New FMLA rule expands provisions for military families
Attorneys see the 20-year-old Act growing beyond its original intent.
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Senate president calling for constitutional convention to protect states’ rights
Declaring that states’ rights are being trampled and the 10th Amendment is in shambles, the leader of the Indiana Senate is calling for a “gathering of states” to amend the U.S. Constitution.
U.S. Supreme Court decision ignited grassroots effort to amend the Constitution
In the fight over corporate influence in politics, one group is hoping the voice of the people can trump the allure of money.
Sequestration would deepen staff cuts, chief judges warn
Federal courts that have squeezed staff as budgets shrank could be forced to furlough employees if Congress fails to avoid mandatory budget cuts that now are slated to take effect in March.
ATM fee notice change likely
A requirement that automated teller machines post notices on or near the machine will be repealed under a bill Congress has sent to President Barack Obama.
Possible end of tax credit leaves future renewable energy sources up in the air
Newton County lawyer Dan Blaney has a blunt reaction to the potential end of a federal subsidy that has enabled the rise of wind energy in his part of the state. “We’re in trouble,” he said.
IU professor helps get pesky scrivener’s error removed from Trademark Act
One pesky scrivener’s error that altered the protection provided by the Trademark Dilution Revision Act of 2006 has been corrected thanks to the efforts of an Indiana University professor.
Southern District judiciary comes together at ‘historic’ event to thank Lugar, Bayh
Judges and judicial officers from the U.S. District Court for Southern District of Indiana came together recently to honor Sen. Richard Lugar and former Sen. Evan Bayh for their service to the federal judiciary.
IU McKinney launches Bayh lecture
This Thursday marks the inaugural Birch Bayh Lecture at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. The annual event, named after former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh, will focus on issues of importance to Bayh regarding the government.
Attorneys general warn against federal payday loan regulation
A bill in Congress that would extend federal regulation to the payday lending industry would pre-empt state laws and undermine consumer safeguards, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller warned in a letter signed by 40 attorneys general.
New provisions shine light on patent process
One addition under the America Invents Act is the public has the opportunity to participate in pre- and post-grant reviews.
High court ruling opens Medicaid escape hatch for states
While upholding President Barack Obama’s health care law, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday also opened an escape hatch for states that do not want to take on the project of expanding their Medicaid programs.
Proposals would add visas for STEM workers
Highly skilled immigrants are the focus of 2 bills introduced in Congress.
Vacancies on federal bench will be topic of White House meetings Monday
Reba Boyd Wooden, executive director of the Center for Inquiry-Indiana, will travel to Washington Monday to meet with White House officials about the vacancy crisis in America’s federal courts.
ATM fee disclosure rules and related litigation
In 2011, nine lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, in which plaintiffs sued owners or operators of ATMs for failing to post a sign advising users of usage fees. Similar suits have been filed around the country, and groups that represent ATM owners’ interests are calling for a change to federal law to stop further litigation.
Cameras in SCOTUS bill referred to full Senate
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation Thursday that will allow cameras in the Supreme Court of the United States. The measure, S.1945, was approved by an 11-7 vote.
2 high school students to attend program in Washington, D.C.
The Indiana Bar Foundation has announced the names of the two Indiana high school students chosen to attend the United States Senate Youth Program in March.
Federal Circuit hears judges’ pay case
A federal appellate court heard arguments Friday in a case that could ultimately decide if Congress has the authority to withhold judicial pay increases as it’s done in the past or whether cost-of-living adjustments are required.
Laws on immigrant tuition vary
States differ on interpretation of federal law, create state statutes addressing in-state status for college students.
Congress proposes cutting legal aid funding
If an agreement between the members of Congress passes, Legal Services Corp. will see its budget reduced by 14 percent. The U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee had previously proposed cutting it by 17 percent.