The Indiana House voted this week in support of the bill.
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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana House of Representatives voted this week in support of a bill to reduce jail overcrowding.
House Bill 1004 would provide judicial flexibility so Level 6 Felony offenders can be sent to the Indiana Department of Correction.
The legislation, which is co-authored by State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), said “local law enforcement is overburdened with offenders who need counseling and treatment services more than incarceration.”
The DOC offers greater access to mental health and addiction treatment services than many local jails.
According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, 77 percent of Indiana’s jails are overcrowded or at capacity. The ICJI 2021 annual evaluation found that nearly 75 percent of all criminal filing were Level 6 Felonies.
“These efforts could help reduce local jail overcrowding and allow locals to redirect public safety resources to where they matter most,” said Baird.
House Bill 1004 now moves to the Indiana Senate for consideration.
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