Rush to give 2019 State of the Judiciary next week
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush announced she will present the 2019 State of the Judiciary next week to Gov. Eric Holcomb and a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly.
Indiana General Assembly
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Indiana mom backing tougher bus law after children’s deaths
The mother of three children struck and killed while crossing a northern Indiana highway to board their school bus supports legislation for tougher penalties against drivers who pass buses with extended stop arms.
Lawmaker expects Indianapolis to be considered for casino
The Indiana General Assembly is expected to consider a proposal that would allow Gary’s two casino licenses to relocate this year — one would stay in Gary, while the other could move to another city.
House panel OKs new Howard, Vanderburgh magistrate judges
Two counties seeking funding for additional magistrate judges from the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee got their wish Wednesday when the panel advanced the legislation to the House floor.
Indiana Forward campaign rallies for hate crimes law
As they did in January 2018, supporters of hate crimes legislation rallied Tuesday in the Indiana Statehouse to again push lawmakers to add a bias-motivated crime statute to the Indiana law books. Advocates from a broad array of groups, including business, education, nonprofits and faith-based organizations, were on-hand to applaud and cheer as legislators and community leaders called for Indiana to join the 45 other states with hate crimes law.
Senate ethics committee passes sexual harassment amendment
The Senate Ethics Committee unanimously passed an amendment to its internal ethics rules Monday, defining sexual harassment for the first time. The Senate and House will each draft their own ethics rules and conduct training for their respective lawmakers.
Bill would allow grand, great-grandparent visitation in some cases
Current federal and state law generally defers to a parent’s judgment when it comes to grandparent visitation, with the United States Supreme Court ruling that the right to rear a child as desired is among the most fundamental rights of parents. But a bill filed this year in the Indiana Legislature would give both grandparents and great-grandparents another avenue to obtain standing to petition for visitation.
Sell here, live here: SCOTUS reviews liquor retailer residency requirements
The requirement that alcohol permit holders live in the state where they do business is based on the simple notion that neighbors care more about the well-being of their communities than out-of-towners do. But a Tennessee case challenging that notion in the U.S. Supreme Court could spill over on similar Indiana laws.
House Republicans reveal agenda that doesn’t include hate crimes legislation
The priorities for Indiana House Republicans this year align with Gov. Eric Holcomb’s agenda, but one significant issue did not make the list: a hate crimes bill.
Bosma: ‘Lady legislators’ harassment policy being finalized
Although Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said he hopes to have the General Assembly’s sexual harassment policy finalized by the end of next week, he’s not sure if that’s possible.
Latest hate crimes proposal leaves out specific protected classes
In an effort to remove Indiana from a list of five states without hate crimes legislation, lawmakers have filed three separate bills so far in the Indiana General Assembly, but the latest measure does not specify the classes of individuals and groups who would be protected.
Indiana lawmakers returning to Statehouse for 2019 session
Indiana lawmakers are set to begin their four-month legislative session, facing a tight state budget picture and a possibly contentious debate over adopting a state hate crimes law.
Holcomb remains against legalizing marijuana
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb remains opposed to efforts by state lawmakers to allow medical or recreational marijuana in the state, even as such uses are becoming legal in a growing number of other states.
COA split on amended sentence modification statute
In an opinion interpreting a sentence modification statute, a divided panel of Indiana Court of Appeals ruled that a trial court lacked authority to modify a sentence that was entered pursuant to a fixed plea agreement. The majority’s ruling contrasts with the panel’s earlier decision in the same case, which was revisited on remand from the Indiana Supreme Court after a legislative amendment last year.
Web Exclusive: Key legislators see sports wagering a sure bet for Indiana
A trending topic discussed by state legislators across the nation is legalizing and incorporating sports wagering into casinos. This comes after a decision in May by the United States Supreme Court that struck down a federal law that barred states from offering legal sports gambling.
Year in Review: Hill sexual misconduct scandal top legal news story of 2018
Indiana Lawyer’s top story of 2018 began inside an Indianapolis bar in the cool early-morning hours of Thursday, March 15. Attorney General Curtis Hill had had a few drinks. A few too many, several witnesses would later claim.
Lawyers face scooter liability confusion; bill seeks regulations
As scooter accidents mount, liability has become a significant issue for lawyers representing clients involved in crashes, and at least one lawmaker has proposed statewide regulations.
DCS, schools seeking more funds in 2019 legislative session
Among the biggest issues the 2019 General Assembly will have to contend with is the Department of Child Services, which is still reeling after a tumultuous year that saw a leader abruptly resign and a national group identify several shortcomings in the department’s operations. Gov. Eric Holcomb is calling on lawmakers to devote significant financial resources to the struggling department, and all four legislative leaders say their caucuses plan to make DCS a top priority.
New rule: Pence, lawyer Congress members exempt from CLE
Indiana lawyers who are members of Congress, senators or vice president no longer have to worry about meeting continuing legal education requirements under a rule adopted this week by the Indiana Supreme Court. The new rule also decreases CLE credits required for state lawmakers who are attorneys.
AG Hill in minority praising ruling against ACA mandate
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill spent Monday morning on cable television news channels applauding a federal court’s ruling that found the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, but Republican leaders in Indiana remained silent.