State felony classifications could expand

FROM IDS REPORTS

The Indiana General Assembly passed a bill Friday that would expand the state’s felony classifications from four to six classes, which will now proceed to the governor’s desk.

If signed into law, House Bill 1006, proposed by Sen. Brent Steele, R-Bedford, would change Indiana’s four classes of felonies — classes A through D — to a six-class system, according to a press release issued Thursday.

According to the release, the change would allow sentencing judges to better ensure penalties fit the crimes for which individuals are convicted.

The bill would also reform the way in which offenders are able to earn credits to shorten time served in prison. Currently, those convicted of felonies are required to serve at least 50 percent of their sentences. Under the proposed bill, offenders would be required to serve at least 75 percent of the original sentence.

“Throughout the years, Indiana’s criminal code has gotten out of whack due to piecemeal changes, and some penalties are no longer proportional to the crimes committed,” Steele said in the press release. “The new system will promote consistency and fairness in criminal sentencing laws and will ultimately help reduce prison costs.”

If passed, the legislation will take effect July 1, 2014, according to the release.

— Kirsten Clark