Legislature’s criminal law and courts committees continue interim studies
Indiana legislative study committees examining the criminal code and courts will hold separate hearings on Oct. 8 at the Indiana Statehouse.
Indiana General Assembly
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Expungement forum postponed
A second expungement law forum, scheduled for Sept. 17, has been postponed.
AG seeks to reinstate misconduct charges against former IURC chief
The former head of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission could again face criminal charges in connection with his alleged actions surrounding Duke Energy’s Edwardsport power plant in 2010.
Will Indiana’s economy cool due to rising energy costs?
Bose McKinney & Evans attorney Nikki Shoultz discusses the relationship of the economy on rising energy costs.
Mother may petition for college expenses for emancipated children
Two amendments made by the Indiana General Assembly to the termination of child support and emancipation statute allow for a mother’s college support petition for two emancipated children to stand.
Interim criminal law study committee to examine sentencing questions
The process to correct and clarify House Enrolled Act 1006, the massive piece of legislation overhauling the state’s criminal code, will begin Aug. 15 at the first meeting of the Indiana General Assembly’s Criminal Law and Sentencing Policy Study Committee.
State commission studying services for children sets first meeting
A commission created last year by the Legislature to better coordinate services for children will hold its first meeting Aug. 21.
Indiana Senate President takes call for Constitutional Convention to national audiences
Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne, is pushing for an Article V Constitutional Convention by speaking at national meetings and trying to garner support beyond Indiana.
Dispute over bail bonds likely to produce a legislative solution
Growing tension between the bench and bail bond agents has been shoved into the spotlight at the Statehouse and could be the subject of bills introduced during the 2014 session of the Indiana General Assembly.
Vanderburgh County requests new court magistrate
Seated alone at the table in front of the Indiana General Assembly’s Commission on Courts, Vanderburgh Circuit Judge David Kiely recently asked for a new magistrate in his court.
First Child Services Oversight Committee meeting Wednesday
The Child Services Oversight Committee, established by the Indiana General Assembly specifically to keep tabs on the Indiana Department of Child Services, will hold its first meeting July 31.
Bail bond issues dominate Commission on Courts meeting
Although charged with only one duty, the Commission on Courts has added the controversial topic of bail bonds to its summer study agenda.
Indiana grandparents petitioning for visitation face long odds
The courts are limiting relatives’ rights while the Indiana General Assembly seeks to expand them.
Commission on Courts to consider Vanderburgh magistrate, bail issues
The Indiana Commission on Courts will meet Thursday to hear a request for an additional magistrate in Vanderburgh Circuit Court and to review the state’s bail surety system.
Department of Correction to request funding for upgrades at 3 facilities
Proposed upgrades to three of the state’s correctional facilities will be among the items considered during Wednesday’s meeting of the Indiana State Budget Committee.
Low enrollment numbers in the Healthy Indiana Plan are questioned
As Indiana seeks federal approval to continue its Healthy Indiana Plan, a health insurance program for income-eligible uninsured Hoosiers, some state legislators are concerned enrollment in the program is not higher.
Marion County seeks plan to handle expungement requests
Marion County courts expect a flood of requests for expungement of criminal convictions and charges after a new law takes effect July 1. Judges on Friday agreed for now those requests should be heard by the judges in courts where the convictions were entered or charges brought.
Fines will stand in legislative walkout case
The Indiana Supreme Court has ruled the dispute over fines imposed on lawmakers resulting from Democratic walkouts during the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions is outside of the court’s authority to render a decision.
Lawmakers put more teeth into consumer protection of Indiana seniors
Indiana seniors get some new consumer protections July 1. As a group, they also get a little younger.
SCOTUS ruling emboldens lawmakers to expand DNA collection
This time next year, Indiana may join the majority of states that collect DNA samples from people arrested on suspicion of committing felonies, rather than only from those convicted. Lawmakers who’ve been stymied are encouraged by a Supreme Court of the United States decision upholding the practice.