Justices take secretary of state case
The Indiana Supreme Court decided Tuesday to hear the appeals of a Marion County judge’s decision that found Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White ineligible to hold office.
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Judge orders refund of legislative fines
The Democratic members of the Indiana House who faced fines for failing to attend sessions in protest of right-to-work legislation will be reimbursed any amount withheld in 2011, according to a ruling from Marion Superior Judge David Dreyer. The judge also ordered that any fines imposed this session may not be collected.
Governor appoints interim secretary of state
After Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White was found guilty of six felony charges Feb. 4, Gov. Mitch Daniels appointed Jerry Bonnet as interim secretary of state. A convicted felon cannot hold statewide office in Indiana.
7th Circuit affirms official’s termination
The city of Anderson was justified in firing an official who failed to support a mayoral campaign, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals held Friday.
Indiana becomes right-to-work state
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed legislation Wednesday making Indiana the 23rd right-to-work state. The law makes it illegal for any worker to be forced to pay union dues or fees or become a member of a labor union as a condition of employment.
Senate passes ‘right-to-work’ bill by narrow vote
The Indiana Senate voted 28-22 in favor of House Bill 1001, which would make it illegal to require employees to pay union dues as a condition of employment.
Marion County judicial ‘slating fees’ subject of 2 inquiries
An Indianapolis attorney and an Indianapolis Bar Association political action committee want the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications to look into how Marion County judicial candidates contribute to political parties as part of the process in running to be a judge.
AG’s office says disputes over legislative rules should not be decided in court
The Indiana Supreme Court will hear the state's appeal in the lawsuit over collecting fines imposed on absent members of the Legislature. The state's highest court on Friday ruled 4-1 to accept jurisdiction of the interlocutory appeal sought by the Indiana attorney general's office, which represents the state and officials named as defendants in the legislative fines lawsuit, Crawford v. Berry.
Governor signs human trafficking bill
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed Senate Enrolled Act 4, which more clearly defines human trafficking and strengthens penalties for that crime. The new law is effective immediately.
Barnes-inspired legislation passes Senate on 3rd reading
The legislation created in response to a controversial Indiana Supreme Court ruling last year regarding defending against unlawful entry was approved 45-5 by the Senate on third hearing Monday.
Judge temporarily blocks fines for House boycott
Marion Superior Judge David Dreyer has blocked the collection of a $1,000-a-day fine imposed on boycotting lawmakers in the Indiana House of Representatives, granting a temporary restraining order until he can hold a hearing on the merits of the issue next week.
Human trafficking bill passes Senate
Senate Bill 4, legislation introduced to strengthen Indiana’s human trafficking statutes, has passed unanimously in the Senate. Legislators are pushing to make the bill a law before the Super Bowl in Indianapolis Feb. 5.
Legislation inspired by Barnes ruling passes Senate committee
A Senate committee voted unanimously to pass a bill that would allow a person to resist the unlawful entry into a dwelling by a law enforcement officer under certain conditions.
2 Martinsville legislators will not seek re-election
State Sen. Richard Bray, R-Martinsville, will not seek re-election. His announcement comes only a few weeks after Rep. Ralph Foley, R-Martinsville, said he also won’t run for re-election.
Prisons face legal questions in managing inmate requests
The institutions must balance religion of inmates and security of prisons.
Bill would increase funds for pro bono districts
The modest filing fee could help offset declining IOLTA funds.
Nobel prize recipient to speak in Indianapolis
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law will host a lecture by Leymah Gbowee, joint recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, on Feb. 16.
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.
COA: trial courts can limit administrative review
State law allows a trial court to decline to hold a jury trial and limit its review of a local municipality’s administrative decision, according to the Indiana Court of Appeals.