Bill > SB0440

This bill amends Indiana Code 35-38-1-7.1 to add a new aggravating circumstance for sentencing purposes, specifically targeting individuals who commit motor vehicle-related offenses while being illegally or unlawfully present in the United States. The bill introduces a thirteenth aggravating factor that courts may consider when determining a sentence, which means that if a person commits a motor vehicle-related crime and is found to be in the country illegally at the time of the offense, this can be used as a factor that potentially increases the severity of their punishment. This new provision would become effective on July 1, 2025, and is part of the state's legal framework for considering various circumstances that might impact sentencing decisions. The bill modifies an existing statute that outlines aggravating and mitigating circumstances courts can weigh when determining an appropriate sentence for a criminal offense, with this new provision specifically highlighting immigration status in the context of motor vehicle crimes.

Justice

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/senate/440/details