Court fee changes begin July 1
The cost to file a case in some courts will increase by $1 or $2 beginning July 1. The fee increases include a fee created to address deficiencies in pro bono funds.
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US Supreme Court rules on Stolen Valor Act case
While the health care decision was the ruling most people were waiting to hear, the justices also issued decisions in two other cases Thursday. The nation’s highest court found the Stolen Valor Act is unconstitutional.
ACLU of Indiana files proposed class action against BMV
The ACLU of Indiana filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Marion County to require the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles to reinstate a woman’s suspended license. The ACLU of Indiana claims that the BMV randomly selected Lourrinne White from a “Previously Uninsured Motorist Registry” and suspended her license for not having insurance, even though she did not have a working car titled in her name at that time.
Zionsville wins in appeal of zoning dispute with airport authority
The portion of Indiana Code that gives an airport authority the power to “fix and determine exclusively the uses” to which airport land may be put does not give the Hamilton County Airport Authority complete zoning jurisdiction over an airport it owns in Boone County, the Indiana Court of Appeals concluded.
US Supreme Court asked to take robo-call case
An Indiana Supreme Court decision upholding the state’s Autodialer Law is now being challenged after a petition was filed with the nation’s highest court.
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.
Daughter’s emancipation upheld; COA advises on forthcoming child-support changes
A 20-year-old woman will remain emancipated from her divorced parents after the Indiana Court Appeals on Friday upheld a Howard Circuit Court order.
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.
Indiana joins price-fixing suit against Apple
Indiana has joined a multistate lawsuit against Apple Inc. and two publishing companies for price-fixing the cost of electronic books.
Suit claims marriage statute unconstitutional
A secular group and three of its members are suing the Marion County prosecutor and clerk, claiming an Indiana statute is unconstitutional because it says that religions are the only groups with rights to have their beliefs recognized in marriage ceremonies.
Governor signs Lifeline Law
A ceremonial signing of Indiana’s Lifeline Law was held Friday at the Statehouse. Senate Enrolled Act 274 provides legal immunity from prosecution for those who seek medical attention for an intoxicated person.
5 political candidates file lawsuit
Three judicial candidates in Marion County and two candidates for the Indiana House are suing the county Board of Voter Registration and Election Board, alleging they were denied access to public information.
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.
Governor signs bill inspired by Supreme Court ruling
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed Senate Enrolled Act 1 into law Tuesday evening. The legislation deals with the right of people to defend against unlawful entry and was created in response to the Indiana Supreme Court ruling in Barnes v. State.
Governor signs DCS, new judge legislation
Gov. Mitch Daniels signed legislation last week that gives Johnson Superior Court a fourth judge and Allen Circuit Court another full-time magistrate, and an enrolled act that makes changes to the Department of Child Services.
Justices rule that law allows town of Fishers to proceed with reorganization
Responding to a certifiable question from Judge Tanya Walton Pratt of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the Indiana Supreme Court held that the town of Fishers may proceed with plans to reorganize as a city whose council chooses a mayor.
Bankruptcy discharge pushed for school debt
Delinquent borrowers may be relieved to learn that student loan default – unlike espionage and treason – is not punishable by death. But defaulting on a student loan can have disastrous effects on a borrower’s personal credit and lead to a lifetime of financial difficulties.
CFOs, CAFOs in the spotlight
An update on Indiana laws and legislation involving confined feeding operations and confined animal feeding operations.
Guardianship, power of attorney bills on 3rd reading
A bill that would prevent the termination of the guardianship of an incapacitated minor once the minor turns 18 and legislation that allows a copy of a power of attorney to have the same effect as the original are before the Indiana House of Representatives on third reading Monday.