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Increasing accountability for high-level felons

Increasing accountability for high-level felons

By State Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis)

To combat crime in our community, my fellow lawmakers and I are working diligently to pass legislation that holds dangerous criminals accountable for their actions. Senate Bill 133, which I authored, would increase the punishment for repeat offenders who are convicted of possessing child pornography, exploiting children, or dealing drugs.

Possession of child pornography and child exploitation are reprehensible acts, and a second offense warrants a harsher punishment. Under SB 133, a second offense of possession of child pornography would move up to a level five felony instead of level six, and a second offense of child exploitation would move up to a level four felony instead of level five.

SB 133 would also close what I call "the drug dealer loophole" in current Indiana law. Under this loophole, most high-level felons in Indiana must serve a minimum sentence in prison, but we exempt many drug dealers from this rule. My bill would put drug dealers under the same rule as other high-level felons, meaning more of them would serve mandatory minimum prison sentences. Holding drug dealers to the same level of accountability as other high-level felons would create a more uniform corrections system while helping to deter drug-related felonies from occurring in the first place.

Last week, I presented SB 133 in the Senate, where it passed unanimously. SB 133 will now go to the House of Representatives for consideration. To follow SB 133 through the legislative process and view other bills being considered this legislative session, click here.

I encourage you to contact me with any questions or comments you may have by email at Senator.Freeman@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.

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A high-resolution photo of State Sen. Aaron Freeman is available by clicking here.