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Senate panel approves bill to punish meth, heroin dealers

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Meth and heroin dealers in Indiana will face harsher penalties if they are convicted and have a criminal history under a bill passed by a state Senate panel.

The measure cleared the Corrections and Criminal Law Committee on a 7-2 vote Tuesday.

The bill aims to crack down on the repeat drug dealers by making it possible for a judge to increase the sentence of a convicted drug dealer if they have a previous felony conviction for dealing or making meth or heroin.

The measure would also reinforce a minimum 10-year sentence for Level 2 felony cases instead of allowing a judge to refer the person to mental health or drug addiction treatment programs.