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

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
Rating *

Events

Queens Court, 4-H Royalty Crowned at 2026 Dearborn County Fair

The Dearborn County Fair rolls on through Friday.

Search Continues for Missing Franklin Co. Teen

Alyssa Richardson was last seen on June 5.

Genesis: Pathways to Success Brings Imagination to Life Through Summer Camps

Area students enjoyed Milan CARES Hogwarts and Brick Masters: LEGO Building Camp

SCAI Names Individual, Team Academic All-State Teams

EC, Milan, Rising Sun and JCD were represented.

Nine Local Stars Earn All-State Honors

The Softball Coaches Association of Indiana recently released their 2026 All-State Teams

SEI Hoop Stars Compete at All-Star Classic

South Dearborn, Batesville, South Ripley and East Central were represented

On Air

Luke Bryan Drink a Beer 0:40
George Strait Carrying Your Love With Me 0:36
Matt Stell Breakin In Boots 0:33
Martina McBride Anyway 0:28