High court tells Santa Clara it can’t bar in-person worship
The Supreme Court is telling California’s Santa Clara County it can’t enforce a ban on indoor religious worship services put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Public Health
Articles
Restaurant, bar capacity limits in Marion County to increase March 1
More people will be allowed into Marion County restaurants, bars and gyms starting March 1, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday morning, citing improving local COVID-19 pandemic conditions.
GOP rallies solidly against Democrats’ virus relief package
Republicans rallied solidly against Democrats’ proposed $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill as lawmakers awaited a decision by the Senate’s parliamentarian that could bolster or potentially kill a pivotal provision hiking the federal minimum wage.
Senate OKs bill to limit governor’s emergency orders to 60 days
The Indiana Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that would put a 60-day limit on emergency orders issued by the governor unless the Legislature weighs in. The proposal is substantially different from a bill restricting the governor’s emergency powers that previously passed the House.
Hoosiers 60-64 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines
Hoosiers aged 60-64 are now eligible to get COVID-19 vaccinations, the Indiana Department of Health announced Tuesday morning.
COA reinstates small claims case after COVID cancelation of vacation
A small claims case arising from a COVID-canceled vacation will return to the trial court after the Indiana Court of Appeals found dismissal was improper.
Governor signs bill for Indiana COVID-19 lawsuit shield
Indiana businesses and others now have broad protections from lawsuits by people blaming them for contracting COVID-19 under a new state law signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Senate taking different approach to tighten governor’s executive powers
The Indiana Senate is moving forward with a bill to curtail the governor’s executive order privileges that is significantly different from the House version of the legislation designed to curtail emergency powers.
Record-setting fundraiser brings ‘breath of fresh air’
When planning for the 2020 holiday campaign started last February, Indianapolis Legal Aid Society had big ideas to host a kickoff party and enlist volunteers to talk to donors face-to-face with the goal of bringing in record contributions. Then the COVID-19 crisis changed everything. Despite the obstacles, the holiday fundraiser not only collected donations but surpassed the original goal of $225,000.
Interrupted coverage: In tangle over insurance terms, businesses’ and nonprofits’ COVID interruption claims being denied
Since the COVID-19 public health emergency began in March 2020, businesses and nonprofits nationwide have had business interruption claims denied. The COVID Coverage Litigation Tracker at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School reported 1,099 federal lawsuits seeking insurance coverage because of the pandemic had been filed as of Jan. 25. To date, courts have granted insurers’ motions to dismiss in 147 cases and insurers motions for summary judgment in seven lawsuits, according to CCLT. Policyholders have scored a few victories with the courts denying the motions to dismiss in 29 lawsuits and granting the plaintiffs’ motions for summary judgment in five cases.
Unemployment benefits may extend to workers facing unsafe conditions
As workers faced furloughs and layoffs during COVID-19 pandemic, many relied on unemployment checks for their needed source of income. But some also face a dilemma – choosing between returning to work in potentially unsafe conditions posed by the coronavirus or risk losing their job and going without pay. President Joe Biden in a Jan. 22 executive order requested a solution to that quandary.
Jones: The ‘torrent’ that wasn’t: COVID-19 coverage cases
It’s been a little over a year since I first heard the term “COVID-19.” Back then, like many others, I thought Indiana would see a large number of suits attempting to force insurers to cover the myriad losses that resulted from the pandemic and its associated shutdowns. While there were some significant matters filed last year, to date, no Indiana state or federal case regarding COVID-19 insurance coverage has reached a decision on the merits.
Wagner: Policy endorsements may unlock COVID-19 coverage
When restaurants forced to close due to COVID-19 turned to their insurers to offset their losses because they were unable to use their property as intended, many of us thought the prospects for coverage were good, especially under policies that did not have virus exclusions. But the insurance industry response was fierce.
DTCI: For better or worse, Zoom has changed the practice of law
For lawyers, COVID has forced us out of courtrooms, mediations, conferences and client visits. Videoconferencing software, usually Zoom, has stepped in to fill the void. Zoom is an imperfect substitute with plenty of drawbacks. However, after nearly a year litigating cases via Zoom, it has become an ingrained part of the practice of law. Even after COVID, Zoom is likely here to stay.
COVID-19 lawsuit immunity bill heads to Holcomb
Legislation that aims to protect businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits is heading to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk.
LSC seeking $350 million to $500 million in additional funding
The Legal Services Corporation, which supports legal aid agencies across the country including Indiana Legal Services, is asking the federal government for hundreds of millions in supplemental funding, saying low-income Americans are being hit especially hard by the economic devastation from the pandemic.
Indiana GOP budget plan boosts school vouchers, smoking tax
Nearly one-fifth of a proposed state funding hike for Indiana’s schools would go toward expanding private school voucher and virtual school programs under a budget plan Republican legislators released Thursday.
Bill expanding long-term care visitation moves to House
Indiana lawmakers moved forward Thursday with a proposal to change visitation restrictions at the state’s health and residential care sites amid concerns about residents’ declining interactions with loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic.
Indiana Southern District to resume in-person jury trials in April
The Southern Indiana District Court has announced plans to resume in-person jury trials in April following a months-long hiatus due to the pandemic. Jury trials in Southern District courts are expected to resume April 5, and clerk offices in all divisions will reopen to the public next week.
Indiana to soon expand COVID-19 vaccines to those 60 and up
Indiana health officials will soon expand coronavirus vaccines to Hoosiers ages 60 to 65 as they continue to sidestep federal recommendations for vaccine rollout and delay the timeline for teachers and other essential workers to become eligible for COVID-19 shots.