FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Abbey Webb, Press Secretary
Abbey.Webb@iga.in.gov
317-234-3560
Jovi Taylor, Press Secretary Intern
Jovi.Taylor@iga.in.gov
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2025) — A bill authored by State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) that seeks to increase public and police safety was heard in the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law on Tuesday, February 4th.
Senate Bill 281 prohibits the expungement of violent crimes from criminal records and allows law enforcement officials to have timely access to those records.
"For too long, Indiana has offered violent criminals the opportunity to expunge their records and regain access to firearms," Baldwin said. "This has perpetuated a cycle of repeated violent offenses."
Current Indiana law allows local law enforcement agencies to view expunged criminal records, but many police officers are unable to see this information in real time from their vehicles, potentially putting them at risk during interactions with suspects.
"One of my main priorities is ensuring public safety for all Hoosiers," Baldwin said. "By allowing law enforcement officials access to all criminal records at the scene of a crime they will be prepared and able to do their job in an effective and safe manner."
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For more information or status on SB 281, click here. To see all of Baldwin's bills this legislative session, click here.
State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) represents Senate District 20,
which includes Noblesville, Carmel, Cicero and unincorporated areas of Hamilton County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
