Statehouses could prove to be hothouses for virus infection
As lawmakers around the U.S. convene this winter to deal with the crisis created by the pandemic, statehouses themselves could prove to be hothouses for infection.
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Legislative leaders stress ‘flexibility will be key’ as session starts
Legislative leaders of the GOP-controlled Indiana General Assembly are emphasizing that flexibility will be key to the session as more COVID-19 precautions were made public Monday.
Liability protection bill meant to protect Hoosier businesses from COVID litigation
Hoosier businesses and individuals concerned about being sued for COVID-19 liability could be safeguarded if a bill that would provide them liability protections is enacted into law.
Lawmakers return to Statehouse for start of 2021 session
Indiana lawmakers return to the Statehouse on Monday for the start of a legislative session that will be conducted unlike any other before it.
Lawsuit challenges Indiana laws on disposal of fetal remains
An Indianapolis abortion clinic is suing the state of Indiana, challenging provisions of a state law upheld last year by the U.S. Supreme Court requiring fetal remains to be buried or cremated after an abortion.
Trump threatens to torpedo COVID relief with new demands
President Donald Trump late Tuesday threatened to torpedo Congress’ massive COVID-19 relief package in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty, suddenly demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed.
Lawmakers seek to shield businesses from COVID lawsuits
Businesses, not-for-profits, schools, religious organizations and other entities could soon be shielded from responsibility for COVID-19 infections.
Holcomb’s agenda calls for increasing K-12 funding, continuing existing programs
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said he will try to increase funding for K-12 education in the state’s next two-year budget and, at a minimum, restore previous funding levels for higher education institutions.
COA reversal affirms charges but judge calls out ‘arbitrary’ traffic stops
Incriminating evidence found when two separate drivers were stopped for failing to signal a turn in advance can be used against them, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled, though one judge is calling on the Legislature to review traffic laws that lead to “arbitrary” traffic stops.
Justices split in Bloomington’s favor in annexation dispute with Holcomb
A divided Indiana Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled in favor of the city of Bloomington, upholding a ruling against the Indiana governor and striking down “special legislation” targeting the city’s annexation efforts. Dissenting justices, however, warned that the majority’s holding “erodes separation of powers.”
Guardians seek changes to assist in final arrangements
A guardianship task force has recommended that the Indiana Legislature amend state statute to give guardians authority over dispositions if necessary. While the concept received general support in a recent meeting of the Probate Code Study Commission, the question remained: how do you balance the authority of a guardian with that of another party, such as a POA?
Proposal would recognize Indian orders in state court
The history of Native American culture is rooted deep in the Hoosier State — after all, the name “Indiana” translates to “land of the Indians.” The Indiana General Assembly is considering taking another step to recognize that heritage through legislation that would uphold the validity of tribal court judgments.
Critics: Indiana panel’s report could lead to coal bailout
A group of state lawmakers and energy experts has approved a new state energy report outlining how Indiana should proceed at a time when electric utilities are seeing a big shift from coal to renewable energy sources.
Holcomb names adviser Jenner first Indiana education secretary
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has tapped his senior education adviser to serve as the state’s first secretary of education, marking the first time in more than a century the state schools superintendent position isn’t decided by voters.
Groups say energy recommendations could slow Indiana’s transition away from coal
Seven months after Indiana lawmakers passed a bill prohibiting utilities from shutting down coal-fired power plants before May 2021, a state energy task force is considering a sweeping array of measures that seem to favor existing large-scale utilities, many of which still burn coal, over providers of renewable energy.
Indiana lawmakers clash over COVID-19 protocols as 2021 session nears
Democrats and Republicans clashed over COVID-19 protocols on Tuesday as they gathered for a ceremonial start to the 2021 legislative session.
COVID-19 school turmoil, teacher pay face Indiana lawmakers
The turmoil that Indiana schools have faced from the coronavirus pandemic will be a top concern of state legislators during their upcoming session, the leader of the Indiana House said ahead of lawmakers convening for Organization Day.
Off-duty Kroger employee’s theft conviction for ‘mislaid’ money reversed
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed a ruling against an off-duty grocery store employee after he took money from a self-checkout machine, finding his conviction could not stand under an existing theft statute.
High court seems likely to leave to health care law in place
The Supreme Court seemed likely Tuesday to leave in place the bulk of the Affordable Care Act, including key protections for pre-existing health conditions and subsidized insurance premiums that affect tens of millions of Americans.
Study committee supports judicial requests in 6 counties
Courts in six Indiana counties have received a favorable recommendation for additional judicial resources after a unanimous vote by the Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary.