Indiana SB0009 mandates victims' right to make statements at sentencing and requires defendants to be present unless safety risks or disruptions.

Indiana SB0009 amends the Indiana Code to ensure victims have the right to make statements at sentencing, postconviction release, or pre-conviction release decisions. The bill mandates that defendants must be present in the courtroom during these statements unless they pose a safety risk or cause significant disruption. Victims can also submit written statements if they cannot attend the hearing. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026.

Indiana SB0009 mandates victims' right to make statements at sentencing and requires defendants to be present unless safety risks or disruptions.

Indiana SB0009 amends the Indiana Code to ensure victims have the right to make statements at sentencing, postconviction release, or pre-conviction release decisions. The bill mandates that defendants must be present in the courtroom during these statements unless they pose a safety risk or cause significant disruption. Victims can also submit written statements if they cannot attend the hearing. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026.