The Senate Civil Law Committee heard SB 306, authored by Sen. Bray and Sen. Head, on limited liability arising from trespassing. This bill provides that a person who possesses any fee, reversionary, or easement interest in real property, including an owner, a lessee, or another lawful occupant of real property, does not owe a duty of care to a trespasser, except to refrain from … [Read more...] about Limited liability arising from trespassing
Funding of lawsuits
The Senate Civil Law Committee heard Sen. Head’s SB 373 on funding of lawsuits. This bill establishes a procedure by which a company may provide funding to the plaintiff in an action in exchange for the contingent right to receive a part of the potential proceeds of the action. It also requires a company that offers funding to plaintiffs to register with the Secretary of State. R … [Read more...] about Funding of lawsuits
Reporting of government malfeasance
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Sen. Charbonneau’s SB 394 on reporting of government malfeasance. This bill provides for confidentiality and relief for an individual who reports certain suspected violations of law by public officers. The bill was amended to exempt state employees and state agencies. Representatives of Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Association of I … [Read more...] about Reporting of government malfeasance
Patent protection
The House Judiciary Committee also heard Rep. Koch’s HB 1102 concerning patent protection. The bill addresses bad faith demand letters asserting claims of patent infringement, commonly known as “patent troll activity”. The bill provides for the Attorney General or private action to address bad faith claim letters, enforcement and remedies, and factors the court should consider in eva … [Read more...] about Patent protection
Confidential victim services requests
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 289, authored by Sen. Arnold and Sen. Steele, on confidential victim services requests. This bill permits, for purposes of the public records law, a law enforcement agency to share certain information with a crime victim advocate without the agency losing the discretion to keep this information confidential from other persons requesting … [Read more...] about Confidential victim services requests