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

Sunman Man Charged with Arson

Charges stem from a camper fire that occurred May 27.

Treasures Await at the Tri-State Antique Market

June 7 at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds

BCSC Holds Staff Appreciation Banquet

Staff members celebrating various years of service were acknowledged, and retirees were honored.

ORVC Announces 2026 Baseball All-Conference Team

Eighteen players earned recognition.

ORVC Announces 2026 Softball All-Conference Team

Milan and Rising Sun shared the conference title.

Milan Softball Captures Sectional Title

The Lady Indians are on a 16-game win streak.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Larry Fleet - Things I Take For Granted

Rhett Akins Don't Get Me Started 11:24
Riley Green Different Round Here - EAGLE ONLY 11:21
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Fishin' In The Dark 11:18
George Birge It Won't Be Long 11:11