Swimming upstream? SCOTUS decision, Indiana legislation reignite wetlands debate
A ruling that was 15 years in the making has now sparked passionate discourse in the Indiana Statehouse as changes to wetlands occur.
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‘They want to be regular kids’: Bill would create ‘concurrent planning’ that pursues reunification, adoption at the same time
Under HB 1310, a permanency plan must include at least one intended permanent arrangement other than reunification. That’s a process known as “concurrent planning,” or pursuing two reunification plans at once.
From tax credits to higher speed limits, lawmakers spent time hearing bills that had no chance
In between racing to shepherd hundreds of proposals through the legislative process ahead of bill-killing deadlines, lawmakers found time to hear hours of testimony on numerous controversial or novel ideas never intended to advance.
Bill further rolling back Indiana wetland protections is first to land on governor’s desk
Republican state lawmakers quietly fast-tracked a contentious bill that will further strip protections on some Indiana wetlands. It’s the first piece of legislation to head to the governor’s desk this session.
Senate education bills on human sexuality, cursive move to House
A bill putting school boards “in the driver’s seat” on “human sexuality” instruction faced fierce opposition on Tuesday from Democrats worried it would restrict teaching on LGBTQ+ identities.
Obscene, or just objectionable? Here’s how Indiana schools are tackling library book complaints.
A new law — House Enrolled Act 1447 — opens the door to more public scrutiny of school library catalogs and has districts anticipating more challenges to what books students can read.
Indiana legislators vote to repeal Ukrainian driver’s license law following lawsuit
One year after passing a law that allows Ukrainian immigrants on humanitarian parole to receive driver’s licenses, Indiana lawmakers are trying to repeal it after a federal judge recently ruled that the law must extend to all parolees.
Bill on competency to stand trial advances to full House vote
The full Indiana House of Representatives on Monday will take a final vote on a bill dealing with the process of determining whether a defendant is competent to stand trial.
Indiana school boards to have final say over ‘human sexuality’ lessons under GOP-backed bill
Hoosier school boards would have authority over “human sexuality” instruction under legislation moving through the Indiana Statehouse.
Kid-focused legislation: Proposed bills aim to improve Indiana child welfare laws
Despite 2024 being a short legislative session, Indiana lawmakers are considering dozens of bills specifically related to child welfare.
IN House committee approves bill to create new CHINS problem-solving court
The Indiana House Judiciary Committee has endorsed a bill that would establish a safe baby court as a type of problem-solving court.
Indiana legislation would add extra verification steps to prove voters are eligible
Republican lawmakers in Indiana want first-time voters to prove they live in the state and additional verification of all voters’ addresses.
House committee endorses bill that would dismiss low-level charges for ‘incompetent’ defendants
The Indiana House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code has given its support to a bill that would dismiss low-level charges if the defendant is found incompetent to stand trial.
Republican lawmakers advance new attempt to limit Indiana governor’s executive powers
Still reeling over a slew of executive orders issued by Gov. Eric Holcomb during the pandemic, Senate Republicans advanced a bill Tuesday that seeks to limit the governor’s emergency powers.
House passes 13th check, Senate approves sanctuary city ban enforcement
Indiana’s House of Representatives on Monday unanimously voted to offer former public employees a retirement benefit boost known as a 13th check.
GAL pilot program for parents with mental disabilities passes Indiana Senate
The Indiana Senate has given its approval to a bill that would provide guardians ad litem to parents in adoption cases who have mental disabilities.
Protestors disrupt antisemitism bill, critique lack of recognition for Islamophobia
House lawmakers unanimously passed a bill defining antisemitism in educational settings with little discussion, even as protestors interrupted proceedings and chanted outside.
Misdemeanor reimbursement bill gets thumbs up from IN Senate Judiciary Committee
A proposed bill that would establish a seven-county pilot program for misdemeanor reimbursement of public defender offices passed its first legislative test Wednesday.
Pilot program giving GALs to parents with intellectual disabilities scheduled for full Senate vote
The Indiana Senate is scheduled to vote tomorrow on a bill that would create a guardian ad litem pilot program for parents in adoption cases who have intellectual disabilities.
Bill allowing statewide elected officials to carry handgun at Capitol passes after fervent committee debate
A bill that would allow elected statewide officeholders, including the Indiana attorney general, to carry a handgun on the state Capitol complex has passed through an Indiana Senate committee, though not without a passionate debate.