Sen. Buck Shares Update

Ensuring public safety is one of the most fundamental duties of our government. That’s why I supported two new laws that are designed to crack down on drug dealers and strengthen bail requirements.

   

Fentanyl, a highly dangerous opioid, can be fatal in amounts as little as two milligrams. In 2024, Indiana saw 475 opioid-related deaths, and fentanyl was the deadliest drug in that category. With this in mind, I supported a new law that increases penalties for drug dealers who intend to deal fentanyl. Longer sentences for fentanyl dealers will help keep these dangerous criminals behind bars longer and prevent them from pushing deadly drugs in our communities.   

  

Another new law I supported is designed to help address the issue of “revolving door” criminals who are arrested and released on bail only to commit additional crimes. 

House Enrolled Act 1014 requires an individual arrested for a violent crime to have a bail hearing in open court before they can receive bail. This will ensure violent criminals are not let back on the street under a “one size fits all” bail policy and help the public better understand what decisions their locally elected judges are making regarding public safety.  

  

Keeping Hoosiers safe has always been one of my highest priorities, and these two bills are just a few of many steps we have taken in Indiana to enforce the Rule of Law. I will continue to work with public safety officials and my colleagues at the Statehouse to strengthen laws that keep dangerous criminals off our streets.