New state laws ban drivers holding phones, hike marriage age
Using a handheld cellphone while driving will become illegal on Indiana roads under a new state law taking effect Wednesday.
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Federal court blocks Indiana panhandling law
In an order that noted Americans exercising their First Amendment rights against racial inequality and quoting Frederick Douglass on the sacred right of free speech, a federal court issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday preventing Indiana’s new panhandling law from taking effect Wednesday.
Justices grant expungement petition that led to change in law
Confusion over prolonged expungement wait times that Indiana’s longest-serving judge called “unjust” was settled Wednesday when the Indiana Supreme Court declared a new law that eliminated the confusion applies retroactively.
New laws overrule court rulings
Sometimes you lose the battle but win the war. That happened for at least two Indiana lawyers this year. While their clients lost in court, the results of their cases so struck a nerve that the Indiana General Assembly reacted, passing legislation that enshrined into law relief lawyers and their clients fought for.
New laws for 2020
The Indiana General Assembly passed laws this year on matters ranging from increasing the smoking and vaping age to laws banning distracted driving, specifically prohibiting the use of a cellphone behind the wheel. The following enrolled acts, followed in parentheses by their corresponding public law numbers, take effect July 1 unless otherwise noted.
Supreme Court rejects several gun rights cases for next term
The US Supreme Court on Monday passed up several challenges to federal and state gun control laws, over the dissent of two conservative justices.
Justices reject Trump bid to void California sanctuary law
The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the Trump administration’s bid to throw out a California immigrant-sanctuary law that limits local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Valpo fighting donor suit over law school contribution valued at $1.4M
After recently shuttering its 140-year-old law school, Valparaiso University is going on the offensive to keep a donor from reclaiming a gift worth more than a million dollars that was made to support the legal education program.
IndyBar slates ‘Tiger King’-inspired exotic pet ownership law webinar
As people across the country hunkered down at home during the coronavirus pandemic, a Netflix documentary series featuring big cats and big personalities became a television sensation and now is the subject of a legal education webinar.
Advocates seek injunction to expand vote by mail in November election
An Indiana grassroots organization and 12 state residents are asking a federal court to order Hoosier election officials extend no-excuse absentee balloting for the 2020 general election in November because, they say, voters will still be at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Hill’s fight to stay AG continues
Suspended Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill will be reinstated to the practice of law June 17, and he’s said he’s using the time in the interim to “reflect on lessons learned.” His chief deputy, Aaron Negangard, is overseeing the office while Hill serves his suspension, but a lawsuit filed May 21 challenges Hill’s authority to make that appointment.
Reversal: US citizenship not required to obtain a name change
Citizenship in the United States is not required in order to obtain a name change, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Monday, reversing a trial court and ruling for two transgender men.
Rochester woman appeals conviction in fatal school bus crash
An appeal filed by a Rochester woman convicted in a crash that killed three children who were crossing a highway to board a school bus contends the state did not present sufficient evidence that she was criminally reckless.
ACLU not planning suit to block fetal remains bill
Indiana’s new fetal remains law, which provides for burial or cremation following an abortion, will likely not face a legal challenged in contrast to a similar provision in a 2016 state law that was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Opposition to rental bill prompts veto from Holcomb
Gov. Eric Holcomb vetoed a measure opposed by fair housing advocates that would have limited local controls over landlord-tenant matters. Holcomb said the language was “overly broad” and, in a reference to the ongoing pandemic, this was “not the right time” for such a law.
Woman wins repossession appeal against towing company
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday reversed in favor of an Indianapolis woman who was restrained by law enforcement while her car was being repossessed.
Senate unanimously passes massive coronavirus aid plan
The Senate passed an unparalleled $2.2 trillion economic rescue package steering aid to businesses, workers and health care systems engulfed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Indiana to extend licenses during its stay-at-home order
Indiana will be automatically extending all state-issued driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations as the state enters a two-week stay-at-home period ordered by Gov. Eric Holcomb to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Indiana legislators pass bill seeking to deregulate wetlands
Indiana’s protections for certain wetlands would end under legislation state lawmakers approved in the waning hours of their session, even though the state’s own environmental agency joined environmentalists in opposing the measure.
Legislation aimed at reducing health care costs passes, but impact could be weak
Despite lengthy debates on reducing health care costs this year, Indiana lawmakers eliminated the provision business leaders said was likely to have the most impact.