Senator seeks stiffer punishment for decapitations
The chairman of the state Senate Judiciary Committee says Indiana needs stronger penalties for decapitation.
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Indiana AG proposes home contractor registry
Indiana residents looking to hire contractors for home repair or remodeling projects would be able to search a state registry that's among a package of legislative proposals Attorney General Greg Zoeller said Tuesday he's supporting in an effort to boost consumer protections.
Judiciary study committee to consider new judges, consent to adoption
The Indiana General Assembly’s Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary meets Thursday for the first time this year and will look at the addition of judges in several counties.
County sheriffs tell dire stories of mentally ill held in local jails
From different communities in different parts of Indiana, two county sheriffs told lawmakers very similar stories about the mentally ill individuals who end up in their jails.
Correctional services consolidation bill drawing fire
Community corrections advocates are worried that a proposal to consolidate the Marion County probation and community corrections departments would take local decision-making away from community members and give more control to judges.
Lawmaker targets burdensome pre-settlement funding by proposing cap on interest rates
Funding companies woo plaintiffs in need with promises of quick cash for their pending settlements without oversight in Indiana. That soon could change.
Criminal law committee sends sentencing bill to Legislature
What was called the key to making Indiana’s new criminal code work has received a nod of approval and is now headed to the Legislature.
Judges persuade Commission on Courts to reject bail bond proposal and review use of psychologists
Proposed legislation regarding bail bonds died Oct. 21 in the Indiana General Assembly’s Commission on Courts hearing after Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Brent Dickson raised concerns about constitutionality and legislative overreach.
Indiana psychologists question qualifications for insanity evaluations
The Indiana Psychological Association tried to convince members of the Indiana General Assembly to make a key change to state law governing insanity evaluations Sept. 24, but legislators seemed skeptical of the need for a revision.
Despite constitutional concerns, judicial nomination bill advances
Proposed changes to the panel that recommends judges for the Indiana Supreme Court and Court of Appeals advanced to the House floor Monday, but not before some lawmakers said they reserved judgment on whether the measure was constitutional.
Synthetic drug ban, human trafficking bills move out of committee
Senate bills stiffening the state’s synthetic drug ban and strengthening Indiana’s human trafficking laws were approved unanimously by the House of Representatives Committee on Courts and Criminal Code Wednesday.
Justices decline to order mediation in walkout fines case
The Indiana Supreme Court issued an order Monday refusing to order mediation in the lawsuit filed by Democratic lawmakers after some of their pay was withheld following legislative walkouts in 2011 and 2012.
Problem-solving courts cut recidivism, help defendants
Indiana House Bill 1016 proposes to let court staff provide some rehabilitative services and collect fees for them.
Indiana Sen. Mike Delph’s bills raise brows in legal community
Senator drops “loser pays” attorney fees plan, but other bills target grand juries and propose retention supermajority.
Human trafficking bill goes to full Senate
A bill to strengthen the state’s human trafficking law – which was passed last year in anticipation of Indianapolis hosting the Super Bowl, has made it out of committee.
Constitutional amendment on right to hunt, fish out of committee
A proposal to add the right of Hoosiers to hunt and fish to the Indiana Constitution passed unanimously out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Monday.
Eliminating judges’ mandatory retirement to get hearing
A bill to eliminate mandatory retirement at age 75 for Indiana Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
Right to hunt amendment hearing Monday
The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will hear Senate Joint Resolution 7 Monday, which looks to add to the Indiana Constitution the right to hunt and fish.
House Judiciary Committee to look at foreclosure fee, privacy issues
At Monday’s House Judiciary Committee, members will discuss three bills, including one that requires a court clerk to collect a $50 mortgage foreclosure counseling and education fee in certain cases.
Senate panel advances DCS oversight measure
A proposed commission that grew from a study committee examining problems at the Department of Child Services cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday.