Indiana lawmakers back away from mandating citizenship test
State lawmakers have put the brakes on a measure that would have required Indiana students to pass the U.S. citizenship test to earn a high school diploma.
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Indiana Senate panel votes down sheriff’s sale notification bill
State lawmakers have killed a bill that would have eliminated the requirement for sheriff’s sales of foreclosed properties to be published in newspapers — a victory for the media industry.
Senate panel OKs ban on second-trimester abortion procedure
An Indiana Senate panel is backing legislation that would largely ban a commonly used second-trimester abortion procedure while a potential challenge to another Indiana abortion restriction remains pending before justices of the United States Supreme Court.
Indiana shelves bill on requirements for ID gender change
Indiana lawmakers have shelved a bill that would have made it harder for residents to change their gender on driver’s licenses or state identification cards.
Bill targeting money stolen by public servants advances
Hoosiers impacted by the theft of money at the hands of public servants could find some relief if a bill that would allow them to dip into thieves’ public pension funds passes the Indiana Senate’s scrutiny.
Indiana abortion petition making eighth SCOTUS appearance, might be inspiring ‘screed’
Indiana’s petition for a review of its abortion law has been relisted for an eighth conference at the U.S. Supreme Court, raising suspicions that the case will not be accepted but could bring a fiery dissent.
Indiana Paralegal Association celebrates 40 years
The Indiana Paralegal Association Inc. is celebrating its 40th anniversary and will be recognized by the Indiana Senate next month for its accomplishments in the legal profession.
Indiana moves toward expanding religious objection to abortion
Indiana lawmakers are moving closer to allowing nurses, physician assistants and pharmacists to object on religious or other grounds to having any role in an abortion. The Indiana House voted 69-25 on Thursday in favor of the legislation, which would expand the statute for medical professionals who don’t want to perform an abortion or participate in any procedure that results in an abortion.
Indiana legal community remembers Birch Bayh
Former U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh, a legend in Indiana politics who authored two amendments to the U.S. Constitution, has died at age 91. Bayh died Thursday morning of pneumonia, according to a statement from his family.
Clark, Marion, Vanderburgh judicial officer bills advance
Bills requesting additional judicial help for three more Indiana counties are moving swiftly through the Indiana General Assembly now that a committee has unanimously approved their advancement.
Bill allowing community corrections to revoke credit time advances
An Indiana Supreme Court ruling that directors of community corrections programs are unauthorized to revoke good time credit would be sidestepped under a bill advancing in the Statehouse that would enable directors to make such revocations.
Bill allowing e-filing service passes House, Senate
Attorneys tired of filing services of notice by snail mail are closer to the option of doing so electronically, now that both bodies of the Indiana Legislature have approved a measure that would do so.
Bills targeting revenge porn advancing in Statehouse
In the past year, attorney Alex Beeman has received some 36 calls from individuals impacted by revenge porn. That adds up to at least three requests per month asking how they can navigate a potentially life-altering situation.
Bills for new Howard, Tippecanoe judicial officers advance
Two of four House measures in the Senate that would bring judicial relief to some Indiana counties were given the go-ahead to proceed Wednesday, but two other bills have yet to move forward.
As marijuana bills die, hemp legislation raises concerns
Despite previous optimism among pro-marijuana lawmakers for the issue to have a higher chance of success during the 2019 legislative session, numerous-marijuana related bills faltered, most not even receiving a hearing in committee to move forward before the deadline for bills to be approved had passed.
Indiana lawmakers have 400 bills at session’s halfway mark
Indiana lawmakers are entering the second half of the legislative session with more than 400 bills still alive, covering issues including teacher pay, gambling and hate crimes.
Legislation aims to tame ‘Wild West’ nature of land contracts
A bill that passed through the Indiana House 82-14 and is now in the Senate would protect families from predatory land contracts. Provisions would require buyers be told the value of the property and how much they will ultimately pay for it if they complete the terms of the agreement, among other protections.
Critics say Indiana redistricting bill doesn’t do enough
An Indiana bill that would change the state’s redistricting rules doesn’t do enough to end gerrymandering, critics say. The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Greg Walker of Columbus would allow lawmakers to continue drawing the state’s legislative and congressional district maps for the foreseeable future.
Hemp bill’s chances growing with Senate passage
Farmers hoping to add a new crop to their rotation next planting season just moved closer to that dream, now that the Indiana Senate voted nearly unanimously to pass an agricultural hemp bill.
Lake Michigan public use bill advances to Indiana House
A bill establishing in state law the permitted public uses of the shore of Lake Michigan passed the Indiana Senate on Monday and now moves to the House for consideration.