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

OCCF Awards Celebration Grant to St. Elizabeth

The funding was awarded to help with Project Heart Restart

Erlanger Teenager Charged with Terroristic Threatening

The charge stems from alleged statements made towards Dixie Heights High School

Veteran Recognition Signs Installed in Aurora Ahead of Veterans Day

A lot of people contributed to this special project.

Local Sports Report - November 5, 2026

Girls High School Basketball Stats and Scores

Local Basketball Stars Chasing 1,000 Career Points

Nearly a dozen local stars are within reach of the career milestone

South Dearborn Cheerleaders Earn HCCA Academic All-State Honors

Academic All-State honorees will be recognized at the Spirit State Championship

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Luke Bryan - That's My Kind Of Night

Lacy J. Dalton Taking It Easy 3:43
Lady A You Look Good 3:40
Cody Johnson and Brad Paisley w/ Carrie Underwood I'm Gonna Love You 3:36
Garth Brooks The Dance 3:32