State Rep. Alex Zimmerman's Bills Ceremonially Signed by Governor

State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) (far left) joins Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (center, sitting), State Sen. Cyndi Carrasco (R-Indianapolis) (far right) and members of the Castner family for a ceremonial signing of his legislation to enhance criminal penalties for unlicensed drivers on May 28, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The bill was inspired by Brad Castner, who died in a car accident last year involving an unlicensed driver. Photo provided.

INDIANAPOLIS - Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed three of State Rep. Alex Zimmerman's (R-North Vernon) bills into law.

The new laws authored by Zimmerman and aimed at improving public safety include House Enrolled Act 1014, House Enrolled Act 1079, and House Enrolled Act 1114.

"This year, I brought forward several new laws focused on strengthening public safety and protecting our youth," Zimmerman said. "From driver safety to ensuring we keep our children away from harmful materials, this session was a great success, and I look forward to continuing this work to improve our state and local communities."

Zimmerman said HEA 1114 adds two new criminal enhancements for those who drive without ever receiving a license, increasing the penalties to a Level 5 or 6 felony if the unlicensed driver causes bodily injury, catastrophic injury or death.

Zimmerman said he authored the law because a constituent, 27-year-old Brad Castner from Holton, died from a head-on collision with an unlicensed driver. While the driver could be prosecuted, Zimmerman said the penalties were not substantial to reflect the nature of the crime, and Brad's family never received meaningful justice.

HEA 1014 installs a cap on terms of incarceration for misdemeanor sentences similar to how felony sentences are capped in certain situations.

Zimmerman said an example of this was showcased recently, where a defendant received a 12-year aggregate sentence for 24 misdemeanor counts, but if the defendant were facing similar felony charges, the maximum term of incarceration would have been capped at four years.

Zimmerman said HEA 1014 makes being in the country illegally when you commit another crime an aggravating sentencing factor, as well as having distributed a controlled substance, and prohibits state government from organizing, hosting or funding obscene performances.

To learn more about these and other laws signed by the governor, visit iga.in.gov.