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.
Indiana General Assembly
Articles
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.
Bill would increase funds for pro bono districts
The modest filing fee could help offset declining IOLTA funds.
Indiana Legislature proceedings from 19th century now available online
A joint project between the Indiana University Maurer School of Law Library and the IU Digital Library Program has digitized nearly 8,000 pages of General Assembly proceedings from the 1800s, creating an online repository that is accessible free of charge.
State representative’s attacker permanently disbarred
The Indianapolis attorney who violently attacked and attempted to kill a state representative has been permanently disbarred by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Bills would make changes to pro bono funding, court costs, early voting
Indiana’s 2012 legislative session promises to be a busy one, with hundreds of bills already filed and a short session deadline of March 14. Read about some of the bills Indiana Lawyer is watching.
State senator named Logansport city attorney
Sen. Randy Head, a sitting state senator, is now the city attorney for Logansport.
New suit filed protesting immigration law
The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund has filed a lawsuit on behalf of La Union Benefica Mexicana, a nonprofit organization in East Chicago, protesting two previously unchallenged portions of Indiana’s new immigration law.
Bill offers recognition to Indiana Miami tribe
State senator says acknowledgment of the tribe is overdue.
Opinions divided on need for phosphorus regulation
Fishing, boating and swimming are popular summer pastimes in Indiana, but increasingly, Hoosiers looking for a relaxing weekend at the lake are being warned to avoid the water altogether due to pollution.
District judge and state senator to receive honorary BSU degrees
U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt and Indiana Sen. Luke Kenley will receive honorary doctor of laws degrees from Ball State University at its winter commencement Dec. 17.
Judge rules on case involving legislative walkout fines
A Marion Superior judge has ruled that state courts don’t have the ability to interfere with the Indiana General Assembly’s constitutional authority to pass laws or its own internal rules, including how it compels attendance or imposes fines.
Labor law to be key issue in 2012
Indiana legislators disagree about merits of right-to-work legislation.
Stopped short
State tuition law creates chasm between undocumented immigrants and college.
Code Revision Commission meets Tuesday
The Indiana Code Revision Commission will hold its second meeting Tuesday. Members will discuss proposed technical corrections and other matters.