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Hurricane Helene charges toward Florida's Gulf Coast, expected to strike late today as a dangerous storm; Millions of Illinois' convenient voting method gains popularity; House task force holds first hearing today to investigate near assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania; New report finds Muslim students in New York face high levels of discrimination in school.

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Biden says all-out-war is threatening in the Middle East, as tensions rise. Congress averts a government shutdown, sending stopgap funding to the president's desk and an election expert calls Georgia's latest election rule a really bad idea.

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The presidential election is imminent and young rural voters say they still feel ignored, it's leaf peeping season in New England but some fear climate change could mute fall colors, and Minnesota's mental health advocates want more options for troubled youth.

Indiana Lawmakers Consider 'Buffer Zone' for Police Investigations

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Wednesday, March 15, 2023   

A proposal to create a perimeter around working police investigations has made it through the first half of the 2023 Indiana legislative session.

Rep. Wendy McNamara, R-Evansville, said House Bill 1186 allows for a buffer zone up to 25 feet between officers and bystanders.

Amelia McClure, executive director of the Hoosier State Press Association, has concerns about how the bill could affect journalists.

"Democracy functions when citizens can properly monitor their public officials' actions," McClure asserted. "Oftentimes, we rely on journalists to report on those actions, because we can't be everywhere at once. So, when there is a bill that could hinder the public's access to public officials, we are almost always concerned about that."

The bill would make "encroaching on an investigation" a Class C misdemeanor. It has passed out of the Indiana House and is in the Senate chamber, where opponents hope to offer amendments.

McClure said a recent report suggests it takes more than 17 feet to disarm someone.

"I think that, in conjunction with the proliferation of cellphone videos and protests, and movements surrounding George Floyd, have kind of all come together to influence this legislation," McClure noted.

McClure pointed out journalists' ability to observe and report also adds a measure of credibility for law enforcement officers on the job.


This story is based on original reporting from Xain Ballenger with The Statehouse File.


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