Hamilton bill to expand eligibility for advanced testing in cold cases passes committee
January 14, 2026
Today, Jan. 14, House Bill 1248, which establishes a legal framework to allow for private funding of advanced DNA testing for cold cases, passed out of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code unanimously. Authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), this bill allows eligible family members of victims and other key stakeholders to submit a request for advanced DNA testing in a case that has been unsolved for five or more years.
Two family members of Carmen Hope Van Huss, Pam Francis and Cindy Hoetmer, were at the committee hearing to support the bill. Pam testified about the experience of her family and described how advanced DNA testing led to an arrest in 2024 for the 1993 brutal murder of their 19-year-old sister. That case is set to go to trial later this month. Between the years of 2013 and 2023, the average rate of cases solved per year was 44% in the state of Indiana.
Hamilton released the following statement after the bill's House committee passage:
“There are over 7200 unsolved homicides in the state of Indiana. With advanced technology in DNA testing, many of these cases have the potential to be closed. Every case solved doesn’t just increase the safety of Hoosiers by getting violent offenders off the street, but also brings answers to traumatized families as well as justice to victims.
“Nothing will bring back a lost loved one. However, this bill will help bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice – allowing families to focus on honoring their loved ones, not remaining paralyzed in their grief with no resolution.
“I am thankful for the support of my co-authors, Chairwoman Wendy McNamara, State Rep. Garrett Bascom and State Rep. Maureen Bauer, as well as all the stakeholders who helped bring this bill forward. I also want to acknowledge the bravery and determination of the family of Carmen Hope Van Huss as they advocate on behalf of their sister and all other victims who have not yet seen justice. I look forward to continuing to work on this bill with my colleagues as it heads to the House floor.”