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.
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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.
Senate panel moves bill letting attorney general enforce sanctuary city ban
A Senate homeland security committee on Tuesday voted to advance legislation empowering the Indiana Attorney General’s Office to enforce a 13-year-old law banning sanctuary city ordinances.
Bill seeks to help local governments define decorum for public meetings
The city of Winchester in eastern Indiana has fewer than 5,000 residents but one glaring problem in the eyes of local elected officials: people purposefully disrupting government meetings and deliberately disregarding decorum.
Misdemeanor reimbursement pilot program included in new Senate bill: 7 counties could take part in new program under SB 179
A piece of proposed legislation introduced in this year’s short, nonbudget session is taking a different approach to misdemeanor reimbursement and includes a new pilot program for select counties.
‘Fast and furious. In and out.’ Legislature to address firearms, CHINS and more in 2024
The 2024 legislative session began just nine days ago, but the Indiana Lawyer staff is already keeping an eye on several bills making their way through the Indiana General Assembly.
Return on investment: 2024 State of the Judiciary focuses on outcomes of legislative funding
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush recognized some of the state’s judges and their community efforts in trying to assist people with behavioral and mental health needs, as well as efforts by judicial officers to help the state’s veterans and families.
Bill providing fetus tax exemptions draws committee testimony
A proposed bill that would provide tax exemptions for fetuses drew testimony from pro-abortion-rights and anti-abortion advocates Tuesday — even though the bill admittedly will not become law this year.
Indiana lawmakers move forward with bills to ban antisemitism, expand workforce training funds
Indiana lawmakers are fast-tracking a bill they say will ban antisemitism in public educational institutions — although critics of the proposal maintain it limits free speech and conflates anti-Jewish rhetoric with criticism of a foreign government.
House Republicans to push retiree 13th check, antisemitism bills; Democrats call for IEDC transparency, ballot initiatives and more
Indiana’s House Republicans will prioritize boosting retirement benefits for public employees and banning antisemitism in public educational institutions, alongside bills on job training and administrative law. Democrats, meanwhile, focused on accountability.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to deliver 2024 State of the State address
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb will deliver the 2024 State of the State address — the final of his term — Tuesday night in front of a joint session of the General Assembly.
In 2024 session, 23 of 150 IN legislators have a law degree
When Indiana lawmakers convene Monday to formally begin the 2024 legislative session, just 15% of those lawmakers will hold a law degree.
Hatfield won’t seek reelection; running for judge instead
A seventh House member announced he will not seek reelection in the fall, joining the growing list of House members opting to pursue other opportunities.
Meet the new Republican lawmakers in the Indiana General Assembly
It wasn’t an election year for the Indiana General Assembly, but three resignations and the unexpected death of an Indianapolis state senator in 2023 means there will be four new Republican lawmakers at the Statehouse in 2024.
Zent latest state lawmaker to announce departure from General Assembly
State Rep. Denny Zent of Angola has announced his intention to retire following the conclusion of his current term, becoming the second GOP state representative this month to do so.
Israel, Hamas measures get look as most state legislatures prepare to meet
Most U.S. state legislatures including Indiana’s will reconvene in January for the first time since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel sparked a war in Gaza and protests worldwide—and they’re preparing to take action in response, both symbolic and concrete.
‘Get your house in order’: Lawmakers admonish gambling regulation agency, which defends processes
Key Republican lawmakers on Tuesday scolded the Indiana Gaming Commission over how it levies fines and more — threatening to take legislative action if changes aren’t made.