‘Obscene performance’ ban added, official misconduct expungements weighed
An Indiana House Committee approved new language that may be an attempt to bar drag performers from reading children’s stories in public libraries or schools.
Legislature
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State legislation would change police lineups
The bill would establish standardized eyewitness identification procedures within law enforcement departments across Indiana.
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Students want to extend ‘lifeline law’ to peers experiencing alcohol-related emergency
Teens and young adults calling for help for a friend in need of medical assistance in an alcohol-related emergency already are eligible for immunity for underage drinking crimes.
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Trump’s swift moves rattle some immigration lawyers
The Indiana General Assembly also is considering several measures that would support the new president’s efforts to shut down illegal immigration.
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Emerging plan would shift judges to growing counties
Some state lawmakers are going in with a reallocation approach that would add new judges to growing communities and take away from those counties that may have more judges than they need.
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Articles
Senate committee advances hospital price bill, but expects more changes
Members of the Indiana Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services agreed with the need to address the high cost of health care. But they often disagreed with the approach of House Bill 1004.
Indiana immigration notice measure altered but opposition holds firm
The measure would mandate that Hoosier sheriffs notify federal immigration authorities when they suspect an arrestee is in the United States illegally.
Bill to reduce dollars withheld from construction contractors breezes through Senate committee
The measure seeks to reduce financial strain on construction contractors for certain state and local public work projects.
Leading House Republican introduces his own property tax plan
A third property tax plan introduced on Wednesday would further protect local units of government from cuts to property tax bills, a change that would provide little tangible relief to the average homeowner.
Police ‘buffer zone’ clarification heads to governor’s desk
The legislation follows up on contradictory court rulings over the 2023 encroachment law, under which police can tell members of the public to stand back while they perform their duties.
State senators consider funds for county prosecutors, eliminating rape kit backlog
Rep. Becky Cash said there is a six- to eight-month wait for rape kit processing in Indiana, which crime technicians and law enforcement attributed to the lack of equipment and staff.
Rural intersections sightline proposal to rack up edits
Indiana lawmakers are tapping the brakes on a bill taking aim at dangerously overgrown rural intersections.
In wake of Jamey Noel investigation, lawmakers advance bill to increase oversight over jail funds
Bipartisan momentum continued Thursday for a bill that seeks to hold Indiana sheriffs more accountable for managing jail funds.
Indiana House takes its turn on property tax discussions
Wednesday’s meeting included public testimony and a presentation from the Department of Local Government Finance, with proposed amendments and a vote pushed to another week.
Red flag expungements, police buffer zones move through Senate committee
Under House Bill 1137, “red flag” records will be sealed and expunged if a court later decides someone isn’t dangerous.
Indiana National Guard hopes legislation can staunch enlistment losses
House Bill 1111 would provide some tuition assistance and add soldiers on state active duty to the definition of a state employee for death benefits and worker’s compensation laws.
Lab-grown meat labeling bill baffles Senate committee, changes likely
An Indiana Senate committee skeptical of lab-grown meat advanced labeling legislation Monday in an 8-1 vote, with edits expected on the chamber’s floor.
Tampons, adult diapers exempt from sales tax in Indiana budget proposal
Indiana is one of 20 states that currently tax such feminine products.
Web exclusive: Indiana legislators try to smooth out a few wrinkles in probate law
House Bill 1088 came out of recommendations from an interim summer study committee.
State’s proposed budget could cost Indiana Historical Society its building
The historical society owns the downtown Indianapolis building where its headquarters, museum and archives are housed. However, the state owns the land.
A recap of key bills that failed to make it to the finish line
After last week’s chamber-swapping deadline, the Indiana General Assembly is down to about 340 pieces of legislation from 1,250.
Senate advances new $500 child tax credit
Bill author Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, said the tax credit is one of many measures lawmakers should consider to make it easier for Hoosiers to afford to have children.
Indiana’s public records expert steps down as new law shapes office’s future
Luke Britt estimates that he wrote more than 2,000 advisory opinions in his tenure. He was appointed in 2013 by former Gov. Mike Pence and reappointed by former Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Indiana House OKs bill that could give county prosecutors less discretion
Republican lawmakers have tried for years to punish prosecutors who don’t prosecute certain crimes, such as low-level marijuana possession.