This session, House Republicans are advancing measures designed to better protect crime victims and bolster the state's Amber Alert system in cases of missing children.
State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) authored House Bill 1250 in response to the tragic death of Evansville resident Susan Haynie, who was allegedly killed by a violent offender released from prison months earlier. Working closely with Haynie’s family, O’Brien crafted legislation to strengthen communication between state and local officials and ensure victims are not left in the dark.
House Bill 1250 would require the Indiana Department of Correction to provide a seven-day advance electronic notice to local law enforcement and victims when a serious violent felon is scheduled for release. Notifications would be sent to sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys and police chiefs in both the community where the offender will be released and where the crime occurred. Victims would then be alerted through Indiana’s Statewide Automated Victim Information & Notification system.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers), State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) and State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) are also working this session to expand Indiana’s Amber Alert system following the tragic death of Hailey Buzbee, a teenager from Fishers.
House Bill 1303 would expand the definition of a missing child to include a "high-risk missing person," giving law enforcement greater flexibility to act quickly in situations where a child may be in immediate danger.
These measures are aimed at improving public safety and protecting Hoosiers. Strengthening victim notification requirements and expanding law enforcement’s ability to respond quickly in high-risk missing child cases prioritizes both prevention and response. House Republicans are working to support crime victims and safeguard children. Learn more at iga.in.gov.
