Panel backs bill for appointing state school chief
The Indiana state schools superintendent would no longer be an elected position under a change being considered by lawmakers.
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JRAC presents 2 criminal reform bills to House committee
As Indiana’s criminal justice system continues to roll out legislatively mandated reforms, members of the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council are working with legislators to implement changes that will benefit both law enforcement and offenders.
Senate committee considers vacating trafficking victims’ convictions
Victims of human trafficking in Indiana could soon have a new mechanism for relief from charges brought against them while they were under the control of a trafficker if a new bill designed to vacate those charges is passed.
Indiana Senate panel considers adding drone-related crimes
Some Indiana lawmakers concerned that operators with nefarious intentions could turn peeping drones into peeping Toms are pushing to criminalize using the high-tech flying gadgets for voyeurism.
7th Circuit strikes down portions of Indiana vaping law
A federal court has struck down portions of Indiana’s controversial vaping law, holding that the “astoundingly specific provisions” related to regulations of security, cleanliness and other physical requirements imposed on out-of-state manufacturers violates federal law and seems to imply a state attempt to create a monopoly for an Indiana security firm.
State lawmakers discuss expanding screening for teachers
Indiana lawmakers are proposing legislation they say will help strengthen Indiana’s system for running background checks for teachers.
Abortion ban bill won’t be heard in Indiana House committee
A key Indiana House panel won’t consider a contentious attempt to ban abortions, its chairman said Thursday, meaning the measure likely is dead this session.
Senate to hear bill banning attorney indemnification clauses
A bill designed to prevent attorneys from prohibiting clients from filing legal malpractice claims will soon be heard by the full Indiana Senate.
House panel advances Marion County judicial selection bill
Despite public concerns that a bill for choosing Indianapolis judges would reduce diversity on the bench, deprive Marion County residents of the right to directly elect jurists and elevate political considerations, a House committee Wednesday advanced a merit-selection measure supported by lawyers, judges and the business community.
Lawmakers consider funding for lead crisis in East Chicago
State lawmakers are considering two plans allocating a total of $15 million in state funds for the lead crisis in East Chicago.
House panel OKs needle exchange bill despite AG’s opposition
A proposal that would give counties and municipalities control over creating needle-exchange programs in their communities advanced through a legislative committee Wednesday, despite opposition from new Attorney General Curtis Hill.
Lawmakers consider bill prohibiting misdemeanor sex-crime expungement
After a high school teacher in Bedford was convicted of a felony for maintaining a sexual relationship with his 17-year-old student, the teacher received alternative misdemeanor sentencing and, upon, successful completion of probation, had the sexual offense expunged from his criminal record.
House hearing set for Marion County judicial selection bill
An Indiana House committee will hear a bill Wednesday that would institute a new system for selecting the 36 judges of Marion Superior Court but would retain the partisan balance on the court that was a key element of the former system invalidated by a federal court.
College savings plan benefits could expand
As 529 plans hit 20-year milestone in Indiana, new state and federal contribution incentives have been proposed.
Indiana bill would keep pets with domestic violence victims
Victims of domestic violence could take their pets with them after leaving the relationship under an Indiana lawmaker's measure that seeks to remove an impediment to reporting abuse.
GOP lawmaker targets protesters obstructing traffic
An Indiana lawmaker says disturbing newscasts of chaotic and sometimes violent protests across the U.S. helped lead him to propose a bill that would direct police to use "any means necessary" to breakup mass gatherings that block traffic.
GOP leaders pledge vape law overhaul, subject of FBI probe
Republican legislative leaders say they want to unwind stiff regulations they imposed on Indiana’s vaping industry, which created a stranglehold on the burgeoning market for one company and prompted an FBI investigation.
6 hate crime bills introduced at Statehouse
Once again, a handful of Indiana lawmakers and community organizations are trying to get hate-crime legislation through the Statehouse and onto the governor’s desk.
Senate committee extends for $1 pro bono filing fee
A bill extending the $1 additional civil filing fee to support pro bono programs sailed through a Senate committee Wednesday despite a discussion about the possibility of allowing Marion County small claims courts to keep the filing fees they collect for themselves.
State’s dubious vaping law to get big overhaul
Indiana’s vaping industry could be upended again as lawmakers tackle changes to a law that has been roundly criticized as unfair and even corrupt.