SB 251 IN

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Passed One Chamber

Provides that if a person has one prior OWI conviction, the court shall order that the person be imprisoned for at least 10 days or perform community service, and if a person has two prior OWI convictions, the court shall order that the person be imprisoned for at least 20 days or perform community service. Provides that a person receives good time credit while serving a sentence imposed under this statute (under current law, a person does not receive good time credit).Provides that this statute does not increase the maximum sentence for the offense as provided by either IC 35-50-2 or IC 35-50-3. Specifies that "vehicle", for purposes of the crime of operating while intoxicated, includes a watercraft, and repeals the separate crime of operating a motorboat while intoxicated. Provides that an initial hearing may be waived and allows a person to apply for a specialized driving privilege after an initial hearing. Adds operating while intoxicated due to use of a controlled substance to the habitual traffic violator statute. Authorizes the use of a roadside chemical test under certain circumstances. Specifies that ignition interlock devices may only be used when the underlying offense is operating while intoxicated resulting from the use of alcohol. Makes certain provisions concerning pretrial administrative suspension of driving privileges discretionary with the court.Provides that the budget director shall review and determine before December 31, 2026, whether federal highway administration funding to the state will or will not be reduced due to the amendment of provisions concerning administrative suspension of driving privileges. Requires the budget director to notify the budget committee of the determination and those provisions may not be implemented until after budget committee review. Makes conforming amendments.

• Aaron Freeman Republican · author
• Cyndi Carrasco Republican · author
• Chris Jeter Republican · sponsor

1. Jan 8, 2026 Authored by Senators Freeman, Carrasco · upper
2. Jan 8, 2026 First reading: referred to Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law · upper
3. Jan 13, 2026 Committee report: amend do pass adopted; reassigned to Committee on Appropriations · upper
4. Jan 22, 2026 Senator Charbonneau added as coauthor · upper
5. Jan 22, 2026 Committee report: amend do pass, adopted · upper
6. Jan 26, 2026 Second reading: ordered engrossed · upper
7. Jan 28, 2026 House sponsor: Representative Jeter · upper
8. Jan 28, 2026 Third reading: passed; Roll Call 124: yeas 47, nays 1 · upper
9. Jan 29, 2026 Referred to the House · upper
10. Feb 2, 2026 First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code · lower
11. Feb 3, 2026 Representative Olthoff added as cosponsor · lower
12. Feb 12, 2026 Committee report: amend do pass, adopted · lower
13. Feb 12, 2026 Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 126.3 · lower