‘Carmen’s Law’ to expand access to advanced DNA testing for cold cases passes the Senate

Yesterday, Feb. 19, House Bill 1248, authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), passed the Indiana State Senate unanimously. The bill now heads to the governor's desk to be signed into law.

HB 1248, also known as "Carmen's Law" in honor of Carmen Hope Van Huss, creates a framework for private funding of advanced DNA testing for cold cases. This enables family members of victims and other key stakeholders to submit a request for advanced DNA testing in cases that have gone unsolved for five or more years.

Hamilton released the following statement regarding "Carmen's Law" passing out of the Senate:

“House Bill 1248 would not have been possible without Carmen Hope Van Huss, who finally received justice as her killer was sentenced just last week 30 years after her brutal murder. Carmen's case was solved using advanced DNA testing, and her family has been the driving force behind this bill to help bring more cases like hers to a close. Carmen's Law will help bring justice to the thousands of unsolved homicide victims and their loved ones, as well as get violent offenders off the streets to prevent further tragedies. I am truly honored to have worked with Carmen's family to pass this bill into law.

“I’m grateful to all the stakeholders who have supported this bill, including my co-authors and co-sponsors, Chairwoman Wendy McNamara, State Rep. Garrett Bascom, State Rep. Maureen Bauer, Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, Sen. Rodney Pol and Sen. Sue Glick."