Proposals would add visas for STEM workers
Highly skilled immigrants are the focus of 2 bills introduced in Congress.
Government
Articles
Complicated code, preparer error could cause problems with immigrants’ tax returns
An Indianapolis television station ran a series of reports in May about a “loophole” in the law that allows undocumented immigrants to claim tax credits for children living in other countries. But the reports – which relied on an anonymous tax preparer as a key source – failed to disclose the role of some tax preparers in filing bogus tax returns.
Hogsett lifts US attorney’s public profile
One expert says federal prosecutors have become more visible across the country.
Zero tolerance in schools could lead to problems for students in future
Indiana’s effort to study juvenile justice issues has stalled as the group waits for the governor to appoint a chair.
Lawmakers to be part of panel for contraception talk
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana’s brown-bag discussion about contraception will include two state lawmakers.
Judges uphold termination of parental rights
The Indiana Court of Appeals found ample evidence that a mother took little to no steps to correct the problems that led to her son’s removal and continued placement out of her care, so it affirmed the termination of parental rights. In its opinion, the judges also discussed Indiana Evidence Rule 201(b) regarding judicial notice of “records of a court of this state.”
Smoking-ban lawsuits face long odds, legal expert says
Ten bar owners who are taking Indianapolis to court over a new citywide smoking ban that takes effect Friday at 6 a.m. stand little chance of stopping the ordinance, an Indianapolis law professor predicts.
Legislature announces summer study committees
The Legislative Council of the Indiana General Assembly has assigned the study topics various committees will examine this summer and fall. Some of the areas include creating a centralized department of administrative law judges and review of various Department of Child Services practices.
Appeals court reverses DCS judgment of CHINS
A 16-year-old Indianapolis girl was improperly adjudicated a child in need of services, and her mother should not have been subject to Department of Child Services oversight, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.
Justices vacate review of voided tax warrants in ‘puppy mill’ case
The Indiana Supreme Court on Tuesday vacated an order granting review in a case that concluded tax agencies and the Indiana attorney general’s office overstepped their authority by issuing jeopardy tax warrants to seize animals from an alleged puppy mill in Harrison County.
Attorney general sues home loan modification companies
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller has filed five lawsuits against companies around the country he claims have scammed Hoosiers trying to keep their homes. Since 2006, the AG’s office has filed 110 suits against foreclosure consultant companies.
Indiana joins price-fixing suit against Apple
Indiana has joined a multistate lawsuit against Apple Inc. and two publishing companies for price-fixing the cost of electronic books.
AG announced Depakote settlement
Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced Monday that Indiana will recoup millions of dollars in two separate settlements of multistate lawsuits against pharmaceutical maker Abbott Laboratories over illegal off-label marketing of its drug, Depakote.
More attorneys choosing gradual retirement
Economics are one reason why lawyers postpone withdrawal from practice.
Indiana’s inheritance tax phasing out
Attorneys who handle estate planning say questions remain about the future of the federal estate tax.
Munster ranks fifth in national competition
A team of students from Munster High School took fifth place among 56 teams in the We the People National Finals in Washington, D.C., April 27 through May 1.
Vacancies on federal bench will be topic of White House meetings Monday
Reba Boyd Wooden, executive director of the Center for Inquiry-Indiana, will travel to Washington Monday to meet with White House officials about the vacancy crisis in America’s federal courts.
Governor signs Lifeline Law
A ceremonial signing of Indiana’s Lifeline Law was held Friday at the Statehouse. Senate Enrolled Act 274 provides legal immunity from prosecution for those who seek medical attention for an intoxicated person.
COA affirms when interest on payments from state fund begins to accrue
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court ruling in a dispute over what interest rate is charged and when it begins to accrue on payments due from the Indiana Patient’s Compensation Fund to successful medical malpractice claimants.