STATEHOUSE (March 19, 2013) – Legislation authored by State Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford) to  promote rehabilitation in the state’s justice system by expanding problem solving courts passed the Indiana Senate today by a 49-0 vote.

Steele said problem solving courts are courts created to assist individuals with special needs or unique circumstances that may not be adequately addressed in a traditional court setting, such as mental illness or drug addiction. House Bill 1016 would expand the circumstances under which a person can participate in a problem solving court and allow these courts to provide rehabilitative services to individuals. 

“Problem solving courts are designed to not only seek justice, but also to address the reasons behind why these crimes are committed in the first place, such as drug abuse, mental illness and domestic difficulties,” Steele said. “These courts serve as an important tool in tackling the problems that plague our society and in helping rehabilitate individuals so they do not become repeat offenders.”

The bill now heads back to the House of Representatives for further action.

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