INDIANAPOLIS – On Tuesday, Senate Bill (SB) 368, authored by State Senator Karen Tallian (D-Ogden Dunes), passed out of the Senate with a vote of 46-1. This bill makes some important changes to Indiana’s juvenile justice system. Under the bill, certain juvenile offenses will be automatically expunged and, under most circumstances, a juvenile would be prohibited from being housed with adult inmates. SB 368 also sets up a procedure for determining juvenile competency. Sen. Tallian had the following response on the passage of her bill:

“In committee, we heard much compelling testimony in support of this bill. I want to thank everyone who advocated for our young people,” Sen. Tallian said. “This bill acknowledges that children are not adults and should not be treated the same way.

“Criminal justice reform is a priority for our caucus this session and for me personally. I’m very happy to see this bill advancing,” Sen. Tallian said. “SB 368 will provide much needed reform in the justice system for the most vulnerable and impressionable in our society – our juveniles.”

State Senator Susan Glick (R-LaGrange) is the bill’s second author and State Senator Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis) is a co-author. SB 368 will now move to the House for consideration.

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