Bill > HB1019

This bill creates a new legal provision in Indiana that makes filing a false lien a Level 6 felony. Specifically, the bill defines a new criminal offense called "malicious interference with property" which occurs when a person knowingly files a lien or property encumbrance that is either completely false or contains a material misrepresentation against property owned by another person. A Level 6 felony is the lowest level of felony in Indiana's criminal classification system, which typically carries a potential sentence of 6 months to 2.5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and is designed to protect property owners from fraudulent or malicious attempts to interfere with their property rights by filing false legal documents. By creating this specific criminal offense, the legislation aims to deter individuals from using false liens as a form of harassment or economic warfare against property owners.

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https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1019/details