New state law fills insurance coverage gap on inheritance
A new law signed by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb represents a new step in supporting beneficiaries who gain ownership of property through transfer on death deeds.
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New law will let Indiana juries know about seat belt use in crashes
If someone involved in a car crash isn’t buckled up, an Indiana jury currently isn’t allowed to know that due to the state’s longstanding prohibition on introducing such evidence. That will change as of July 1, thanks to the passage of House Bill 1090.
Governor signs 67 bills ranging from reading remediation to bobcat hunting
More third graders will be retained due to lack of reading proficiency under a bill Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed Monday, three days after the conclusion of this year’s annual legislative session.
Gaming commission funding throttled by lawmakers in late-night move
A feud between the General Assembly and the Indiana Gaming Commission escalated late Friday when lawmakers approved language blocking the commission from getting more money without their approval.
Commercial vehicle liability immunity headed to governor despite opposition
Crash your rental car, or get hit by a truck? Legislation headed to Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk would bar you from using a commercial vehicle’s outdated safety equipment against the lessor in a civil lawsuit.
Indiana lawmakers compromise on Republican priority bill to define and ban antisemitism
After multiple iterations and weeks of debate, a bill to define and ban antisemitism at Indiana’s public education institutions cleared the General Assembly on Friday and now awaits a signature from the governor.
Indiana lawmakers revive restaurant carry-out alcohol in finalized legislation
Expect to see happy hours and the option to add a cocktail to your carry-out restaurant order as soon as July, under finalized legislation approved Thursday. It now goes to the governor.
Indiana legislators send bill addressing child care costs to governor
State senators gave final approval almost unanimously Wednesday to a bill expanding eligibility for a child care subsidy program for child care workers with kids of their own.
Hoosier lawmakers decline to remove public records chief restrictions
The proposed changes largely neuter the public access counselor position and were inserted into an unrelated bill with little warning or public testimony.
Senate moves foreign ownership of farmland bill despite economic development concerns
House Bill 1183 would prohibit entities or people from six “adversarial countries” — a list that the U.S. Department of Commerce defines as Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, Cuba and Venezuela — from owning or leasing Hoosier farmland along with mineral, riparian or water rights.
Gov. Holcomb signs controversial pet sales bill
House Enrolled Act 1412 invalidates 21 local ordinances limiting pet sales and establishes care standards for dog breeders and pet stores.
Bills on antisemitism, school chaplains hang in balance as legislative session nears end
Indiana’s lawmakers have just days to finalize legislation in key areas like health and education — from literacy and antisemitism to ambulances and a Medicaid shortfall. And some continued attempts to increase legislative oversight of the executive branch are on track for passage, but others appear dead.
Indiana Senate drops proposal on attorney general qualifications
The provision would have disqualified attorney general candidates who have been disbarred or suspended without automatic reinstatement within one year of the election.
Legislature approves bill adding more verification steps to voter registration
Under the bill, residents who are new voters in Indiana would have to provide proof of residency when registering in person, unless they submit an Indiana driver’s license or social security number that matches an Indiana record.
State Senate axes 13th check for public retirees, favors long-term plan
Indiana’s lawmakers have traditionally offered public retirees a 13th check or a cost-of-living adjustment to supplement pension benefits that lag inflation. The ad hoc bonuses have become a sticking point between the House, which favors them, and the Senate, which has desired a long-term solution.
Indiana Senate’s child labor bill heads to governor
Senate Bill 146 would lower the minimum age of a teenager serving alcohol from 19 to 18, so long as they had a supervisor over the age of 21.
State lawmakers advance resolution that strongly opposes assisted suicide
A Senate resolution penned by Sen. Tyler Johnson, R-Leo, emphasizes that the legalization of assisted suicide “sends a message that suicide is a socially acceptable response to aging, terminal illnesses, disabilities, and depression” and subsequently imposes a “duty to die.”
Still no harvest: Marijuana bills continue to stall in Indiana General Assembly in 2024
To some, it seemed like the 2023 session of the Indiana General Assembly marked a turning point for marijuana-related legislation. That didn’t prove to be the case.
Changes to Indiana antisemitism bill drains support from many in Hoosier Jewish community
A major change to a bill that would define and ban antisemitism at Indiana’s public education institutions led to a reversal of support and opposition among those who testified on the proposal at the Statehouse on Wednesday.
Indiana lawmakers join GOP-led states trying to target college tenure
Legislators in Indiana advanced a bill Wednesday that would limit tenure at public colleges and universities, joining conservative lawmakers across the country.