Indianapolis – Today, Governor Mike Pence ceremonially signed two bills aimed at protecting children. The first, HEA 1161, provides civil immunity for a person who forcibly enters a motor vehicle to rescue a child. The second, HEA 1216, provides a defense to the crime of prostitution if the defendant is a child and a victim of human or sexual trafficking.
“Simply put, these bills are about protecting our children and our young people, and I am honored to ceremonially sign them into law today,” said Governor Pence. “I applaud the work of the Indiana General Assembly to unanimously codify these important measures into Indiana law.”
The Governor was joined today by Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Patrick Harrington and Michele Lehman, board member at the National Runaway Safeline. Legislators in attendance included HEA 1161 bill author Representative Phil GiaQuinta (D – Fort Wayne), as well as HEA 1216 bill author Representative Randy Truitt (R – West Lafayette) and co-authors Representative Wendy McNamara (R – Mt. Vernon) and Representative Sheila Klinker (D – Lafayette).
