Lawmakers seek to shield businesses from COVID lawsuits
Businesses, not-for-profits, schools, religious organizations and other entities could soon be shielded from responsibility for COVID-19 infections.
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Indiana restaurant sues governor, state over mask mandate
An Indiana restaurant that was shut down over the state’s mask mandate aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus is taking the issue to court, saying it was improperly closed for violating masking requirements and capacity limits.
Holcomb’s agenda calls for increasing K-12 funding, continuing existing programs
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said he will try to increase funding for K-12 education in the state’s next two-year budget and, at a minimum, restore previous funding levels for higher education institutions.
COA reversal affirms charges but judge calls out ‘arbitrary’ traffic stops
Incriminating evidence found when two separate drivers were stopped for failing to signal a turn in advance can be used against them, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled, though one judge is calling on the Legislature to review traffic laws that lead to “arbitrary” traffic stops.
Justices split in Bloomington’s favor in annexation dispute with Holcomb
A divided Indiana Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled in favor of the city of Bloomington, upholding a ruling against the Indiana governor and striking down “special legislation” targeting the city’s annexation efforts. Dissenting justices, however, warned that the majority’s holding “erodes separation of powers.”
COVID puts Legislature in fiscal vise in upcoming budget session
As Indiana lawmakers prepare to craft the state’s next two-year budget, leaders promise K-12 education will be the top priority — but they also acknowledge that every line item in the spending plan is at risk of cuts.
Indiana attorneys for Trump at Wisconsin election challenge hearing today
President Donald Trump’s legal team from Kroger Gardis & Regas LLP in Indianapolis will be appearing in federal court in Wisconsin today as the attorneys try to overturn the November election results that showed President-elect Joe Biden won the Badger state.
Top Indiana GOP lawmaker tests positive for COVID-19
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Thursday morning.
Guardians seek changes to assist in final arrangements
A guardianship task force has recommended that the Indiana Legislature amend state statute to give guardians authority over dispositions if necessary. While the concept received general support in a recent meeting of the Probate Code Study Commission, the question remained: how do you balance the authority of a guardian with that of another party, such as a POA?
Coalition enlists public for ‘shadow redistricting’
A coalition of activist groups has announced a new push against what it calls partisan gerrymandering by Indiana’s Republican-dominated Legislature. The organization All IN for Democracy is creating an Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission to shadow the Indiana General Assembly as it redraws the congressional and legislative maps next year using 2020 census data.
Critics look to pressure GOP over Indiana redistricting
A coalition of activist groups announced a new push Monday against what it called partisan gerrymandering by Indiana’s Republican-dominated Legislature. Efforts will include a “shadow” redistricting process with greater public input into redrawing the state House and Senate districts.
Indiana lawmaker quitting weeks after winning reelection
A northern Indiana lawmaker announced Tuesday she was resigning from her legislative seat just three weeks after winning reelection.
More than 10 in Indiana gaming investigation; new casinos at risk
An investigation stemming from allegations of illegal political contributions by a longtime Indiana casino executive could snarl the future of multimillion-dollar projects for new casinos in Gary and Terre Haute.
Proposal would recognize Indian orders in state court
The history of Native American culture is rooted deep in the Hoosier State — after all, the name “Indiana” translates to “land of the Indians.” The Indiana General Assembly is considering taking another step to recognize that heritage through legislation that would uphold the validity of tribal court judgments.
Critics: Indiana panel’s report could lead to coal bailout
A group of state lawmakers and energy experts has approved a new state energy report outlining how Indiana should proceed at a time when electric utilities are seeing a big shift from coal to renewable energy sources.
Holcomb names adviser Jenner first Indiana education secretary
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has tapped his senior education adviser to serve as the state’s first secretary of education, marking the first time in more than a century the state schools superintendent position isn’t decided by voters.
Groups say energy recommendations could slow Indiana’s transition away from coal
Seven months after Indiana lawmakers passed a bill prohibiting utilities from shutting down coal-fired power plants before May 2021, a state energy task force is considering a sweeping array of measures that seem to favor existing large-scale utilities, many of which still burn coal, over providers of renewable energy.
Indiana lawmakers clash over COVID-19 protocols as 2021 session nears
Democrats and Republicans clashed over COVID-19 protocols on Tuesday as they gathered for a ceremonial start to the 2021 legislative session.
COVID-19 school turmoil, teacher pay face Indiana lawmakers
The turmoil that Indiana schools have faced from the coronavirus pandemic will be a top concern of state legislators during their upcoming session, the leader of the Indiana House said ahead of lawmakers convening for Organization Day.
Republicans select ex-Marion County chair to replace Merritt at Statehouse
Former Marion County Republican Party Chairman Kyle Walker was elected by caucus Sunday to replace retiring state Sen. Jim Merritt. The veteran Indianapolis lawmaker announced his pending departure from the Statehouse earlier this year.