State reports slight increase in Indiana abortions for 2020
The number of abortions performed in Indiana grew slightly last year, with a new state report showing that drug-induced abortions made up a majority of the procedures for the first time.
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Democrats craft voting bill with eye on Supreme Court fight
As congressional Democrats gear up for another bruising legislative push to expand voting rights, much of their attention has quietly focused on a small yet crucial voting bloc with the power to scuttle their plans: the nine Supreme Court justices.
Hoosiers push Indiana senators to support federal election law
Several dozen voting rights supporters came to downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday to push for the passage of S.1, the For the People Act of 2021. They gathered in front of the district offices of Sens. Todd Young and Mike Braun to promote what they see as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to strengthen the right to vote.
Willett, Speck: Legislative, policy changes to telehealth post-COVID
Although the practice of telehealth well preceded COVID-19, the pandemic sparked a substantial boom in the use of telehealth services. Along with this boom came legislative and policy changes both at the state and federal levels.
Federal judge blocks ‘abortion reversal’ disclosure requirement
A federal judge has blocked a new Indiana law that would have required abortion providers to inform patients about the possibility of “reversing” a medication abortion. The Wednesday ruling prevents House Enrolled Act 1577 from taking effect tomorrow as scheduled.
House to vote on bill launching probe of Jan. 6 insurrection
A new committee to investigate the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol would have 13 members and the power to subpoena witnesses, according to legislation released by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The House is expected to vote on the bill this week.
COA allows defendant to take deposition of alleged child sex abuse victim
Following a recent decision that struck down a law limiting when defendants can take the deposition of an alleged child sex abuse victim, the Indiana Court of Appeals has once again allowed a defendant accused of child sex crimes to take the deposition of his accuser.
Cox, Friedman: Federal, state protections for manufacturers of COVID-19 products
In order to protect and encourage innovation in the pandemic response effort, both the secretary of Health and Human Services and the Indiana Legislature have enacted protections from liability for those making products aimed at helping in the fight against COVID-19.
New law establishes process for removing no-show elected officials from office
Motivated by a Lake County recorder who did not show up for work for more than a year, the Indiana General Assembly took an unusual step during the 2021 session and created a narrow pathway for local governments to remove one of their own instead of waiting for the voters to take action.
New laws: Legislature makes moves despite COVID
The Indiana General Assembly convened in-person for its 2021 session with COVID-19 protocols in place. Here’s the full list of legislation it enacted this year.
At long last, Clark County gets two new judges
A public defender and an attorney with the Indiana Department of Child Services have been appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb to serve as judges in Clark County’s two new superior courts.
GOP ready to block elections bill in Senate showdown
The Democrats’ expansive elections and voting bill is all but certain to be rejected in a key test vote in the Senate, providing a dramatic example of Republicans’ use of the filibuster to block legislation and forcing hard questions for Democrats over next steps.
Indiana unions sue over yearly hurdle on teacher union dues
Three Indiana teachers unions have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a new state law that would require educators to renew requests every year for automatic paycheck deductions of union dues.
Senator: Military justice changes must go beyond sex cases
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is on the brink of success in her yearslong campaign to get sexual assault cases removed from the military chain of command. But getting over the finish line may depend on whether she can overcome wariness about broader changes she’s seeking to the military justice system.
Attorneys for Rokita, Holcomb face off in court over governor’s right to sue
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office got its day in court Wednesday to argue why it thinks Gov. Eric Holcomb shouldn’t have been allowed to hire his own attorneys to sue the Indiana General Assembly.
Judges appointed to St. Joseph Superior, Terre Haute City Court benches
A St. Joseph County magistrate has been appointed to the St. Joseph Superior Court bench, the governor’s office announced this month. A judge has also been appointed to the Terre Haute City Court.
Hearing set on whether Indiana governor may sue Legislature
A judge will hear arguments later this month over whether Indiana’s governor can go ahead with a lawsuit challenging the power state legislators have given themselves to intervene during public emergencies.
AG argues governor not allowed to override Legislature’s veto
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is doubling down on his argument that the governor cannot turn to the courts to settle the dispute over House Enrolled Act 1123, asserting the executive branch is attempting to use the judiciary to demand a “super” veto of the Legislature.
Families urge legal changes to prevent more police killings
Parents and siblings of Black men killed by police urged people during a discussion in the city where George Floyd was killed a year ago to join them in pursuing legal changes they say can make similar deaths less likely in the future.
Holcomb claims Rokita seeking to expand power of attorney general’s office
As part of his battle with the Legislature over executive powers, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb is accusing Attorney General Todd Rokita of creating a legal fiction in order to expand the attorney general’s “authority beyond his statutory duties and powers.”