KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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HB1312 • 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.

Children Crime
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Representative Andrew Ireland
Last action
2026-01-06
Official status
Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill text and summaries do not provide detailed information about the specific conforming changes that will be made.

Indiana Bill on Aggravated Child Molesting Penalties

This bill defines 'aggravated child molesting' and sets penalties, including the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

What This Bill Does

  • Defines a new crime called 'aggravated child molesting'.
  • Allows the state to seek either the death sentence or life in prison without parole for someone found guilty of aggravated child molesting.
  • Sets rules for when a jury or judge can decide on these penalties.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who commit the crime of aggravated child molesting
  • Courts and judges in Indiana

Terms To Know

aggravated child molesting
A serious form of sexual abuse against a child, as defined by this bill.
life imprisonment without parole
Being in prison for the rest of your life with no chance to be released.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The exact details on how and when a death sentence or life in prison can be given are not fully explained.
  • It is unclear what specific changes will be made to other laws to match this new law.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-06 House

    Authored by Representative Ireland

  2. 2026-01-06 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.
Penalties for certain sex offenses.

Current Bill Text

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

Penalties for certain sex offenses.

Defines "aggravated child molesting". Provides that the state may seek either a death sentence or a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for a person convicted of aggravated child molesting. Provides requirements for a jury or court to impose either a death sentence or a sentence of life imprisonment without parole. Makes conforming changes.