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Felony DNA bill passage earns Legislative Excellence Awards for Rep. Bauer, Sen. Houchin

Last updated on Friday, December 8, 2017

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana Representative B. Patrick Bauer and Senator Erin Houchin have received Legislative Excellence Awards from Indiana prosecuting attorneys for their Rep. Bauer Awardwork on the passage of a bill during the 2017 legislative sessions that requires felony arrestees to provide a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

St. Joseph County Prosecutor Kenneth P. Cotter presented the award to Rep. Bauer and noted Bauer's tireless work on the issue for nearly five years. "Rep. Bauer, this year, gave an impassioned speech on the House floor, urging his colleagues to support the bill, which would go on to pass out of the House 81-16. Thanks to his leadership, prosecutors in Indiana now have an invaluable tool to not only exonerate the innocent, but also ensure that dangerous repeat offenders are held accountable for their crimes," said Prosecutor Cotter.

Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Patrick Harrington said Senator Houchin was being honored for her work in the passage of the DNA legislation, as well as another bill that gave prosecutors a number of advantages in the criminal fight against the heroin epidemic and helps to crack down on offenders who steal prescription opioids from retail pharmacists. "Senator Houchin was diligent in her efforts to pass legislation which will go far in helping prosecutors shut off the supply of heroin poisoning our communities every day," said Prosecutor Harrington. "Because of her, Indiana is a tougher place for heroin dealers, and a safer place for Hoosiers to grow, work, and live."Sen. Houchin

Award
Representative Bauer has had a long and illustrious career in the Indiana House of Representatives, spanning nearly 50 years. Since he was first elected in 1970, he has served as Speaker of the House, House Democratic Leader, and Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. He represents St. Joseph County. Senator Houchin was elected to her first term in 2014 and has made a mark with her support of public safety causes. She represents Crawford, Dubois, Harrison, Orange, Perry and Washington Counties.

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