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HB1194 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

Crime
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Chris Jeter
Last action
2026-01-05
Official status
Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide specific details about what happens if the state cannot prove someone dangerous enough to stay in jail.

Indiana Bill to Change Bail Rules

This bill changes Indiana's rules about when people accused of crimes other than murder can be released on bail, requiring proof that they are dangerous and no conditions can protect the community.

What This Bill Does

  • Changes the rules for releasing people accused of crimes other than murder on bail.
  • Requires the state to prove by a preponderance of evidence that there is strong evidence against the person.
  • Requires the state to prove by clear and convincing evidence that the arrestee is dangerous and no conditions can protect the community's safety.
  • Establishes procedures for a hearing where judges decide if someone should be released or stay in jail.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who are arrested and accused of crimes other than murder
  • Judges who make decisions about bail

Terms To Know

Preponderance of the evidence
The amount of proof needed to show that something is more likely true than not.
Clear and convincing evidence
A higher level of proof, showing that it is highly probable or almost certain that something is true.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens if the state cannot prove someone dangerous enough to stay in jail.
  • It's unclear how this will affect people who are accused but have not been proven guilty yet.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-05 House

    Authored by Representative Jeter

  2. 2026-01-05 House

    First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.
Bail matters.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

Bail matters.

Provides that offenses other than murder are not bailable if the state proves: (1) by a preponderance of the evidence that the proof is evident or the presumption strong; and (2) by clear and convincing evidence that the arrestee is dangerous and that no conditions of release will reasonably protect the safety of other persons or the community. Establishes procedures for a bail hearing.