Proposed Bill Sets Stiffer Penalties For Public Servants Who Commit Theft

Under current state law, there is no required jail time for public servants who steal public money.

Indiana Statehouse. IN.gov photo.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – An Indiana lawmaker has filed legislation that would impose tougher penalties on government officials or employees who are convicted of stealing public funds.

State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) says House Bill 1192 would require public servants who commit felony theft by stealing $750 or more in public funds to serve as least 30 days in jail as part of the sentence.

“We need to hold our public servants accountable when theft occurs,” Lauer said. “If passed, this law will be an important deterrent to discourage officials violating public trust. While I greatly appreciate our hardworking honest Hoosiers in public service, there could be a rare few who feel they can violate our trust by stealing from the public. Public servants should be held to the highest standard and when that trust is violated, they should serve time in jail.”

Currently, the penalty for theft by a public servant is up to the discretion of the judge, meaning no mandatory jail time is required.

Lauer’s proposal includes a provision that a sentence of 30 days can’t be suspended to probation, and the offender may not earn good time credit with serving the mandatory term.

More from Local News


Events

South Dearborn Schools Receive Generous Donation from Superior Fire & Security LLC

The funding will be used to purchase and install window and door identifiers.

Ivy Tech Cyber Academy Teams Up with Muscatatuck to Train Defenders of Your Information

At the Indiana National Guard’s Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, more than soldiers are being trained.

Mother Nature Hits Hole-in-One at Circling Hills Golf Course

A lightning strike caused damage at the course.

Local Sports Report - April 29, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - April 28, 2026

One local softball star tossed a no-hitter on Tuesday night.

On Air

Chelsie playing
Joe Diffie - Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox

Jon Pardi Heartache Medication 9:04
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 9:03
Gretchen Wilson Homewrecker 9:00
John Michael Montgomery Life's A Dance 8:53