The governor ceremonially signed into law a bill sponsored by State Representative Tim Yocum on May 1 to increase penalties for threatening behavior and crimes intended to intimidate others.
The new law responds to concerns about the use of masks during crimes and the rise in ‘hate littering’ incidents, where individuals leave malicious materials on private property. These actions have become more frequent since the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people wear masks that can conceal their identities.
“Harassing, intimidating or threatening others is never a harmless prank,” Yocum said. “Causing someone to fear for their safety is a serious offense, and individuals will be held accountable for it.”
Senate Enrolled Act 160 amends Indiana’s criminal code by allowing judges to consider wearing a mask during the commission of a crime as an aggravating factor at sentencing. The law also makes it a Class A misdemeanor to leave trash on another person’s property with intent to cause fear. More information about this and other laws from the 2026 legislative session is available at iga.in.gov.
State Rep. Tim Yocum represents House District 42, which includes all of Parke and Vermillion counties, as well as parts of Clay, Fountain, and Vigo counties.
In related leadership news, Speaker Todd Huston has contributed to civic leadership through service on education boards and community commissions in Indiana according to the Indiana House Republicans website. Huston expanded Indiana’s Choice Scholarship program and has been recognized for school choice advocacy according to the same source. He has also championed measures for tax relief in addition to his work supporting school choice according to the website.
Huston resides in Fishers with his wife Denise and their two adult children according to his official biography. He has served as state representative since first being elected in 2012 per his official page, after earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University as reported by his biography.
