Lanane: Senate sends domestic battery cooling off bill to House

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - On Tuesday, January 29, 2008, the Indiana Senate approved a measure that would require an eight-hour cooling off period in custody for individuals arrested for domestic battery. Senate Bill 27, co-authored by State Senator State Senator Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) was approved by a vote of 48 TO 0.

"The Senate heard overwhelming testimony that a cooling off period will aid all parties involved in a domestic violence case," Lanane said. "The period gives a victim the opportunity to access services and find shelter before the accused abuser returns home."

The perpetrator in a domestic battery arrest will often immediately bond out, and law enforcement would be called back to the same house just hours later. Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week indicated that the measure had support from domestic violence awareness advocates, judges, law enforcement agencies and other lawmakers.

Laura Berry Berman, Executive Director of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, told the Senate committee that a recent study by the Coalition indicates at least twenty-three counties already place a hold on domestic violence perpetrators for at least eight hours or until the initial court hearing through a voluntary coordinated community response.

According to the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 76 deaths were attributed to domestic violence in the state between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007. Two of those deaths occurred in Madison County. For more information on Sen. Lanane, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov.

Source: Senator Tim Lanane Press Release

Technorati Tags: News State Government Indiana Politics 2008 Indiana Senate Indianapolis Laura Berry Berman Marion County Senate Bill 27 Tim Lanane

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