Virtual Indiana State of State speech amid protest threat
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s annual State of the State address will be a virtual event Tuesday night rather than delivered before the typical joint session of the General Assembly.
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Former lawmaker resigns from legal profession amid discipline case
A self-described “eclectic” one-time state legislator from Muncie has resigned from the practice of law under pressure, ending a disciplinary case lodged against him that alleged he bungled an estate case, committed a “criminal act” and repeatedly dodged court hearings.
Indiana Senate committee advances COVID-19 legal immunity bill
State lawmakers have advanced a bill that would protect individuals and businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday afternoon moved Senate Bill 1 to the Senate floor for consideration.
Committee endorses new Hamilton County court, magistrates for 3 counties
Four Indiana counties are one step closer to adding judicial officers or a new court after winning the approval of a legislative committee.
Bill that would bar Indiana employers from requiring vaccinations sparks heated debate
A bill that would prohibit Indiana employers from requiring workers to get immunizations against COVID-19 or any other disease generated heated discussion Wednesday morning, reviving a debate over where to draw the line between public health and personal freedom.
Rush scraps live State of the Judiciary, will offer video message due to COVID-19
The annual State of the Judiciary address will not be delivered in person to the Indiana General Assembly this year due to COVID-19, the Indiana Supreme Court has announced. Instead, Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush will submit a written report and video message.
Law enforcement reform bill easily advances in Indiana House
A law enforcement reform bill that appears to have wide support from policing agencies and minority groups is advancing to the Indiana House floor. The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee unanimously advanced the measure on Tuesday morning.
Amid FBI warning, state police say they aren’t aware of any planned Statehouse protests
The Indiana State Police told Indianapolis Business Journal Tuesday the agency is not aware of any planned protests at the Statehouse in the coming week, amid a warning from the FBI to law enforcement about plans for armed protests at all 50 state capitols leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration Jan. 20.
Bill to ensure foster care subsidy for adoptive parents advances
Proposed legislation that would extend financial support to parents who adopt Hoosier children from foster care advanced in the Indiana Senate on Monday, with the bill’s sponsor hoping the bill’s third time will be the charm.
COVID immunity bill garners support, but concerns raised about overly broad language
Legislation meant to shield Indiana businesses and individuals from COVID-related liability was met with a groundswell of support on Wednesday, though some raised concerns that the language of the bill could have unintended legal consequences.
Indianapolis state senator files bill to take control of IMPD away from Hogsett
An Indianapolis state senator has filed legislation that would strip control of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department from the city’s mayor.
Courts not seeking more funds in 2021
Given the economic toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on Indiana’s budget, the Indiana Supreme Court is not requesting additional funding in the next biennial budget that will be drafted during the 2021 Legislative session. Instead, the court is asking the General Assembly to keep funding steady and has reverted funds to the state through pandemic-related savings.
Pandemic pressures legal aid
Looming evictions with so many Americans unable to pay their rent have been at the forefront of concerns, but legal aid offices and pro bono attorneys see other issues on the horizon. They expect more filings for bankruptcy and guardianships, and they believe more people will reach out for legal assistance with problems connected with consumer debt and domestic violence. Underpinning their ability to help is the need for money.
Potential for veto override of housing bill stirs call to action
Fears of an attempt to override Gov. Eric Holcomb’s March 2020 veto of a housing bill is spurring housing advocates to publicly call on the Indiana Legislature to not resurrect SEA 148, particularly when many Hoosiers are continuing to struggle under economic stress brought by the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Bill would give lawmakers opportunity to weigh in on governor’s emergency order extensions
Nine months after Gov. Eric Holcomb first put Indiana under a public health emergency, a top Indiana House Republican has filed a bill that would require a special session before the governor could extend an emergency order beyond an initial 30 days.
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.
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.
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.