STATEHOUSE (Feb. 22, 2024) – A bill authored by State Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) that would help deter the destruction of equipment in penal facilities passed the House Committee on Courts and Criminal CodeWednesday, Feb. 21.
Becker authored Senate Bill 23 after learning of multiple incidents of prisoners destroying fire suppression systems within facilities. The damage consistently costs thousands of dollars with little to no repercussions for the perpetrator.
“Officers in Vanderburgh County came to me and made me aware of 24 incidents just in the past year of prisoners damaging sprinkler systems,” Becker said. “It causes a major disruption for officers and other inmates while costing the facility large sums of money to fix.”
The bill would ensure that a person who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally damages a fixture or equipment in a penal facility will have committed a Level 6 felony.
“I am pleased to see Senate Bill 23 continue moving forward in the legislative process,” Becker said. “It’s encouraging to see us get closer to helping sheriffs statewide with this issue.”
SB 23 will now move to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. Read more about this and other bills at iga.in.gov.
