INDIANAPOLIS | Debate over a proposal requiring convicted criminals who kill or injure a police dog to pay for its replacement turned surprisingly contentious in the Indiana Senate Tuesday.
A bipartisan group of seven senators, including Senate President David Long, R-Fort Wayne, objected to the measure.
Long conjured a wild scenario where a judge orders restitution be paid by an innocent Hoosier simply defending him or herself by killing an out-of-control police dog.
State Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, a co-sponsor of the measure, said that's not likely to happen and he wants to ensure police departments can recoup the $12,000 replacement cost if their dog is maimed or killed in the line of duty.
House Bill 1093, co-sponsored by state Sen. Sue Landske, R-Cedar Lake, cleared the Senate 42-7.
Changes made by the Senate must still be approved by the House before the legislation can go to the governor.
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