Finding consensus, struggling with conflict at legislative halfway mark
As Indiana lawmakers prepare for the second half of the session, several key issues are awaiting further review.
Gov. Eric Holcomb
Articles
Applications open for Indiana Court of Appeals spot
Lawyers and judges interested in applying for an upcoming vacancy on the Indiana Court of Appeals bench may now do so, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Friday.
Senate OKs bill to limit governor’s emergency orders to 60 days
The Indiana Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that would put a 60-day limit on emergency orders issued by the governor unless the Legislature weighs in. The proposal is substantially different from a bill restricting the governor’s emergency powers that previously passed the House.
Finalists for St. Joseph Superior Court resubmitted to Holcomb
Gov. Eric Holcomb has been presented a second time with the same slate of nominees to fill a vacancy on the St. Joseph Superior Court, potentially curing an injunction that had blocked the governor’s appointment after a local commission member sued, claiming two fellow members were ineligible.
Governor signs bill for Indiana COVID-19 lawsuit shield
Indiana businesses and others now have broad protections from lawsuits by people blaming them for contracting COVID-19 under a new state law signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Holcomb appoints new judge to Vanderburgh Superior Court
A longtime private practitioner in a small Evansville law firm was appointed as judge of the Vanderburgh Superior Court on Thursday. Gov. Eric Holcomb announced the appointment of the new jurist who will succeed Judge Richard G. D’Amour upon his retirement in April.
House votes to override governor’s veto of landlord-tenant bill, allowing it to become law
The GOP-controlled Indiana House has voted to override Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb’s veto of a controversial landlord-tenant bill, allowing the measure to become law. The measure could eliminate local regulation of rental properties, most notably in Indianapolis. Both Holcomb and Democratic Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett expressed disappointment in the Legislature.
Senate taking different approach to tighten governor’s executive powers
The Indiana Senate is moving forward with a bill to curtail the governor’s executive order privileges that is significantly different from the House version of the legislation designed to curtail emergency powers.
Lawmakers kill bill that would have stripped control of IMPD from city
Legislation that would have stripped control of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department from the city’s mayor is dead for the year. Meanwhile, a separate police oversight bill was voted down in committee by request of its author.
St. Joseph judge who retired back on bench amid appointment stalemate
The Indiana Supreme Court on Monday issued an order appointing Miller, now a senior judge, back to the court she attempted to retire from last year. The order authorizes Miller to serve as a St. Joseph Superior Court judge until May 1 as a fight over her potential successor plays out in another court.
Legislation takes aim at judicial selection
A bill in the Legislature would restructure the composition of judicial nominating commissions in Lake and St. Joseph counties. Currently, an even number of attorneys and nonattorney members are appointed by local stakeholders, but the proposal would reduce attorney representation, which has prompted a backlash in the northern Indiana legal communities.
COVID-19 lawsuit immunity bill heads to Holcomb
Legislation that aims to protect businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits is heading to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk.
Indiana Secretary of State Lawson announces resignation
Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson on Monday announced plans to resign from office after Gov. Eric Holcomb “selects a successor and the successor is ready to serve.” Lawson, 71, is the longest-serving secretary of state in Indiana history. She was appointed to the office by then-Gov. Mitch Daniels in March 2012 and was elected in 2014 and 2018.
Indiana to soon expand COVID-19 vaccines to those 60 and up
Indiana health officials will soon expand coronavirus vaccines to Hoosiers ages 60 to 65 as they continue to sidestep federal recommendations for vaccine rollout and delay the timeline for teachers and other essential workers to become eligible for COVID-19 shots.
Ending Indiana gun carry permits could cost police $3.5 million
Indiana legislators would face coming up with $3.5 million a year for local police agencies if they repeal the state law requiring a permit to carry a handgun in public.
House amends COVID liability bill, prepares for final vote
Legislation to provide businesses and individuals with protection from COVID-related civil liability is getting closer to the governor’s desk, with the Indiana House amending the bill and setting it up for a final House vote Thursday.
House panel advances pregnancy accommodations bill with virtually no mandates
Indiana lawmakers are moving forward with a pregnancy accommodations bill that won’t require businesses to make any adjustments for workers. Some legislators advocated for a measure that they said would offer pregnant workers more meaningful protections.
Indiana deaths jumped by 18% during 2020 amid pandemic
A larger surge of coronavirus deaths in Indiana during December than was initially reported contributed to an 18% jump in the state’s overall deaths during 2020.
Holcomb promotes Allen to chairwoman of Alcohol and Tobacco Commission
The attorney who serves as executive secretary of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission has been promoted to chairwoman of the commission, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Friday.
Legislature overrides Holcomb veto of housing measure
Nearing the mid-point of the 2021 legislative session, the Indiana Senate overrode Gov. Eric Holcomb’s veto of a bill that housing advocates claimed would put more Hoosier tenants at risk of eviction. Democrats harshly criticized the override as the work of a Republican supermajority “drunk on power.”