Attached below is the Legislative Update from Indiana Courts. A new issue is available below, or visit http://indianacourts.us/legislative. Unlawful encroachment by a sex offender   published on 02/02/2018 01:23 PM EST The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 12 on unlawful encroachment by a sex offender, authored by Sen. Bohacek. The bill provides that a sex offender who establishes a residence: (1) with the intent to reside at the residence; and (2) within a one-mile radius of the residence of the victim of the […]
02/02/2018 01:22 PM EST
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 33 on houses of worship and firearms, authored by Sen. Sandlin. The bill permits a person who may legally possess a firearm to possess a firearm on school property if the person possesses the firearm: (1) as an employee or volunteer of a house of worship located on the school […]
02/02/2018 01:21 PM EST
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 131 on crimes involving synthetic drugs, authored by Sen. Bohacek. The bill makes certain offenses involving synthetic drugs an enhancing circumstance and removes certain misdemeanor prosecutions concerning synthetic drugs and synthetic lookalike drugs from eligibility for conditional discharge. The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council supported the bill. The bill […]
02/02/2018 01:21 PM EST
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 140 on maintaining a common nuisance, authored by Sen. Young. The bill provides a defense to the crime of maintaining a common nuisance if: (1) the location was not primarily used for specified unlawful acts; (2) the charged offense involves less than a specified quantity of marijuana, […]
02/02/2018 01:20 PM EST
The Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 222 authored by Sen. Head on misleading or inaccurate caller identification. This bill provides that a person who knowingly violates the statute concerning the transmission of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information commits a Class A misdemeanor or if the person has a previous unrelated conviction under the […]
02/02/2018 01:19 PM EST
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 238 on the Office of Judicial Administration, authored by Sen. Bray. The bill does the following: changes all references to the Division of State Court Administration and the Judicial Center to the Office of Judicial administration changes all references to the executive director of the Division of State Court Administration […]
02/02/2018 01:18 PM EST
The Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 240 authored by Sen. Leising on service animals. The author clarified that this bill is for emotional support animals not service animals. The bill specifies that a landlord may not ask an individual with a disability who seeks to use an emotional support animal about the existence, nature, […]
02/02/2018 01:18 PM EST
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 247 on creditors’ rights, authored by Sen. Koch. The bill makes various changes to Medicaid, probate, and trust law relating to creditors’ claims, claims against non-probate transferees, and no contest provisions in wills and trusts. The bill was amended by consent to make numerous amendments to language relating to […]
02/02/2018 01:16 PM EST
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 292 on criminal law matters, authored by Sen. Young. The bill does the following: repeals the offense of auto theft and receiving stolen auto parts provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally exerts unauthorized control of a motor vehicle or a component part of a motor […]
02/02/2018 01:15 PM EST
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 295 on school property and religious institutions, authored by Sen. Mrvan. The bill permits a sex offender to enter school property if: (1) a religious institution or house of worship is located on the school property; (2) the person enters the school property for the sole […]
02/02/2018 01:15 PM EST
For amend and vote only, the Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 339 authored by Sen. Merritt on controlled substance dispensing. The bill requires a pharmacy and pharmacist to sell or dispense a schedule II controlled drug in a lockable vial and bill the drug manufacturer for the cost of the lockable vial. The bill […]
02/02/2018 01:14 PM EST
The Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 372 authored by Sen. Holdman on notarial acts. This bill makes technical changes to standardize language concerning registration of trademarks and regulation related to notarial acts. It specifies requirements related to notarial acts, including use of electronic documentation and technology for electronic notarial acts and for remote notarial […]
02/02/2018 01:14 PM EST
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 381 authored by Sen. Messmer on children in need of services (CHINS). The author explained that when one child in the home is sexually abused, all children in the home are removed; however, if one child is physically abused, not all children are removed. The bill […]
02/02/2018 01:13 PM EST
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 402 on termination of parental rights, authored by Sen. Becker. The Committee heard the bill for amend and vote only. The bill was amended by consent to remove all provisions of the bill except for the provisions requiring the pre-dispositional report to be made available 48 hours before a hearing. […]
02/02/2018 01:12 PM EST
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 404 on impaired driving offenses, authored by Sen. Koch. The bill does the following: changes the term “under†to “in accordance with†in certain statutes concerning defenses involving the use of valid prescriptions while operating a motor vehicle creates the offense of operating a vehicle while […]
02/02/2018 01:12 PM EST
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard SB 428 authored by Sen. Zay on Department of Child Services (DCS). The bill requires the local school to participate in a case conference in a CHINS case when DCS prepares a pre-disposition report and requires DCS to share drug test results. Two local school representatives discussed […]
02/02/2018 01:11 PM EST
For amend and vote only, the Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 431 authored by Sen. L. Brown on immunity for reports of suspected abuse or neglect. The bill provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for a person who assists with or participates, and a health care provider who provides professional intervention in an […]
02/02/2018 01:10 PM EST
The House Judiciary Committee reheard HB 1061 authored by Rep. Lehman and Rep. Torr on asbestos litigation for amend and vote only. The bill specifies the causes of action that may constitute a product liability action. The bill was amended to assign to a study committee the issue of the appropriate statute of repose duration in product […]
02/02/2018 01:10 PM EST
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1115 authored by Rep. Hamilton and Rep. Culver on landowner immunity for trail access. The bill amends current law to include limitations on a landowner’s liability for an injury to a person or property caused by an act or failure to act of another person using the landowner’s premises for […]
02/02/2018 01:09 PM EST
The House Judiciary Committee heard HB 1194 authored by Rep. Speedy on delinquent self-storage facility rents. The bill amends current law to allow a self-storage facility owner to impose and collect a late fee from renters. This bill also authorizes the facility owner to recover all reasonable costs and expenses of rent collection and lien enforcement. The […]
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Legislative Update From Indiana Courts
Sheriff’s Deputies, Confinements Officers Recognized At Ceremony
FEBRUARY 5TH, 2018Â 
BRITNEY TAYLORÂ EVANSVILLE, INDIANA
Honoring the old, and bringing in the new. The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office held a ceremony to recognize the accomplishments of several deputies and confinement officers. It was held Monday morning at the Old Courthouse in Evansville.
Each person was recognized for a number of things, including life-saving acts. The sheriff’s office also welcomed seven new sheriff’s deputies.
Sheriff Dave Wedding says the event is always a special time in a new sheriff’s deputy’s life.
Wedding said, “It’s also really neat to hire new deputy sheriffs because I remember back thirty-something years ago when I became a new deputy sheriff. It’s a new part of your life, it’s a new journey for you. It’s an exciting time, the families are very excited, and it’s exciting for me to give them that chance to be a deputy sheriff and serve our community.â€
A former deputy also received an award for saving the life of a current Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office employee.
New Deputy Sheriffs:
Michael Brown
Scott Elmendorf
Daniel Sander
Shelley Wallace
Adam Weinzapfel
Jared Zwilling
Clint Stanton
Completion of ILEA:
Deputy Jordan Kuester
Deputy Chelsea Trail
Retirement:
Joe Beckwith – Deputy Sheriff
Emily Lander – Confinement Officer
Awards:
Chris Spence – Lifesaver Award
Sgt. Mark Rasure – Achievement Award
Sgt. Stetsun Sunderman – Commendation Award
Sgt. Joshua Wargel – Commendation Award
Deputy Kyle Alexander – Commendation Award
Deputy Shawn King – Commendation Award
Deputy Erik Nilssen – Commendation Award
Deputy Tony Toopes – Commendation Award
Deputy Zach Whicker – Commendation Award
Indiana Senate Passes Bill To Legalize CBD Oil
FEBRUARY 5TH, 2018Â BRITNEY TAYLORÂ INDIANA
 A bill that would legalize CBD oil for Hoosiers passes the Senate. Indiana Senate Bill 52 passed 35-13. Under the legislation, Hoosiers would be able to buy CBD oil that contains less than 0.3 percent or less of THC.
With the low amount of THC, CBD oil users would reportedly not experience a “high†feeling that conventional marijuana users may encounter.
CBD oil has been shown to help with various medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, and severe pain.
The oil would be available for purchase over-the-counter from retailers across the state.
The bill heads to the House for further consideration.
This bill is sponsored by Senator Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville).
Evansville Man Sentenced For Child Molesting Conviction
 Vanderburgh County Superior Court Judge Robert Pigman sentenced 56-year-old Mark Allan Farmer to 31 years behind bars Monday morning, following a guilty verdict in December.
In December, a jury convicted Mark Allan Farmer of:
- Child Molesting (Level 1 Felony)
- Child Molesting (Level 4 Felony)
The investigation by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office began after a disclosure by the 6-year-old victim to the child’s mother. A forensic interview was conducted at Holly’s House in which the child detailed multiple instances of sexual abuse by Farmer, that occurred over a period of time at his residence.
According to Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Detectives, Farmer admitted to at least two instances of sexual abuse involving the victim during an interview in February.
“The young victim, in this case, was beyond brave to speak up,†explained Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Nick Hermann. “I would also like to thank the detectives from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Holly’s House, and our deputy prosecuting attorney for their hard work throughout this case.â€
ADOPT A PET
Cas is a 3-month-old female baby bunny. She’s a Lionhead mix and is the last of her litter of 3. She spent several weeks in foster care and is used to being handled! Bunnies live 8-10+ years so she has a long full life ahead of her. Her adoption fee is $40 and includes her spay & microchip! Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 or vhslifesaver.org for details!
HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE
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VANDERBURGH COUNTY FELONY CHARGES
 Below are the felony cases to be filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office today.
Jon Lee Hargrove: Failure to register as a sex or violent offender (Level 5 Felony)
Ronald Keith Houchin: Intimidation (Level 6 Felony)
Ryan Lee Webster: Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Conversion (Class A misdemeanor), Interference with the reporting of a crime (Class A misdemeanor)
Chadd Anthony Riley: Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Neglect of a dependent (Level 6 Felony), Possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor)
William Waters: Intimidation (Level 6 Felony), Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 Felony), Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor)
Sean Michael Lloyd Moore: Strangulation (Level 6 Felony), Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony)
Bradlee A. Johnson: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor)
Gregory Deon Armstead: Domestic battery (Level 6 Felony), Intimidation (Level 6 Felony)
Joshua A. Dodson: Maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substances (Level 6 Felony)
Dexter Taylor Garrett: Theft of a firearm (Level 6 Felony), Theft (Level 6 Felony)
ADOPT A PET
Mugsy is a 5-year-old female American bulldog. She loves playing with other dogs! She came to the VHS last November pretty emaciated and run down, and has spent that time recuperating so she’s feeling her best to find a new family. Mugsy’s adoption fee is $110 and includes her spay, microchip, vaccines, and more. Contact Vanderburgh Humane at (812) 426-2563 or vhslifesaver.org for details!
Kukura, McClain and Stagani signed by Evansville
The Evansville Otters signed outfielder John Kukura and right-handed pitchers Josh McClain and Greg Stagani.
Kukura comes to Evansville after playing college baseball for the Setters of Pace University from 2014-17.
In 166 career starts with the Setters, Kukura finished fifth on the school’s all-time hits list with 205. He also set a new program mark with 11 career triples, including a single-season record of eight in 2016.
Kukura’s junior season in 2016 also included a .341 batting average, 33 RBIs and a .536 slugging percentage.
“He came highly recommended to us last year but we just didn’t have a need at the time,” Otters manager Andy McCauley said. “Then he played really well at a Diamondbacks workout last fall so he should compete for an outfield job this spring.”
McClain played collegiately at West Chester University from 2016-17 after beginning his career at Northampton Community College (2014-15).
As a senior with the Golden Rams in 2017, McClain finished with a 2.97 ERA and 11-2 record while making 29 appearances.
His senior season at West Chester was capped by a NCAA Division II national championship and he earned the victory in the title game, going four innings in relief in a 5-2 win over the University of California-San Diego.
In his two years with West Chester, McClain pitched 101.2 innings and struck out 89 batters while only walking 42. He also finished with 18 saves.
“We had a lot of interest in Josh after a very successful career at West Chester,” McCauley said. “I was very surprised he wasn’t drafted but we are looking forward to helping him get to the next level.”
Former Otter Matt Zielinski also played at West Chester as a graduate student in 2011 before joining McCauley’s team later that summer in Evansville.
Stagani played collegiately at West Liberty University from 2014-17 and as a senior he was named to the Mountain East Conference second team as a pitcher.
In 2017, he had a 2.60 ERA for the Hilltoppers and McCauley said a former player recommended Stagani to him.
“He will be looking to compete for role in spring training,” McCauley said. “He has shown well at a number of workouts.”
Attorney General Curtis Hill Warns Of Tax Fraud
Attorney General Curtis Hill is warning Hoosiers to beware of scams in which their identities are stolen and used to file fraudulent tax returns.Â
For many families, the New Year brings hope of long awaited tax refunds. People may make plans to pay off debts or make significant purchases. Unfortunately, tax identity thieves may also be making plans to use those hard-earned dollars.     Â
Tax identify thieves use other people’s Social Security Numbers (SSN) to file taxes and/or even obtain jobs. Most victims initially will not even be aware that this has happened. Some will be notified upon e-filing that a tax return has already been filed using their SSN. Â
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Treasury Inspector General to bring awareness and tools to help people protect themselves from tax identity theft.   Â
On their website, the FTC has provided free webinars and other information in order to learn what to do if you or someone you know needs assistance with tax identity theft or an IRS imposter scam. Information specifically dedicated to taxpayers, military service members and small business operators can also be found on the site. Â
The IRSÂ has offered the following warning signs of possible tax-related identity theft:Â
- More than one tax return was filed for you;Â
- You owe additional tax, have a refund offset or have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return, or;Â
- IRS records indicate you received wages or other income from an employer for whom you did not work.Â
If you believe you have been the victim of tax-related or any other type of identity theft, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General office can help. Go to indianaconsumer.com or call 1-800-382-5516 to make a complaint. Â