Ban on drivers using handheld phones clears Indiana House
The Indiana House endorsed a proposal Wednesday that would ban motorists from using handheld cellphones, a step supporters say is aimed at combating distracted driving.
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Bill mandating harsher penalties for juveniles passes Senate committee
A bill increasing the penalties for juvenile offenders passed a Senate committee Tuesday night despite more than an hour of testimony from judges, attorneys, social workers, pastors and former inmates who all voiced strong and sometimes emotional opposition.
Senate passes bill restricting depositions of child sex crime victims
Alleged child sex crime victims would be subjected to discovery depositions only in rare circumstances under a bill that passed the Indiana Senate on a nearly unanimous vote. Adoption of the legislation would remove Indiana from the handful of states that do not shield child sex crimes victims from pretrial depositions.
Lawmakers consider change to business personal property tax
Indiana lawmakers are considering making another change to the state’s business personal property tax — a move that could affect tens of thousands of small businesses.
Speedway Democrat not seeking re-election to Statehouse
An Indianapolis area Democrat who at one point had considered making a run for governor will not seek re-election to her Statehouse office. Indiana Rep. Karlee Macer, of Speedway, announced Tuesday that she won’t run for re-election for House District 92 this year.
‘Social justice prosecuting’ bill advances despite widespread opposition
Despite unanimous opposition from nearly all of the organizations and individuals who testified, a bill that would allow the attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor over certain cases that a local prosecutor declines to prosecute has advanced out of an Indiana Senate committee.
Indiana measure looks to limit marriage for those under 18
Indiana lawmakers could make it more difficult for anyone younger than 18 to get married. A bill moving through the General Assembly would increase the current minimum age for matrimony from 15.
Indiana lawmakers consider protections for pregnant workers
More Indiana businesses would have to allow pregnant women to take longer breaks, transfer to less physical work and take unpaid time off after childbirth under a proposal state lawmakers are considering.
Longest serving rep, ex-Indiana House Speaker Bauer retiring
Former Indiana House Speaker Patrick Bauer has decided to retire after 50 years in the Legislature, ending the Democrat’s career known for his clashes with former Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels and leading a five-week legislative boycott trying to block passage of a state right-to-work law.
Bill allowing 12-year-olds to be charged as adults headed to Senate committee
A bill mandating tougher penalties for juvenile defendants, including allowing 12-year-olds to be waived to adult court for attempted murder, is scheduled to be heard in a legislative committee Tuesday, but already strong opposition is mounting with both state and national organizations warning of the consequences.
Lawmakers consider bill to protect right to resell entertainment tickets
A bill moving through the Indiana General Assembly would ban nontransferable tickets for concerts and other entertainment events.
Indiana allowing wagers on who’ll win Oscars next month
Indiana is giving gamblers a chance to put down wagers on who’ll be winners in next month’s Academy Awards. Betting on the Oscar winners for best picture and other film categories comes under the state’s sports wagering law that took effect in September.
Indiana lawyer faces DUI charges after announcing candidacy
An Indiana attorney was arrested on drunken driving charges in the southern Indiana community of Newburgh shortly after announcing his candidacy for the state Legislature.
Indiana lawmakers send surplus-spending bill to Holcomb
Just three weeks into the legislative session, Indiana lawmakers have spent a spending bill to Gov. Eric Holcomb for his signature.
Bill to allow summonses, not arrests, for misdemeanors advances
A bill that proponents say would show legislative leadership in efforts to end jail overcrowding by issuing summonses to appear to misdemeanor defendants has advanced out of an Indiana House committee.
Senate Democrats push end to jail for minor marijuana possession
No more jail time. That’s what some Indiana Senate Democrats repeatedly said Thursday as they advocated for legislation aimed at limiting the number of individuals arrested for possession of marijuana. The bills, however, may not get a hearing in the Indiana General Assembly this year.
Bill raising small claims filing limit to $8K advances to full House
Plaintiffs litigating on the small claims docket in any Indiana county could soon file claims for up to $8,000 if a bill that advanced out of a House committee Wednesday makes it to the governor’s desk. The bill also would expand the authority of magistrate judges.
Indiana lawmakers step back on ‘In God We Trust’ requirement
Indiana lawmakers have rolled back a proposal to require a poster with the national motto “In God We Trust” and the American and state flags be displayed in all public school classrooms.
House panel approves bill that would prohibit utilities from shutting down coal-fired plants
A bill that would prevent Indiana utilities from shutting down coal-fired power plants without state permission was approved by a House panel on Wednesday, despite widespread opposition from business, environmental, utility, ratepayer and social justice groups.
Indiana House backs tougher rules for tobacco retailers
Stores across Indiana would face tougher penalties for selling tobacco products to anyone younger than 21 under a bill endorsed Tuesday by the Indiana House.