Lawmakers seek to consolidate about 300 Indiana townships
Some Indiana lawmakers are looking to consolidate township government in the state after multiple instances of corruption.
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Supreme Court to hear sales tax collection case
The Supreme Court agreed Friday to wade into the issue of sales tax collection on internet purchases in a case that could force consumers to pay more for certain purchases and allow states to recoup what they say is billions in lost revenue annually.
Landfill operator sues Clark and Floyd counties over bond money
The private operators of a Borden landfill are suing two counties, seeking $5.2 million in bond proceeds they say they’re owed.
Statehouse rally set as push for hate crime legislation renewed
With two hate crime bills introduced in the Indiana Legislature this session, proponents are hoping the third time will be the charm for finally getting a measure to the governor’s desk. Advocates plan a rally at the Statehouse on Tuesday.
Indiana lawmakers not governed by sexual harassment policy
As state legislatures across the county take steps toward updating their sexual harassment policies, Republican lawmakers who dominate the Indiana General Assembly appear to be adopting a wait-and-see approach.
Bill would allow whistleblower complaints against state
Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, has filed a bill that would extend whistleblower protections to state employees who speak up about government misdeeds or fiscal malfeasance. The legislation is in response to a split decision from the Indiana Supreme Court, which found the state whistleblower statute did not include workers in the public sector.
Bill restricting CBD oil set for hearing; legalization proposals wait
The fight over CBD oil in Indiana has led lawmakers to introduce numerous bills that would legalize sale of the product derived from marijuana plants, but the only measure currently scheduled for a hearing at the Statehouse would limit CBD sales to people who put their names on a state registry. The bill will be heard next week.
Ex-EPA administrators to discuss policy reversals at McKinney
With the administration of President Donald Trump rolling back federal environmental regulations, two former EPA officials who served in the Obama administration will present a lecture next week titled “Reversing an Environmental Agenda: Will It Stick?”
Senate committee advances Sunday alcohol sales bill
For the first time in Indiana history, a Senate committee has approved a bill allowing Sunday alcohol sales, moving the measure to the full Senate.
In big-cat fight, judge scratches defamation counterclaim against PETA
A lawsuit filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals against what it terms “an unaccredited roadside zoo” near Charlestown is proceeding after a judge dismissed the owners’ counterclaim that the nonprofit had defamed them in its complaint.
Testimony begins on Sunday alcohol sales legislation
The Indiana House Public Policy Committee received overwhelming support for proposed legislation that would allow for Sunday carryout alcohol sales during testimony on Wednesday, with retailers from both the liquor store and big-box retailers supporting the measure. A Senate panel also was to consider its Sunday sales bill.
Indiana governor pledges ‘transparent’ DCS review
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb pledged in his State of the State address Tuesday night to conduct a “transparent” review of the Department of Child Services, but offered little more than platitudes about an agency that his critics say is enveloped in crisis. “I’ll state right now: There’s no one who cares more about Hoosier children than I do, and I’ll do whatever is necessary to ensure the success of our agency and its mission.”
Pyrz officially retired from ISBA
After more than 25 years leading the Indiana State Bar Association, Tom Pyrz left the office for the last time Jan. 5.
Southern Indiana District Court nominee scheduled for hearing
James R. Sweeney II, the nominee for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, is scheduled to appear before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary tomorrow.
Indiana eighth to offer state employees parental leave
Gov. Eric Holcomb last month signed an executive order establishing paid parental leave for state employees, effective Jan. 1. Labor and employment attorneys say many private organizations, including law firms, also are offering paid leave to new parents.
Sentence modification bill inspired by COA ruling
A recent Indiana Court of Appeals decision that prosecutors say went against longstanding practices in the sentence modification process has sparked a conversation in the Indiana legislature about courts’ discretion to modify sentences stemming from fixed-sentence plea agreements.
Lawmaker proposes bill to count dead people’s votes
A Republican Indiana state senator wants the votes of dead people to count.
More Indiana communities sue drug companies over opioids
Several more Indiana communities have joined the growing list of governments suing pharmaceutical companies and distributors over their roles in the opioid abuse crisis.
At least 15-year sentence sought for ex-Lake County sheriff
Federal prosecutors are asking that the former sheriff of Indiana’s second most-populous county be sentenced to at least 15 years in prison for taking tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from towing businesses.
Problems persist as director quits DCS
The departure of Mary Beth Bonaventura as director of the Indiana Department of Child Services surprised several family law attorneys and social service providers. Uniformly, they agreed the former Lake County juvenile judge was a strong advocate for children and brought valuable experience to her tenure. Still, the department has struggled against internal and external challenges.