Treatment seen as antidote for opioid crisis
The Indiana Legislature approved several measures to expand recovery programs and prevent spread of opioid epidemic.
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Prosecutors hail new DNA, anti-drug laws
Indiana prosecutors joined Gov. Eric Holcomb Thursday as he signed two bills prosecutors said are essential to law enforcement’s ability to build criminal cases.
Bloomington files lawsuit over last-minute annexation amendment
The city of Bloomington has filed a lawsuit against Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, claiming an amendment dropped into the state’s biennial budget at 2 a.m. April 21 and approved less than 24 hours later is specifically targeting the municipality to prevent it from annexing seven unincorporated areas near the city limits.
Holcomb’s executive order expected to ‘ban the box’ in state job applications
A bill prohibiting communities from enacting their own ban the box ordinances stirred divisions in the Indiana Legislature with supporters arguing for employers’ rights and opponents citing the need for individuals to have equal opportunities for jobs. However, when Gov. Eric Holcomb announced his intention to sign Senate Enrolled Act 312, he brought some rare unity between the two sides. Along with enacting the new law, the governor also said he would sign an executive order that will essentially ban the box for state agencies.
GOP-led House panel votes to overhaul Dodd-Frank
House Republicans took a major step toward their long-promised goal of unwinding the stricter financial rules created after the 2008 crisis, pushing forward sweeping legislation that would undo much of President Barack Obama's landmark banking law.
Holcomb signs bill sunsetting solar-power net metering
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb Tuesday signed a bill on solar and alternative energy that some lawmakers called the session’s most contentious — a bill that eventually will slash the guaranteed price rooftop solar users are paid for selling excess energy to the grid.
Unique Indy merit-selection system replaces voided elections, faces likely challenges
Judges in Indianapolis won’t have to worry about running for election in the future, but they will face up-or-down retention votes under a bill signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb April 27. The system to replace the current one ruled unconstitutional was adopted by lawmakers despite warnings that the new system also is spoiling for a fight in court.
Holcomb faces deadline on ‘sanctuary campus’ bill
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has just one day left to decide whether he will sign a controversial bill that would prohibit Indiana colleges and universities from adopting “sanctuary campus” policies.
Lawmakers’ push to avoid social issues draws ire from some
A push from GOP leaders in the Indiana Legislature to set aside divisive social issues this session has frustrated some social conservative groups who suggest Republican lawmakers ignored what their constituents care about.
Indiana governor says he will sign several contested bills
Statehouse employees will be able to carry guns at the Statehouse, people with epilepsy will be able to use marijuana-derived oil as medicine and parents will see a modest increase in abortion notification rights when it comes to their minor children, under measures Gov. Eric Holcomb on Tuesday said he will sign into law.
Holcomb vetoes public records search-fee bill
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb used the first stroke of his veto pen Monday afternoon on a bill that would have allowed state and local government agencies to charge a fee to citizens for public records requests that required more than two hours of work.
Legislature passes vaping overhaul that removes controversial security firm scheme
The Indiana General Assembly — on the last day of the session — put its final stamp of approval on a proposal to overhaul the rules for Indiana’s vaping industry after two years of controversial actions.
Indy judges to have closed-door interviews before retention nod
Marion Superior judges would appear behind closed doors before a committee comprised mainly of political appointees who would recommend whether jurists should or should not be retained in office, according to a bill that passed the General Assembly.
Lawmakers nearing new deal on Ricker’s beer carryout issue
Two Ricker's convenience stores in Indiana would be able to continue sellling cold beer for carryout, but only for another year, under the latest version of a bill being considered by state lawmakers.
Legislators discuss need for ‘people’s voice’ in selecting Marion Superior judges
Indiana Legislators raised several concerns Monday afternoon during the conference committee for House Bill 1036, which establishes merit selection for choosing Marion Superior judges. Several expressed the need to allow the general public to have a say through elections.
Nurse-attorney Barbra Bachmeier removes obstacles to helping victims
The philosophy of empowering her patients transfers into Barbra Bachmeier’s practice as an attorney. Working solely in the area of adult guardianships, she gives her clients the freedom to make their own choices.
Domestic violence bill joined to study of ‘constitutional carry’ effort
Supporters of a bill that would have allowed victims of domestic violence to carry handguns without a license say a broader effort to eliminate all carry permit requirements delayed needed protections for a vulnerable population and could muddle the issues.
Senate sends bill on DNA collection to Gov. Holcomb’s desk
The Indiana Senate has voted to send Gov. Eric Holcomb a bill allowing DNA swabs to be taken upon a person's felony arrest despite sharp disagreements.
Indiana Senate OKs new hurdle for minors seeking abortions
The Indiana Senate sent Gov. Eric Holcomb a measure Wednesday that would make it tougher for a minor to have an abortion without her parents knowing about it, after legislators changed the wording to leave open the possibility that the procedure could still be kept private under some circumstances.
Lawmakers approve peeping drones crime bill on final passage
Indiana lawmakers are sending Gov. Eric Holcomb a bill targeting drone operators who use the new technology for the age-old crime of voyeurism.