Taking a stand for lemonade
A bill in the 2021 Indiana General Assembly would make clear that lemonade stands are legal in the Hoosier state, thanks to two LaPorte boys who wanted to tackle an issue near to their hearts.
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Senate bill addresses post-release mental health treatment
A Senate bill requested by the Indiana Department of Correction would provide a way to ensure mental health treatment for inmates upon their release.
The next step: Civil forfeiture reform efforts continue in Indiana
Civil forfeiture is back before the judicial and the legislative branches of Indiana government. A Senate bill would implement forfeiture reforms that practitioners say have long been necessary, while a case scheduled to go before the Indiana Supreme Court this month for the third time could further refine how trial courts consider whether a forfeiture is lawful.
Indiana Black Legislative Caucus leaders optimistic about agenda
The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus is offering a comprehensive and aggressive agenda for the 2021 session of the Indiana General Assembly. The bills promote police reform, institute changes to juvenile justice, and address inequities in the health care system, among other things.
IndyBar: Weekly Bill Watch Reports Keep up with Legislation that Matters to You
With the help of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, the IndyBar Legislative Committee (chaired by Mindy Westrick of the Indiana Energy Association) provides weekly Bill Watch reports throughout the session, which highlight progress and recent actions taken on bills being monitored by the association.
Bill to alter Lake, St. Joseph judicial selection rankles local bench, bar
Legal professionals in Lake and St. Joseph counties are raising serious concerns about advancing legislation that would change the structure of the local judicial nominating commissions that shape the state trial court judiciary in the northern Indiana counties.
Indiana Senate approves bill to deregulate wetlands
The Indiana Senate has passed controversial legislation that would repeal state oversight of wetlands. Some lawmakers in both parties, however, said the law goes too far and would interfere with regulatory or judicial review of multiple pending cases.
Indiana House approves COVID-19 liability protection bill
The Indiana House has approved legislation that would protect businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits. The measure slightly differs from a liability protection measure passed last week by the state Senate.
Indiana Republicans differ over governor’s COVID-19 powers
Indiana is nearing a year under the coronavirus public health emergency issued by Gov. Eric Holcomb as some of his fellow Republicans in the state Legislature aren’t letting up on attempts to rein in the authority he’s used to impose mask rules and restrictions on businesses and crowds.
Senate committee supports new judicial resources, municipal court admin fees
Efforts to add judicial resources to several Indiana counties are continuing, with a Senate committee endorsing legislation that would benefit courts in Decatur, Hamilton, Hancock, Huntington, Knox and Lake counties. Meanwhile, a related measure that would let city and town courts keep certain administrative fees is also advancing.
Census delay points to special session for Indiana lawmakers
A delay in the completion of data from last year’s census has Indiana legislative leaders anticipating a special session over the summer to draw new maps for congressional and General Assembly districts.
ISBA fights legislation to end retention votes, ‘politicize’ appellate bench
A measure that would strip Hoosier voters of the power to retain appellate judges and Supreme Court justices — transferring that authority to the Legislature — has drawn fire from the Indiana State Bar Association, which warned the proposal would politicize the appellate bench and threaten the independence of the judiciary.
COVID liability immunity bills advance, but questions of scope remain
Legislation in the Indiana Senate that would protect businesses from COVID-related liability is one step closer to becoming law, having reached the full Senate floor for a successful vote on an amendment offered by the bill’s author. Meanwhile, companion legislation in the Indiana House passed out of committee this week.
‘Fairly simple bill’ provides way to reject discriminatory land title restrictive covenants
Although covenants barring people of certain races, ethnicities and religions from owning property are no longer enforceable, they are still attached to many deeds and mortgages throughout Indiana.
Revamped bill would severely limit government’s ability to restrict business, church operations
A Republican lawmaker is seeking to severely limit the restrictions that state and local governments can impose on businesses and churches as COVID-19 continues to spread across Indiana.
Holcomb announces plans for new regional collaboration initiative in state address
In a recorded State of the State address Tuesday night, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced plans for a regional investment program that would be similar to a popular initiative the Legislature chose two years ago not to keep funding.
Legal misfire: Is it a crime for minors to possess guns?
A 1990s Indiana law that raised penalties for juveniles who possess guns has backfired, limiting the charging options for law enforcement when children have firearms.
Family sues nursing home after father’s death during pandemic
Hoosier Ken Burgin is honoring his late father, Kenneth “Butch” Burgin, by advocating on his behalf after Butch’s unexpected death just two months after becoming a resident at an Owen County nursing home last year.
IndyBar: Weekly Bill Watch Reports: Keep up with Legislation that Matters to You
The IndyBar Legislative Committee provides weekly Bill Watch reports throughout the session, which highlight progress and recent actions taken on bills being monitored by the association.
Housing bills drawing outside attention but no committee hearings
A bill has been introduced in the Indiana House that resurrects language Gov. Eric Holcomb vetoed last legislative session and housing rights group say would put more Hoosiers at risk of eviction.