Ind. Senate approves changes to state's public intox law

INDIANAPOLIS | Drunken Hoosiers could not be arrested for public intoxication unless they were endangering their life, another person's life or breaching the peace under legislation approved 30-20 on Monday by the Indiana Senate.

State Sen. Mike Young, R-Indianapolis, sponsor of Senate Bill 97, said the conditions are needed to stop police from turning ordinary — though drunken — residents into criminals.

State Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, a former LaPorte County sheriff, said police don't seek cheap arrests, and the existing law, with no conditions, effectively protects the public.

The measure now advances to the House.