THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM INDIANA STATE SENATOR SPENCER DEERY’S OFFICE
Adds penalties for malicious littering and crimes committed while wearing a mask
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 26, 2026) — A bill authored by State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) that would impose tougher penalties on offenders who hide their identifies unanimously passed the Senate Wednesday, Feb. 25, and will now move to the governor for his consideration.
Senate Enrolled Act 160 would crack down on masked individuals by making disguising your face while committing a crime a sentencing aggravator.
“One of first duties of government is to protect its citizens,” Deery said. “This bill helps to keep our criminal laws current with the rising use of masks in criminal activity. I am grateful for law enforcement and groups like the Anti-Defamation League and the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council for their support of the bill.”
The bill would also make malicious littering a Class A misdemeanor. Malicious littering is when a person throws trash and other refuse on the property of another individual with the intent to cause reasonable fear for their physical safety.
SEA 160 now heads to the governor’s desk for further consideration.
Deery encourages residents of Senate District 23 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Deery can be reached by filling out a “Contact Me” form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Deery or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) represents Senate District 23,
which includes Fountain, Parke, Vermillion and Warren counties,
and portions of Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.
