Sen. Aaron Freeman

Makes Indiana Code publication amendments. Repeals and relocates a specific Indiana Code definitions chapter for organization of the defined terms by alphabetical order and to provide for future expansion of the chapter. Makes conforming cross-reference updates. Resolves technical conflicts between various enrolled acts passed during the 2024 legislative session.

Provides that, if the attorney general determines probable cause exists, the attorney general, rather than any person lawfully domiciled in Indiana, shall bring an action to compel a governmental body or postsecondary educational institution to comply with statutes requiring cooperation with federal immigration officials. Requires a court to apply a preponderance of the evidence standard to enjoin the violation of those statutes.

Provides that the crime of trafficking with an inmate includes the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) to deliver contraband, and that the crime of public safety remote aerial interference includes operation of a drone to intentionally obstruct or interfere with the duties of a correctional officer, including a county jail officer.

Addresses technical issues in the Indiana Code, including those related to spelling, tabulation, formatting, grammar, and cross-references. Repeals an empty chapter. Relocates, without change, provisions enacted at an incorrect citation or at conflicting citations. Resolves technical conflicts from the 2023 legislative session. Changes references from the auditor of state to the state comptroller, and provides directions for publication of affected provisions. Makes conforming amendments. (The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the code revision commission.)

Permits a law enforcement agency to dispose of certain confiscated firearms by trade with a licensed firearms dealer, a licensed firearm manufacturer, or another law enforcement agency in exchange for new firearms and other law enforcement equipment. Sets forth the recording and reporting requirements for the trade of firearms by a law enforcement agency.

Amends definitions of emergency shelter care, motor vehicle, violent crime, and victim of a child sex crime. Changes out-of-pocket loss to out-of-pocket expenses. Provides that certain records obtained by the victim services division (division) of the criminal justice institute are to remain confidential. Provides that, where justice requires, the division may award compensation before an information or indictment is filed. Adds procedures for claim denial by the division. Provides that an award may not be made unless the claimant has incurred an out-of-pocket expense or loss of income that exceeds $100. Adds that the division may order the payment of compensation for reasonable, documented expenses that were incurred within 180 days of the violent crime. Provides that the director may extend the 180 days to two years for mental health counseling. Requires written verification of all losses and expenses requested before making an award. Adds procedures for application denial and appeals. Repeals the law relating to payment of compensable losses, hearings concerning the merits of an application, decisions by a hearing officer, the reduction of awards, and appealing the findings of a hearing officer.

Requires a state educational institution to prominently display hyperlinks to certain college scorecard information on the state educational institution's website and degree web pages.

Specifies certain duties and responsibilities relating to the operations of various task forces, committees, boards, and councils (statutory entities). Renames the Indiana code revision commission, probate code study commission, and other statutory entities. Specifies that certain statutory entities are subject to the general law governing legislative committees rather than to the law governing the statutory list of interim study committees. Authorizes a designee of the revisor of statutes to serve as a member of the uniform law commission (ULC). Repeals statutes governing the Medicaid oversight committee and relocates them to the law governing interim study committees. Identifies certain state employees serving on statutory entities by their specific job titles. Provides for the reimbursement of expenses of state employees, lay persons, and members of the general assembly serving on statutory entities. Specifies the expiration dates of the terms of members of certain statutory entities. (The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the code revision commission.)

Makes possession of xylazine a Class A misdemeanor, and increases the penalty to a Level 6 felony if the person has a prior xylazine related conviction. Makes dealing in xylazine a Level 5 felony, and increases the penalty to a Level 4 felony if the person has a prior xylazine related conviction. Exempts certain persons using, distributing, or manufacturing xylazine for veterinary purposes.

Establishes the bail and release review commission to review data concerning bail, bail reform, pretrial release, and related matters. Provides that the commission expires June 30, 2026.