Lawmakers seek to shield businesses from COVID lawsuits
Businesses, not-for-profits, schools, religious organizations and other entities could soon be shielded from responsibility for COVID-19 infections.
Indiana Senate
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COVID puts Legislature in fiscal vise in upcoming budget session
As Indiana lawmakers prepare to craft the state’s next two-year budget, leaders promise K-12 education will be the top priority — but they also acknowledge that every line item in the spending plan is at risk of cuts.
COVID-19 school turmoil, teacher pay face Indiana lawmakers
The turmoil that Indiana schools have faced from the coronavirus pandemic will be a top concern of state legislators during their upcoming session, the leader of the Indiana House said ahead of lawmakers convening for Organization Day.
Republicans select ex-Marion County chair to replace Merritt at Statehouse
Former Marion County Republican Party Chairman Kyle Walker was elected by caucus Sunday to replace retiring state Sen. Jim Merritt. The veteran Indianapolis lawmaker announced his pending departure from the Statehouse earlier this year.
Republicans win big in Indiana from Statehouse to courthouses
Although the results of the United States presidential race were delayed well beyond Election Night, Hoosiers learned the winners of several state and local races soon after the polls closed as Republicans secured their grip on state and federal offices.
Zody to retire as state Democratic Party chair after GOP rout
Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody does not plan to seek another term as the leader of the party after years of tough election losses.
Republicans projected to hold or build on General Assembly supermajorities
Republicans in the Indiana House and Senate will retain or build on their supermajorities in both houses of the state Legislature, according to projections of unofficial statewide election results.
Spartz defeats Hale as Indiana House delegation remains split 7-2 favoring GOP
Outgoing Republican Rep. Susan Brooks on Tuesday night appeared alongside fellow Republican Victoria Spartz at her campaign event in Carmel and declared Spartz the winner in the hard-fought race against Democrat Christina Hale to succeed Brooks in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District. Hale, however, declined to concede Tuesday night.
Top political analyst changes outlook for 5th District race to ‘tilt Democrat’
A major political analyst has changed the outlook for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District from toss-up to “tilt Democrat.” Inside Elections made the rating change this week for the tight race between Republican state Sen. Victoria Spartz and former Democratic state lawmaker Christina Hale.
New in power, Indiana House leader faces tough election race
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston is trying to hold onto his suburban Indianapolis district that’s shifted away from reliably Republican as he faces his first election since March, when he took over the powerful position that controls much of the General Assembly’s action.
Former Indiana lawmakers, casino exec indicted in federal campaign finance scheme
Two former state lawmakers have been charged in federal court in Indianapolis with violations of campaign finance laws, the Indiana Southern District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
Merritt resigning after 30 years in state Senate
A longtime Republican state lawmaker who was unsuccessful last year in his bid to become mayor of Indianapolis is stepping down from his seat in November.
Two senators who asked for AG opinion say they won’t sue to stop Holcomb’s mask mandate
Two of the state senators who asked the attorney general for a legal opinion about whether Gov. Eric Holcomb has the authority to enforce a statewide mask mandate say they do not plan to file a lawsuit to challenge the measure.
AG Hill’s accusers file state complaint, 7th Circuit appeal over alleged groping
Following two dismissals from the Indiana Southern District Court, the four women who have accused Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill of sexual misconduct are taking their claims for battery, defamation and invasion of privacy to state court.
Indiana Democrats call for special legislative session
Legislative Democrats want Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to bring the General Assembly back in a special session as concerns over racial injustice and rising coronavirus cases have created what they say is an immediate need for legislators to reconvene.
Indiana officials investigate report of assault on Black man
A Black man says a group of white men assaulted him and threatened to “get a noose” after claiming that he and his friends had trespassed on private property as they gathered at an Indiana lake over the Fourth of July weekend.
55-year sentence upheld in lawyer’s killing by late lawmaker’s husband
The husband of a late Indiana legislator convicted of murdering a northwestern Indiana lawyer and family friend will serve his 55-year advisory sentence, the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed Thursday.
State leaders urge release of low-risk inmates, non-violent juveniles
Leaders of all three branches of state government issued a joint letter Friday providing local communities guidance in releasing those detained in jails, correctional facilities and juvenile detention in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Cities may not restrict gun sales during pandemic, AG Hill says
Indiana localities may not restrict firearms sales during the coronavirus emergency, Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill determined in an official opinion issued Thursday. Cities and towns also may not order licensed gun dealers to close under emergency orders issued by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Lead testing bill clears Statehouse
A bill that requires schools across Indiana to test their water for lead contamination has passed the Statehouse and is headed to the governor’s desk.