Chamber, neighborhood group endorse justice center
The organizations see the controversial, $1.6 billion project as a catalyst for redevelopment downtown. A City-County Council committee is set to weigh the proposed development deal Tuesday night.
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Budget plans include millions for local criminal programs
The Indiana House and Senate have each proposed putting at least $80 million more toward county prison diversion programs over the next two years as part of the state's major overhaul of its criminal sentencing guidelines.
Justice center bidding process yielded single eligible firm
After running a closed-door procurement in which the three bidders were allowed to shape the city’s final requirements for building the Marion County Justice Center, two proposals came in above the city’s ceiling payment of $50 million for the first full year.
Special review panel advances justice center plan
A special review committee, the Marion County Justice Complex Board, voted 4-1 Wednesday in favor of a 35-year, $1.6 billion deal with WMB Heartland Justice Partners, moving the issue closer to a vote by the full City-County Council.
Vaping regulation bill faces changes in Senate
Legislation to regulate the liquids used in vaping and e-cigarettes was put on hold Thursday as senators began to consider possible changes to the bill.
Utility installs locking manhole covers ahead of Final Four
Indianapolis Power & Light Co. said Thursday it has enlisted 50 technicians from Ohio and Illinois to help inspect about 1,300 manholes and vaults in the utility's downtown underground network.
Police stations open doors for safer Craigslist deals
Police stations across the country have started offering space for these business exchanges, saying it’s a win-win-win—strangers meet in a safe spot, police help prevent crime, and the danger of doing business on Craigslist decreases.
Indiana lawmakers advance rules for e-cigarette liquids
Several owners of vaping-related businesses told Senate committee members it would cost them thousands of dollars to comply with the proposed regulations.
Zoeller to lawmakers: Pay attention to health risks of e-cigarettes
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller told lawmakers he wants to see Indiana do more when it comes to “the issues of e-cigarette and liquid nicotine” use, and he wants to see legislators address the issue this session.
Anti-crime bills imposing longer sentences advance to House
Indiana prosecutors and law enforcement officials are backing a package of anti-crime bills that would impose harsher sentences for violent offenders.
Senate passes measure to regulate e-liquids
The liquids, often referred to as “e-liquids,” are used in vapor pens and are similar to products such as e-cigarettes and hookah pens.
Council members: Delay justice center decision until after election
The odds the Indianapolis City-County Council will approve plans for a new criminal justice center this year are tanking fast.
Vaping retailers face regulation under advancing bill
Indiana is one step closer to placing regulations on e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes and vapor pens after a House committee passed a bill on Wednesday, sending it to the full House for debate.
Lawmakers aim to restrict access to meth ingredients
The leaders of Indiana communities hit hard by methamphetamine are arguing for a state law requiring prescriptions to buy cold and allergy pills.
Justice complex decision could come at last minute
Delays by the City-County Council could push the closing of a $1.6 billion deal for a new criminal justice complex until mid-May, just under the wire to preserve prices in the preferred bid.
Hotly debated bill to regulate e-cigarette liquid advances
A large group came to protest Senate Bill 539, authored by Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Middlebury, which would establish regulations on e-liquid – the fluid used in electronic cigarettes.
Meth bills mandating cold-pill prescriptions face tough road
Bills aiming to reduce Indiana’s methamphetamine problem by requiring prescriptions for some cold medicines probably won’t be considered in House or Senate committees this session, key lawmakers said.
Pence’s $51M prison expansion proposal met by skepticism
The proposal comes just months after Indiana's criminal sentencing laws changed in part to reduce the need for more prison space.
UPDATE: Local officials to consider more animal shelter funding
The Department of Public Safety estimates $1.5 million is needed to address findings that the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control shelter is unsanitary, understaffed and underfunded.
Proposal would add e-cigarette restrictions, taxes
Indiana would require stores to have a license to sell electronic cigarettes and would tax the battery-powered devices like traditional tobacco products under a bill a state lawmaker said he'll sponsor.