Police ‘buffer zone’ clarification heads to governor’s desk
The legislation follows up on contradictory court rulings over the 2023 encroachment law, under which police can tell members of the public to stand back while they perform their duties.
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State senators consider funds for county prosecutors, eliminating rape kit backlog
Rep. Becky Cash said there is a six- to eight-month wait for rape kit processing in Indiana, which crime technicians and law enforcement attributed to the lack of equipment and staff.
Rural intersections sightline proposal to rack up edits
Indiana lawmakers are tapping the brakes on a bill taking aim at dangerously overgrown rural intersections.
Indiana Supreme Court weighs legal recourse following alleged BMV error
An Indiana man maintains that an agency error cost him a job opportunity, over $1,000 in fines and a night in jail — but state attorneys argued Thursday that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles isn’t responsible for any damages, instead directing him to an administrative review process.
In wake of Jamey Noel investigation, lawmakers advance bill to increase oversight over jail funds
Bipartisan momentum continued Thursday for a bill that seeks to hold Indiana sheriffs more accountable for managing jail funds.
Indiana elections chief joins call for federal upgrades to root out noncitizen voting
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales has joined 20 others in asking new Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for changes to a federal citizenship verification service—including that it be free to use.
Indiana House takes its turn on property tax discussions
Wednesday’s meeting included public testimony and a presentation from the Department of Local Government Finance, with proposed amendments and a vote pushed to another week.
Red flag expungements, police buffer zones move through Senate committee
Under House Bill 1137, “red flag” records will be sealed and expunged if a court later decides someone isn’t dangerous.
Indiana National Guard hopes legislation can staunch enlistment losses
House Bill 1111 would provide some tuition assistance and add soldiers on state active duty to the definition of a state employee for death benefits and worker’s compensation laws.
Governor’s office clarifies intentions for Indiana Historical Society building
Gov. Mike Braun’s office maintains the intention is not to force the nonprofit to give up its building.
Lab-grown meat labeling bill baffles Senate committee, changes likely
An Indiana Senate committee skeptical of lab-grown meat advanced labeling legislation Monday in an 8-1 vote, with edits expected on the chamber’s floor.
Where do federal funding cuts leave Indiana?
The state of Indiana receives more than $20 billion from the federal government annually and is the third-most reliant state on federal funding, according to one study.
Some counties’ homeowners burdened with disproportionate share of property tax
Lake County officials are pointing to new data showing that homeowners have taken on an unfair share of property taxes in at least nine counties.
Call to amend congressional term limits into Constitution gains ground in Indiana
Last year, the Indiana House passed a resolution but it didn’t get a Senate hearing. This year, the Senate has jumped into the fray, passing a resolution despite bipartisan opposition.
A recap of key bills that failed to make it to the finish line
After last week’s chamber-swapping deadline, the Indiana General Assembly is down to about 340 pieces of legislation from 1,250.
LEAP spending nears $1B with projected budget shielded, investigation finds
The LEAP Research and Innovation District, led by the Indiana Economic Development Corp., is among the costliest economic development projects Indiana has attempted. But the agency’s structure obscures its spending and who benefits.
Immigration enforcement campaign aimed at local governments, employers advances to Senate
House lawmakers on Thursday tussled briefly over legislation mandating local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and cracking down on employers using unauthorized labor.
Marion County judge temporarily blocks release of abortion records
The judge concluded that the terminated pregnancy reports are medical records not subject to public record laws.
Indiana House OKs bill that could give county prosecutors less discretion
Republican lawmakers have tried for years to punish prosecutors who don’t prosecute certain crimes, such as low-level marijuana possession.
Senate kills early voting cuts, closed primary bills
Hoosier voters can currently cast ballots in person for 28 days ahead of elections. Failed legislation would have cut that timeframe to two weeks.