The Senate Civil Law Committee heard Sen. Zakas’ SB 524 on tax deeds and conveyance documents. A representative of the Indiana Land Title Association explained that this bill provides that when a county auditor sends out certain notices for a tax sale by certified mail, the notices must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. It also requires that a verified petition f … [Read more...] about Tax deeds and conveyance documents
Garnishment of tax refunds
The House Judiciary heard HB 1358, concerning garnishment of tax refunds, authored by Reps. Cox, Steurwald, DeLaney, and Dermody. This legislation provides that if a debt has been reduced to a judgment in Indiana and the judgment has not been satisfied, set aside, or discharged in bankruptcy, the judgment creditor may garnish a state tax refund otherwise due to the debtor. Further, … [Read more...] about Garnishment of tax refunds
Wage payment and wage assignment
The House Judiciary heard HB 1469 concerning wage payment and wage assignment, authored by Rep. Ober. This bill provides that an employer who fails to make timely payment of wages or withholds wages in bad faith, may, in addition to the wages due, pay liquidated damages, court costs, and a reasonable fee for the employee's attorney. It provides that an employee may assign wages for: … [Read more...] about Wage payment and wage assignment
Inmate correspondence
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard Sen. Tomes’ SB 285 on inmate correspondence. This bill provides that the DOC shall provide, without charge, an inmate with a reasonable method and opportunity for correspondence, and shall permit an inmate to purchase additional opportunities for correspondence, such as email. Sen. Tomes testified that more correspondence with f … [Read more...] about Inmate correspondence
Definition of “sexual conduct”
The Corrections and Criminal Law Committee heard SB 313 regarding the definition of “sexual conduct” authored by Sen. Head. This bill expands the definition of “sexual conduct” (IC 35-42-4-4(a)(4)) by including the exhibition of a female breast for the purposes of the law on child exploitation and child pornography. Sen. Head testified that this portion of the definition was inadver … [Read more...] about Definition of “sexual conduct”