INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Governor Mike Braun celebrated the passage of two new public safety bills on Wednesday at a ceremonial signing event that highlighted the importance of protecting residents. The bipartisan measures aim to enhance penalties for fentanyl distribution and address domestic violence issues.
Governor Braun emphasized his commitment to public safety, stating that these initiatives reflect ongoing efforts to safeguard Hoosier families. “Keeping Hoosiers safe is our top priority, and we’ve secured several wins for public safety this session,” he remarked. “These bills will increase penalties for fentanyl trafficking, help protect police officers, and create a safer environment for Hoosier families.”
Senate Enrolled Act 324, which takes effect on July 1, raises penalties for crimes involving fentanyl. It also mandates that judges consider requiring monitoring devices for individuals charged with domestic violence as a condition for bail. This provision is particularly poignant for the Stoebick family, who attended the signing in memory of Jessica Stoebick, a nurse tragically murdered in a domestic violence incident in December 2023.
Jessica’s mother, Bobbi Stoebick, stood alongside Governor Braun, wearing a shirt that read, “I wear purple for my daughter. Stop domestic violence.” She voiced hope that had a monitoring device been in place, her daughter might have had the chance to escape her situation. “It is baby steps,” Bobbi said after the event. “Women live in fear every day; it has to stop.”
In addition to SEA 324, Governor Braun signed House Enrolled Act 1014, which restricts government bodies from hosting or organizing obscene performances. The governor described the measure as aligning with common sense, asserting that taxpayer dollars should not support such events. Despite the bill’s intent, no specific examples of such performances were cited during the legislative session.
Further provisions in House Enrolled Act 1014 include designating unlawful presence in the U.S. and distribution of controlled substances as aggravating factors in sentencing. “There are no disruptions from the federal border,” Braun stated, expressing optimism about improvements in the state.
The recent legislative efforts were met with a mixture of support and skepticism among various community members, reflecting broader debates around public safety and government responsibility in Indiana. Advocates continue to call for further action and resources to reduce incidents of domestic violence while enhancing community safety measures.
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