Bauer’s HB 1269 passes unanimously out of committee

Today, the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee unanimously passed House Bill 1269, authored by State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend).

HB 1269 strengthens Indiana’s criminal justice framework by providing courts with an additional, structured sentencing option through the creation of a court-ordered prostitution offender education program in statute. Indiana currently has no statewide framework for such a program.

Under the bill, a judge may offer the program as part of sentencing following an unlawful proposition conviction. Participation is required only if the court elects to offer the option. Participants would pay a $500 program fee, which would help sustain local and state resources focused on offender rehabilitation and victim assistance. The bill also creates a modest funding source for the Human Trafficking Prevention and Victim Assistance Fund, which currently exists in statute but has no dedicated funding.

A portion of the collected fees would be distributed to local law enforcement agencies and county general funds, strengthening community resources and partnerships across jurisdictions.

“This legislation reflects a balanced, evidence-based approach to public safety that promotes accountability while supporting interventions shown to reduce recidivism,” Bauer said. “HB 1269 is about changing behavior, reducing exploitation and improving long-term outcomes for individuals and communities.”

The bill was developed with input from survivor-led organizations and stakeholders focused on reducing exploitation and improving victim support.

“HB 1269’s passage out of committee is an important step toward advancing commonsense criminal justice reform that protects Hoosiers and supports meaningful accountability,” Bauer added. “I am grateful for the bipartisan conversations with my colleagues and the shared commitment to making Indiana safer and fairer for everyone.”

House Bill 1269 now advances to the full House for further consideration.