HB 1137 and Expungement of Red Flag Law Records
A new bill (House Bill 1137, or HB 1137) was recently introduced in Indiana that would require a court to “expunge certain records related to the red flag law if the court finds that an individual is not dangerous.” If the proposed legislation became law, it would also permit a court to “expunge certain records related to the red flag law if the court finds that an individual previously found dangerous is no longer dangerous.” In other words, the proposed legislation would expand state law concerning expungement or expunction, and it would allow more individuals to be eligible to seek record expungement.
What else do you need to know about HB 1137? An experienced Indianapolis expungement attorney can provide you with additional information, and we can discuss expungement options with you today if you have a criminal or a civil record in Indiana.
Understanding Indiana’s Red Flag Law
To better understand HB 1137 and its potential implications, it is important to be clear about Indiana’s red flag law and how it works. Indiana’s red flag law is set forth under IC 35-47-14, and it is also known as the “Jake Laird Law.” The Indiana Code defines the law as proceedings for the seizure and retention of a firearm, and the warrantless seizure of a firearm from an individual who is believed to be dangerous.
According to the Indiana State Police, the law “addresses circumstances where it would be appropriate for a police officer to take custody of a citizen’s firearms, by way of a warrant, or immediately when exigent circumstances are present and it can be clearly articulated the safety of the public was in jeopardy.”
Understanding HB 1137 and Its Potential Implications
To be clear, HB 1137 has only recently been introduced in the Indiana 2025 legislative session, and it still has some time to go before it can become law. To be clear, the law would require mandatory expungement in some red flag law cases, and it would allow for discretionary expungement in other red flag law cases.
The proposed legislation was initially introduced in January 2025. Since then, it has unanimously passed in the House and in the Senate. Given its significant bipartisan support, it is likely to become law once the governor signs it and it takes effect. If this happens, more individuals will be eligible for expungement under Indiana law, specifically those impacted by the red flag law in the state. If you believe the proposed law may be relevant to you, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Contact Our Indianapolis Expungement Attorneys for Assistance
Many options for expungement are available in Indiana, even if this proposed legislation does not pass. If you have any questions about your eligibility to expunge a criminal record, or any other type of record for a civil infraction, eviction infraction, or a case with the Department of Child Services, one of the experienced Indianapolis expungement lawyers at Rigney Law LLC can assist you. Contact our firm today to find out more about how we assist clients with expungements and help you to move forward with your life.
Sources:
iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1137/details
in.gov/isp/indiana-jake-laird-law-red-flag-law/
