Indiana legislative session enters its final day
Indiana lawmakers entered the final day of the annual legislative session with a substantial amount of work left to do and a midnight deadline to get it done by.
Law & Politics
Articles
Indianapolis approves ordinance to crack down on high-crime hotels
The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday unanimously approved an ordinance to hold accountable hotels and motels that are magnets of crime, creating a nuisance for local police and fire departments.
Holcomb seeks $5 million to boost school security
Indiana’s governor has asked legislators to approve a $5 million boost for a state grant program aimed at helping improve school security.
Rokita skipping televised Indiana GOP Senate debate
U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita has decided to skip a televised debate planned for next month with the two other candidates seeking the Republican U.S. Senate nomination.
Indiana Legislature taking pass on steps wooing Amazon
Indiana lawmakers are poised to wrap up this year’s legislative session without taking action to boost the chances of Indianapolis luring Amazon’s second headquarters and its tempting promise of 50,000 high-paying jobs.
Indiana shaking off outdated, male-only references in laws
A measure that would clean up archaic words and male-only references in Indiana’s laws has been approved by the Legislature and is on its way to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk.
Bill aims to remedy Indiana’s teacher shortage
A new bill aims to remedy Indiana’s teaching shortage by allowing public schools to fill up to 10 percent of their teaching staff with unlicensed teachers.
Indiana Legislature approves bill toughening abortion rules
The Indiana Legislature on Wednesday sent a bill to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk that would require medical providers who treat women for complications arising from abortions to report detailed patient information to the state.
City of Gary fighting sanctuary city lawsuit
The city of Gary is defending its welcoming ordinance, filing a motion for summary judgment last week in Lake Superior Court against plaintiffs who claim the municipal government violates the state’s “sanctuary city preemption law.”
Immigration protest’s human chain blocks traffic
A faith-based group critical of Indiana Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly's and Republican Sen. Todd Young's stances on immigration literally took to the streets Tuesday, blocking traffic in front of the federal courthouse in Indianapolis and near both senators' downtown offices.
Braun: Programs available to fund costs of protecting environment
For the State of Indiana to remain competitive in the 21st century and to attract and retain businesses and an educated workforce, it is vitally important that the quality of life for its citizens include clean air, soil and water.
Bill prohibiting neighborhood bans on solar panels stalls
Bills to restrict homeowners associations’ ability to prohibit solar panels have been filed, including Senate Bill 207 filed this year.
Oregon governor signs first gun law since Florida massacre
A bill prohibiting domestic abusers and people under restraining orders from owning firearms became America’s first new gun control law since the Feb. 14 Florida high school massacre.
Jail chemical addiction programs show promise, but few are offered
Boone County is one of fewer than half a dozen counties in the state with a jail chemical addiction program. The program is voluntary and completely funded by court fees.
Sunday carryout alcohol sales begin at Indiana stores
People streamed into grocery and liquor stores across Indiana on Sunday as they were able to buy carryout alcohol for the first time.
Lawmakers backpedal on gun bills in wake of mass shooting
Republican leaders in the Indiana Legislature are backpedaling on gun rights legislation in the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida — killing two measures that would have loosened firearm restrictions.
AP source: Ex-FBI No. 2 to be criticized in watchdog report
The Justice Department’s inspector general is expected to criticize former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe as part of its investigation into the bureau’s handling of the Hillary Clinton email probe, a person familiar with the matter said Thursday night.
Board rules Indiana treasurer wrongly fired Mourdock deputy
A state board has upheld a ruling that Indiana’s state treasurer wrongly fired her predecessor’s top deputy when she took office in 2014.
Bill spurred by Nassar scandal concerns Catholic Church
A Michigan bill inspired by the Larry Nassar scandal that would retroactively extend the amount of time child victims of sexual abuse have to sue their abusers is drawing concerns from the Catholic Church, which has paid out billions of dollars to settle U.S. clergy abuse cases.
Committee chairman kills divisive payday lending bill
The chairman on an Indiana Senate committee has killed a payday lending bill that was widely opposed by veterans’ advocates and faith groups — including the Indiana House Speaker’s own church — who said that it would have legalized lending at rates of up to 222 percent.