Government and Business organizations have been acting fast and furious in response to COVID-19. This running blog entry identifies operational changes and helpful links. We will update this blog as more changes are made:
Indiana’s Shelter in Place Order.
Governor Holcomb has issued a shelter in place order that expires at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 6. The order applies to all businesses expect essential businesses and services. Essential businesses include but are not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, garbage pickup, public transit, and public service hotlines. A full list of essential businesses can be found at Essential Businesses
The Executive Order can be found at Stay-at-Home Order and a FAQ sheet can be found at FAQ Sheet
Employer Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency FMLA
Please see our blog post here
Updated Information from the IndyBar can be found here
The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce has established a Rapid Response Hub for small businesses. The Chamber’s Hub can be found here
Federal Courts Located in Indiana
Northern District of Indiana
The Northern District of Indiana has issued two orders, both linked below. A summary of the changes follows:
- All jury trials scheduled up through May 1, 2020 are continued and will be rescheduled
- Civil proceedings will be converted to telephonic or videoconference proceedings
- Criminal cases: Plea and sentencing hearings scheduled up through May 1, 2020 are continued and will be reschedule. Initial appearances, arraignments, and other essential proceedings will continue to be held before the duty Magistrate Judges, unless the parties agree to continue them; to the full extent possible, matters that are maintained on the calendar shall be conducted by telephone or video conference.
- Grand Jury proceedings continued until April 13, 2020
- Naturalization ceremonies are canceled – expedited administration may occur in fact specific circumstances
- All non-core public events are cancelled
- Individuals requiring entry to courthouse will be questioned regarding potential exposure to COVID-19
Southern District of Indiana
The Southern District of Indiana issued an order on March 20, 2020, a summary of the changes follows:
- Through and including at least May 1, 2020, all jury trials are continued.
- All other criminal court proceedings will proceed as scheduled (by telephonic or videoconference proceedings at the discretion of the assigned District or Magistrate Judge)
- Naturalization ceremonies are canceled – expedited administration may occur in fact specific circumstances
- All courthouses are closed to the public
- Individuals requiring entry to courthouse will be questioned regarding potential exposure to COVID-19
State Courts in Indiana
Appellate Deadlines
Filing Deadlines in the Indiana Supreme Court and Court of Appeals have been modified as follows:
- Filings currently due on or between March 23, 2020 and April 6, 2020 will be due on April 21, 2020.
- Filings currently due on or between April 7, 2020 and April 21, 2020 will be due fifteen (15) days after their current due date.
- Filings due after April 21, 2020 remain due on their current due date.
- The pertinent order can be found here.
Indiana County Courts
The following County courts have filed petitions for emergency procedures with the Indiana Supreme Court, and the petitions have been granted: (Update: The Emergency Relief has been extended through May 4, 2020, per Indiana Supreme Court Order dated April 3, 2020):