Bill > SB0022

This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for eyewitness identification procedures in Indiana, effective July 1, 2025. The legislation defines key terms such as "eyewitness" (a person who may identify someone in a criminal proceeding), "filler" (a non-suspect person in a lineup), "lineup" (photo or live identification process), and "lineup administrator" (a neutral law enforcement employee who conducts the lineup). The bill mandates strict protocols for conducting lineups, including ensuring that only one suspect is included, fillers closely resemble the suspect, and the lineup composition prevents the suspect from standing out. For photo lineups, photographs must be presented sequentially and individually, while live lineups require all participants to perform similar actions and preferably be video recorded. Before a lineup, the administrator must provide specific instructions to the eyewitness, emphasizing that identification is voluntary and the investigation will continue regardless of the outcome. The bill also allows courts to suppress eyewitness identification evidence if proper procedures are not followed, though minor, immaterial defects or substantial compliance with approved procedures may not result in suppression. These detailed guidelines aim to improve the reliability and fairness of eyewitness identification processes in criminal investigations.

Justice

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/22/details