Study committees to look at workers’ comp, criminal history
This week at the Statehouse, interim committees will discuss issues including criminal history, criminal sentences and workers’ compensation.
Indiana General Assembly
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LSA leaves opinions at the door
In a world of partisan wrangling, the Legislative Services Agency has “jealously guarded” its nonpartisan nature.
CCEC Work Group proposes sweeping revision to the Indiana Criminal Code
The Indiana General Assembly’s Criminal Code Evaluation Commission has started another round of hearings to collect data and recommendations for revising the state’s criminal statutes. A key element of this review will be an extensive study of significant sections of Title 35 by the CCEC Work Group.
Courts, DCS, Criminal Code Evaluation committees meet this week
The Commission on Courts holds its first meeting of the legislative interim Wednesday, and a common theme is the need for more judges.
Pill mills migrating to Indiana?
The General Assembly and physician groups are considering ways to stop over-prescribing of pain medications.
Lawmakers seek leader for ‘interesting, challenging and unique’ post
The Indiana General Assembly has begun the search for a new executive director of the Legislative Services Agency.
DCS, criminal law study committees meet this week
The Department of Child Services Interim Study Committee will meet for the first time Wednesday afternoon to discuss various matters including funding and child in need of services cases.
DCS taking recommendations for members of child fatality review teams
The Indiana Department of Child Services has begun the process of establishing child fatality review teams across the state.
Change in emancipation law brings uncertainty
A difference in paternity and divorce language has attorneys questioning the Legislature’s action regarding petitions for educational support.
Zoeller: Parts of immigration law can’t stand
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said Tuesday a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down most of a tough Arizona law will impact a similar immigration law signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels in 2011.
Struggles mount for labor
Indiana this year became the 23rd state to enact a right-to-work law in which workers cannot be compelled to pay union dues. Within months, individual workers in union shops opted out, even as court challenges linger.
Indiana’s immigration law reeling
Attorneys say the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Arizona case likely dooms parts of Indiana’s law.
Settlement adds $7.2 million for State Fair stage collapse victims
Two defendants in lawsuits over the Indiana State Fair stage collapse that killed seven and injured dozens have agreed to add $7.2 million to money the state has already distributed or appropriated, Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced Friday.
Indiana’s new laws starting July 1, 2012
Many of the laws enacted during the 2012 legislative session take effect July 1. This list includes enrolled acts, along with newly assigned public law numbers, that have full or partial July 1 effective dates.
Indiana’s texting ban difficult to enforce
Police have issued few citations to motorists during the statute’s first year and there are questions whether the law is a deterrent.
Zero tolerance in schools could lead to problems for students in future
Indiana’s effort to study juvenile justice issues has stalled as the group waits for the governor to appoint a chair.
Legislature announces summer study committees
The Legislative Council of the Indiana General Assembly has assigned the study topics various committees will examine this summer and fall. Some of the areas include creating a centralized department of administrative law judges and review of various Department of Child Services practices.
Indiana’s inheritance tax phasing out
Attorneys who handle estate planning say questions remain about the future of the federal estate tax.
Indiana legislative round-up
A snapshot of key points from bills heard in the 2012 legislative session. All enrolled acts were signed by the governor by March 20.
Debating the merits of mandatory seat belts on school buses
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in larger buses, the spacing and height of the seats offer crash protection for children through “compartmentalization.” But opinions remain divided about whether compartmentalization does enough to protect students and whether school bus seat belts should be required by law.