabinoid products online or by delivery. Provides that a person issued a manufacturer permit may manufacture hemp derived cannabinoid products only in Indiana. Imposes packaging and labeling requirements for hemp derived cannabinoid products. Requires testing of hemp derived cannabinoid products and provides that the commission may spot test hemp derived cannabinoid products for compliance with the hemp derived cannabinoid products law. Specifies circumstances under which a hemp derived cannabinoid product shall be treated as if it is marijuana. Creates the hemp derived cannabinoid products fund and specifies purposes for which money in the fund shall be used. Imposes restrictions on advertising of hemp derived cannabinoid products. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of the hemp derived cannabinoid products law, and provides that a violation of the hemp derived cannabinoid products law is a deceptive act for purposes of Indiana law regarding deceptive consumer sales. Provides that for purposes of Indiana motor vehicle law: (1) "intoxicated" includes being under the influence of tetrahydrocannabinol; and (2) "schedule I drug" includes marijuana, hemp, and tetrahydrocannabinol. Provides that the state seed commissioner (commissioner) may issue hemp grower's licenses and hemp handler's licenses, and specifies licensure requirements and duties of licensees. Provides that the commissioner: (1) shall share information with the state police department regarding the commissioner's licensure of hemp growers and handlers; and (2) shall report specified information to the United States Secretary of Agriculture. Provides that Indiana's hemp growing programs may not operate above federal restrictions or limitations. Repeals chapters regarding: (1) distribution of low THC hemp extract; and (2) sale of low THC hemp extract. Provides that a retail establishment in which tobacco products and products containing THC (rather than tobacco products alone, under current law) account for 85% of the establishment's gross sales may not allow an individual under 21 years of age to enter the establishment. Adds federal definitions of certain hemp terms to the Indiana criminal code. Modifies definitions of "marijuana" and "smokable hemp" for purposes of the Indiana criminal code. Removes references to "delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol" and "low THC hemp extract" in certain crimes. Provides that nothing in Indiana: (1) alcohol and tobacco law; or (2) agriculture law; may be construed under the "inclusio unius, exclusio alterius" canon of construction as legalizing marijuana. Specifies situations in which a product shall be treated as if it is marijuana. Makes an appropriation.
signed · Indiana · Senate Feb 23, 2026

SJR 1: Constitutional amendment concerning bail.

Provides that an offense other than murder or treason is not bailable if: (1) the proof is evident or the presumption strong; and (2) the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community. This proposed amendment has been agreed to by one general assembly.
passed · Indiana · Senate Feb 12, 2026

SB 251: OWI penalties.

Provides that if a person has one prior OWI conviction, the court shall order that the person be imprisoned for at least 10 days or perform community service, and if a person has two prior OWI convictions, the court shall order that the person be imprisoned for at least 20 days or perform community service. Provides that a person receives good time credit while serving a sentence imposed under this statute (under current law, a person does not receive good time credit).Provides that this statute does not increase the maximum sentence for the offense as provided by either IC 35-50-2 or IC 35-50-3. Specifies that "vehicle", for purposes of the crime of operating while intoxicated, includes a watercraft, and repeals the separate crime of operating a motorboat while intoxicated. Provides that an initial hearing may be waived and allows a person to apply for a specialized driving privilege after an initial hearing. Adds operating while intoxicated due to use of a controlled substance to the habitual traffic violator statute. Authorizes the use of a roadside chemical test under certain circumstances. Specifies that ignition interlock devices may only be used when the underlying offense is operating while intoxicated resulting from the use of alcohol. Makes certain provisions concerning pretrial administrative suspension of driving privileges discretionary with the court.Provides that the budget director shall review and determine before December 31, 2026, whether federal highway administration funding to the state will or will not be reduced due to the amendment of provisions concerning administrative suspension of driving privileges. Requires the budget director to notify the budget committee of the determination and those provisions may not be implemented until after budget committee review. Makes conforming amendments.