Indiana’s immigration law reeling
Attorneys say the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Arizona case likely dooms parts of Indiana’s law.
Indiana General Assembly
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Settlement adds $7.2 million for State Fair stage collapse victims
Two defendants in lawsuits over the Indiana State Fair stage collapse that killed seven and injured dozens have agreed to add $7.2 million to money the state has already distributed or appropriated, Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced Friday.
Indiana’s new laws starting July 1, 2012
Many of the laws enacted during the 2012 legislative session take effect July 1. This list includes enrolled acts, along with newly assigned public law numbers, that have full or partial July 1 effective dates.
Indiana’s texting ban difficult to enforce
Police have issued few citations to motorists during the statute’s first year and there are questions whether the law is a deterrent.
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.
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.
Indiana’s inheritance tax phasing out
Attorneys who handle estate planning say questions remain about the future of the federal estate tax.
Indiana legislative round-up
A snapshot of key points from bills heard in the 2012 legislative session. All enrolled acts were signed by the governor by March 20.
Debating the merits of mandatory seat belts on school buses
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in larger buses, the spacing and height of the seats offer crash protection for children through “compartmentalization.” But opinions remain divided about whether compartmentalization does enough to protect students and whether school bus seat belts should be required by law.
Settlement funds to be used for utility bill assistance
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced Wednesday that funds from a multi-million dollar mortgage lending settlement will benefit low-income homeowners who need help with utility bills.
Governor signs bill inspired by Supreme Court ruling
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed Senate Enrolled Act 1 into law Tuesday evening. The legislation deals with the right of people to defend against unlawful entry and was created in response to the Indiana Supreme Court ruling in Barnes v. State.
Governor signs DCS, new judge legislation
Gov. Mitch Daniels signed legislation last week that gives Johnson Superior Court a fourth judge and Allen Circuit Court another full-time magistrate, and an enrolled act that makes changes to the Department of Child Services.
State senator appointed secretary of state
Gov. Mitch Daniels has appointed Sen. Connie Lawson, R-Danville, as Indiana secretary of state. She fills the vacancy left by Charlie White, who was recently convicted of several felonies, making him ineligible to hold office.
Power of attorney, Allen County magistrate bills ready for enrollment
Legislation that deals with power of attorney and that would give Allen Circuit Court a second full-time magistrate have made it through both houses of the Indiana Legislature.
Guardianship, power of attorney bills on 3rd reading
A bill that would prevent the termination of the guardianship of an incapacitated minor once the minor turns 18 and legislation that allows a copy of a power of attorney to have the same effect as the original are before the Indiana House of Representatives on third reading Monday.
Justices take environmental, land rights appeals
The Indiana Supreme Court accepted two civil cases last week on transfer, in addition to the two-high profile appeals involving legislative fines against lawmakers and Secretary of State Charlie White.
High court to hear legislative fines appeal
The Indiana Supreme Court has taken the appeal of a Marion County judge’s decision that ordered Democratic members of the Indiana House be refunded the money withheld from their paychecks due to a walkout in 2011.
Judge orders refund of legislative fines
The Democratic members of the Indiana House who faced fines for failing to attend sessions in protest of right-to-work legislation will be reimbursed any amount withheld in 2011, according to a ruling from Marion Superior Judge David Dreyer. The judge also ordered that any fines imposed this session may not be collected.
Indiana becomes right-to-work state
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed legislation Wednesday making Indiana the 23rd right-to-work state. The law makes it illegal for any worker to be forced to pay union dues or fees or become a member of a labor union as a condition of employment.
Senate passes ‘right-to-work’ bill by narrow vote
The Indiana Senate voted 28-22 in favor of House Bill 1001, which would make it illegal to require employees to pay union dues as a condition of employment.