Articles

Critics: City’s effort to help ex-offenders ineffective

Three years after Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard launched a city office designed to help ex-offenders avoid a repeat prison visit, some of those original supporters say the city’s Office of Re-Entry Initiatives not only has fallen short of that goal but has accomplished little else.

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Common sense might not keep you from being carded

The revised law that takes effect July 1 requires that only those who appear to be younger than 40 show ID when buying alcohol. But some retailers who embraced the stricter provisions say they're not ready to give customers the benefit of the doubt.

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Indiana poised to cut Planned Parenthood funding

The Indiana House voted 66-32 Wednesday to approve a bill cutting the $3 million in federal money the state distributes to the organization for family planning and health programs. The Senate approved the measure earlier this month.

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House panel backs weakened immigration bill

An Indiana House committee has approved a watered-down immigration proposal a day after removing a contentious provision that would have given police officers more latitude to ask people for proof that they are in the country legally.

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Arizona-style provision removed from immigration bill

The House Public Policy Committee made several changes Thursday to the bill proposed by Republican Sen. Mike Delph of Carmel and could vote on it Friday. The legislation includes tax penalties for businesses that hire illegal immigrants.

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Daniels’ plan on sentencing changes appears dead

Daniels had made revamping of the criminal sentencing laws one of his top priorities for this year's legislative session, but lawmakers handling the bill said Tuesday they hadn't been able to reach a compromise and didn't expect more action before the General Assembly's April 29 adjournment deadline.

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Gun bill advances without exemption for Indy venues

The Capital Improvement Board, which runs the Indiana Convention Center and the city’s professional sports venues, had hoped to get an exemption to Senate Bill 292, which pre-empts local governments from creating their own rules about where people can carry guns.

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Fate up in air for proposed Indiana smoking ban

The fate of a proposed statewide smoking ban in the state Legislature is uncertain, with anti-smoking advocates keeping up their push for restrictions that are tougher than some lawmakers think can win approval.

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Indiana Senate panel sets vote on smoking ban

The Senate Public Policy Committee is expected to vote on the bill Wednesday. Amendments won't be allowed to the bill that currently includes exemptions for casinos, bars, fraternal clubs, smoke shops and nursing homes.

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