STATEHOUSE (Jan. 21, 2026) — A bill authored by State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) to increase notification requirements for crime victims prior to the release of a violent felon passed through the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee today.
O’Brien said he has received overwhelming community support for House Bill 1250, legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims of violent crime through improved communication and transparency. The bill received bipartisan support from the committee, passing with a unanimous 13-0 vote.
HB 1250 creates clearer coordination between the Indiana Department of Correction and local law enforcement agencies. The IDOC would provide a seven-day advance electronic notice when a serious violent felon is scheduled for release. This notification would be sent to the sheriff, prosecuting attorney and chief of police in both the community where the offender will be relocating and the community where the original crime occurred. A court and prosecuting attorney would then notify any victims through Indiana’s Statewide Automated Victim Information & Notification program of the felon’s release.
O’Brien said that public response to the legislation has been swift and strong, with a petition supporting HB 1250garnering more than 2,000 signatures in just over a week. O’Brien authored the legislation after Evansville real estate agent Susan Haynie was allegedly killed last fall by a convicted violent offender who was released from prison just six months earlier.
“Our community continues to feel heartbreak from Susan Haynie’s tragic death,” O’Brien said. “This issue is near and dear to those of us who knew Susan and it carries significance for victims of violent crime across the state. This was a tragic situation where perhaps a simple notification could have made a difference.”
O’Brien said that he worked closely with Haynie’s family while crafting this legislation. They joined forces with a group of the perpetrator’s other victims to form the Susan Haynie Committee, advocating for stronger public safety measures and improved victim notification across Indiana.
“I offer this bill in memory of a friend, in support of victims and in the hope that better communication can prevent future tragedies,” O’Brien said.
The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. To learn more about HB 1250 and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.
