Bill to enhance fleeing from police in a vehicle passes Senate

STATEHOUSE – The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard HB 1097 sponsored by Senators Susan Glick and Eric Koch regarding criminal penalties. 

The bill provides that a person who resists law enforcement by operating a vehicle in a manner that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person or has a prior conviction for resisting law enforcement commits a Level 5 felony.

The bill was amended by consent to clarify that the prior conviction must be for resisting law enforcement involving the use of a vehicle.

The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, and the Noble County Prosecuting Attorney testified in support of the bill. The Indiana Public Defender Council testified in opposition. 

The amended bill passed 7-1.

Read the bill at: http://www.iga.in.gov/legislative/2021/bills/house/1097