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.
Indiana Senate
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‘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 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.
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.
House passes bill to prevent companies from forcing employees to be microchipped
The Indiana House passed a bill Tuesday that would prevent companies from requiring their employees to be microchipped. The bill passed without a vote in opposition and moves to the state Senate.
Revenue director challenging Indiana attorney general
The head of the Indiana Department of Revenue has decided to challenge embattled state Attorney General Curtis Hill’s bid seeking the Republican nomination for the office. Adam Krupp has said he would resign as the revenue department’s commissioner by the end of January to run full-time for attorney general.
Pair of lawsuits battle over legality of recent push for Equal Rights Amendment
Nearly 50 years after it was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification, the Equal Rights Amendment is inciting a new round of litigation just as the Virginia Legislature is expected to soon ratify the constitutional provision.
Fearnow, Modisett sign lawyers letter refuting McConnell on impeachment trial
Two prominent Hoosiers have joined hundreds of attorneys who signed a letter condemning Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s handling of a possible impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.
Redistricting reform advocates pushing for transparency
Redistricting reform advocates are taking a slightly different approach at the Republican-controlled Indiana Legislature this year, as they make more transparency the priority ahead of lines being redrawn in 2021.
Senator tries again to ban Indiana vouchers over gay firings
A proposal aimed at banning private schools that discriminate against gay employees and students from receiving Indiana voucher program money is being backed by the state’s Republican school superintendent.
No charges against ex-senator over Indiana lobbying contract
Prosecutors have decided a former Indiana state senator won’t face criminal charges over possible violations of state lobbying laws involving his work with the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
State expecting to bring in more revenue than previously estimated
The state is expecting an additional $531 million in revenue over the next biennium, according to a forecast released Friday. The revenue forecast shared with the State Budget Committee predicted an increase of $239 million and $292 million in 2020 and 2021, respectively, from the previous forecast released in April.
Vaping crisis could be impetus for Legislature to raise smoking age to 21
Time and again, legislation in Indiana to raise the age to possess or purchase tobacco to 21 has failed. But that could be about to change.
Former prosecutor Curry honored by IPAC
Former Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry was honored with the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council’s highest award last week during the organization’s annual Winter Conference, recognizing his contributions in the realm of criminal justice.
Indiana resisting marijuana trend of neighboring states
Indiana’s Republican Statehouse leaders are firmly against taking any steps toward following neighboring states in legalizing marijuana use during the upcoming legislative session. But they might not be able to avoid talking about it during the 2020 election campaign.
Ex-Evansville mayor enters Indiana attorney general race
A former mayor of Evansville is the second Democrat seeking to unseat embattled Republican Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, setting up potential convention fights for the nomination next year in both political parties.
Teacher pay, health care costs to feature in 2020 legislative debate
With the start of the 2020 legislative session about a month away, party leaders are formulating their plans for the short session, with teacher pay continuing to be a point of contention.
Indiana lawmakers support raising legal age for tobacco use
Indiana lawmakers are voicing support for raising the state’s legal age to buy tobacco and vaping products. Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma said Monday that he supports raising the age from 18 to 21, along with the majority of the House Republican caucus.
McKinney, NAACP forum to focus on model lead legislation
Indiana lawmakers and environmental law and policy experts will gather Thursday at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law to discuss model legislation designed to address lead poisoning among Indiana children after tests of drinking water found “alarming levels” in Indianapolis schools.
Democratic mayors win reelection in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne
The Democratic mayors of Indianapolis and Fort Wayne cruised to big victories in Tuesday’s local elections, denying Republicans their hopes of capturing leadership in either of Indiana’s largest cities.