Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) appointed State Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford) as chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary for the 119th General Assembly.

“This committee will examine policies affecting Indiana’s justice system and study new ways to maintain consistency and fairness in our state’s court system,” Steele said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to address the important proposals that will come before the committee.”

Steele was also named to the following committees:

• Senate Committee on Agriculture
• Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law
• Senate Committee on Ethics
• Senate Committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions
• Senate Committee on Natural Resources
• Senate Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedure

Committee hearings can be viewed online by visiting www.in.gov/legislative. Schedules and meeting agendas can also be found on this site.

The 2015 legislative session ceremonially began Nov. 18, with Organization Day. Legislators will reconvene Jan. 6, and by law must conclude by April 29.

Troopers from the Indiana State Police Jasper Post will be conducting a sobriety check point at an undisclosed location in Crawford County on Friday, November 28, 2014. Those drivers passing through the check point area should have their licenses and registrations ready to present to troopers, and will only be detained briefly while troopers determine whether further investigation is necessary.

The purpose of the sobriety check point is to remove those motorists from the highways who are alcohol and/or drug impaired and poses a danger to all who use the roadways. Impaired drivers are responsible for billions of dollars in property damage, personal injury, and death annually.

Reminders so motorists do not find themselves “Over the Limit and Under Arrest”:

• Plan ahead and always designate a sober driver before consuming alcohol.
• Don’t drive your vehicle if you’ve been drinking alcohol. Call a taxi or sober friend.
• Take care of your friends. Never let a friend drive while impaired.
• If you are hosting a party, always offer non-alcoholic beverages. Make sure all of your guests leave with a sober driver.
• Never provide alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age of 21.

Motorists encountering another vehicle being operated erratically are encouraged to dial 911 or call the Jasper Indiana State Police Post at (812) 482-1441 or (800) 742-7475. Be prepared to give a description of the vehicle, location, and direction of travel.