Indiana lawmakers returning to Statehouse for 2019 session
Indiana lawmakers are set to begin their four-month legislative session, facing a tight state budget picture and a possibly contentious debate over adopting a state hate crimes law.
legislation
Articles
Holcomb remains against legalizing marijuana
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb remains opposed to efforts by state lawmakers to allow medical or recreational marijuana in the state, even as such uses are becoming legal in a growing number of other states.
Web Exclusive: Key legislators see sports wagering a sure bet for Indiana
A trending topic discussed by state legislators across the nation is legalizing and incorporating sports wagering into casinos. This comes after a decision in May by the United States Supreme Court that struck down a federal law that barred states from offering legal sports gambling.
DCS, schools seeking more funds in 2019 legislative session
Among the biggest issues the 2019 General Assembly will have to contend with is the Department of Child Services, which is still reeling after a tumultuous year that saw a leader abruptly resign and a national group identify several shortcomings in the department’s operations. Gov. Eric Holcomb is calling on lawmakers to devote significant financial resources to the struggling department, and all four legislative leaders say their caucuses plan to make DCS a top priority.
Advocates push Indiana lawmakers to approve hemp cultivation
Indiana’s efforts to eradicate wild industrial hemp will soon come to an end and cultivation of the plant could soon follow.
Holcomb says passing hate crime law ‘long overdue’
The spray-painting of a swastika outside a suburban Indianapolis synagogue this summer was the final straw for Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, who quickly called for Indiana to join the 45 states that have hate crime laws.
On remand, divided COA again allows modification of fixed-plea sentence
A divided Indiana Court of Appeals has once again reversed a trial court ruling holding that a man sentenced pursuant to a fixed plea agreement could not seek a sentence modification, with the appellate court finding instead on remand that statutory amendments to laws governing fixed pleas are not applicable in this case.
Legislative leaders to focus on DCS funding, teacher pay in ‘extraordinarily difficult’ budget session
In what the Indiana House Speaker said is likely to be an “extraordinarily difficult” budget session, Indiana’s legislative leaders plan to focus their efforts during this year’s legislative session on budget-impacting legislation, such as funding for the embattled Department of Child Services and increasing teacher pay.
Fight over Indiana abortion law still waiting at U.S. Supreme Court
While the Supreme Court of the United States has yet to agree to hear an abortion rights case this term, a petition from Indiana regarding its law regulating the disposal of fetal remains and prohibiting women from terminating their pregnancies based on race, sex or disability remains under consideration. Indiana filed a writ of certiorari after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a preliminary injunction against 2016's House Enrolled Act 1337.
Critics say General Assembly harassment proposal sidesteps key concerns
A new proposed policy is being sent to the Indiana General Assembly House and Senate ethics committees for further review before it lands in both chambers for a full vote. Even so, questions linger over whether the recommendations will change behavior and protect potential victims.
Indiana lawmakers look to update ‘Do Not Call’ law
Indiana lawmakers are looking for new ways to address illegal and unwanted telephone calls as telemarketers use technological advances to skirt the state’s telemarketing law.
Legislative Council recommends adoption of sexual harassment policy
Top Republican and Democratic lawmakers voted Tuesday afternoon to recommend that the General Assembly adopt a new sexual harassment policy when it convenes next year. The Legislative Council unanimously approved the guidelines to combat sexual harassment at the Indiana Statehouse, but the policy will still undergo review by the ethics committees in the House and Senate and require approval from both chambers.
Indiana lawmakers return to Statehouse ahead of 2019 session
Indiana lawmakers returned to the Statehouse on Tuesday for the ceremonial start to the new legislative session.
Subcommittee silently makes sexual harassment recommendations; Legislative Council must act
Legislature should respond to complaints of sexual harassment by legislative employees, but it’s still unclear whether the Legislative Council will meet next week’s statutorily-mandated deadline to officially adopt the recommendations.
Trump signs bill streamlining hydropower plant permits
President Donald Trump has signed into law a bill from a Virginia congressman that streamlines the permitting process for certain hydropower plants, including a kind Dominion Energy is considering building.
Prosecutors cite ethics rules to Hill in abortion lawsuit
Three Indiana prosecutors are renewing their calls for Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill to concede on their behalf the merits of lawsuit that blocked a 2018 abortion law and told the AG's staff in an email that Hill is obligated under the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct to follow their directive as his clients. Hill, however, maintains he is authorized to defend the statute on behalf of his "ultimate client:" the people of Indiana.
Legislative panel focuses on idle alcohol permits
When the Indiana Alcohol Code Revision Commission heard public testimony for the first time ahead of the 2019 legislative session on Friday, members of the Indiana legal and business community came forward to discuss the topic that has emerged as one of the most important for the commission to grapple with: how long alcohol permits can be held in escrow before being revoked.
Indiana lawmakers consider expanding industrial hemp market
Indiana lawmakers are considering allowing farmers to grow industrial hemp. Members of the Interim Study Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources heard from farmers and state leaders in support of the new crop during a committee meeting on Monday.
New Indiana law could help hold down prescription drug costs
An Indiana lawmaker says a new state law promises to be an important step toward helping hold down Hoosiers’ prescription drug costs.
Despite Holcomb’s support, hate crimes bill lacks unity
Even as Indiana lawmakers from both parties continue to echo Gov. Eric Holcomb’s call for hate crime legislation, the deep divisions that foiled previous attempts to pass a bias-motivated crime bill appear to still be entrenched.