Freeman’s Bill to Increase Criminal Penalties and Enhance Public Safety Passes Indiana Senate

In a significant step toward strengthening public safety in Indiana, Senate Bill 324, authored by State Senator Aaron Freeman, passed the Senate on February 20, 2025, with a bipartisan vote of 46-3. The bill, which seeks to increase criminal penalties and enhance public safety, now heads to the House for further consideration.

Senate Bill 324 targets three critical areas within the criminal justice system: bail procedures, battery offenses, and drug-related crimes. One of the bill’s main provisions would eliminate automatic bail for suspects arrested for violent crimes, requiring courts to conduct hearings within 48 hours of arrest. This provision aims to ensure that repeat offenders face higher penalties and are not released back into communities without proper judicial review.

Additionally, SB 324 focuses on increasing penalties for individuals involved in the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, as part of Indiana’s ongoing effort to combat the opioid crisis and prevent drug-related fatalities.

“I am tired of watching repeat violent offenders being released back into the public so easily,” Freeman said. “The people of Indiana continue to see firsthand how repeat violent offenders are not being held to the appropriate standard by our courts. This is why I have worked with Gov. Braun and his leadership to author a bill that would increase penalties and restore law and order to the Indiana criminal justice system.”

During the legislative process, two amendments were added to the bill. The first amendment, authored by State Senator Scott Baldwin, addresses the rise in deadly accidents caused by individuals attempting to evade law enforcement. Baldwin’s amendment increases criminal penalties for those who resist arrest using a motor vehicle, resulting in injury to others or law enforcement officials.

The second amendment, introduced by State Senator Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis), targets domestic violence cases. It requires individuals charged with domestic violence offenses who have certain prior convictions to wear a monitoring device if released on bail.

“We are taking a stand against crime in Indiana and putting the safety of Hoosiers first,” Freeman said. “It has been a great experience to have bipartisan support for this bill on the Senate floor.”

The passage of SB 324 marks a significant milestone in Indiana’s efforts to address violent crime and public safety concerns. While the bill has received widespread support from law enforcement and public safety advocates, it has also generated debate. Critics, including some civil rights groups, argue that the proposed bail reforms could disproportionately affect low-income individuals and communities of color.

As the bill moves forward, it is expected to continue sparking discussion and scrutiny as both supporters and critics weigh in on its potential impact on the state’s criminal justice system.