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.
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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.
No face mask rule for Indiana lawmakers despite virus spread
Indiana lawmakers won’t be compelled to wear face masks as they meet next week at the Statehouse for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic was first sweeping across the country in March.
Off-duty Kroger employee’s theft conviction for ‘mislaid’ money reversed
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed a ruling against an off-duty grocery store employee after he took money from a self-checkout machine, finding his conviction could not stand under an existing theft statute.
Fight looms over limiting Indiana governor’s emergency power
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb withstood criticism over his use of state emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic, cruising to a resounding reelection victory.
Republicans projected to hold or build on General Assembly supermajorities
Republicans in the Indiana House and Senate will retain or build on their supermajorities in both houses of the state Legislature, according to projections of unofficial statewide election results.
New in power, Indiana House leader faces tough election race
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston is trying to hold onto his suburban Indianapolis district that’s shifted away from reliably Republican as he faces his first election since March, when he took over the powerful position that controls much of the General Assembly’s action.
Decisions change double jeopardy analysis, create questions
Recent Indiana Supreme Court decisions changed the tests to prove claims of double jeopardy. Lawyers say it will take time to know the true impact of these rulings, which the Court of Appeals has already applied in multiple decisions, and there’s a likelihood the Legislature could get involved in response to the decisions.
Stafford: Institutional racism and judicial merit selection in Indiana
I’m by no means the first to suggest that merit selection systems may produce biased results, and people far smarter than me make compelling arguments both ways. But as applied in Indiana, it’s hard to argue this is not a biased system, especially in Marion County.
Study committee supports judicial requests in 6 counties
Courts in six Indiana counties have received a favorable recommendation for additional judicial resources after a unanimous vote by the Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary.
AG Hill: Holcomb violated constitution with COVID church closures
Gov. Eric Holcomb’s restriction on in-person religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic was a violation of the First Amendment, Attorney General Curtis Hill said in a new advisory opinion. His opinion comes despite recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that have upheld state restrictions on churches imposed in response to the pandemic.
Creating a ‘dynasty’: Probate proposal could amend Indiana Rule Against Perpetuities in trust laws
Currently, assets in an Indiana legacy trust must vest within 90 years, covering a few generations of heirs. But a proposal before the Probate Code Study Commission would quadruple that time to 360 years, allowing for the creation of Hoosier “dynasty trusts” for the first time.
IndyBar: Win Tickets to the 2020 Virtual BGD LegCon!
The IndyBar Government Practice Section is pleased to offer two tickets to Bingham Greenebaum Doll’s 29th annual Legislative Conference (LegCon) to section members. LegCon will be completely virtual this year and will take place on Thursday, Dec. 17. Registration, as well as the agenda and speaker lineup, will be available soon.