HB 1232 Summary

• Adds new Chapter 7 to Indiana Code Title 34-26 establishing unlawful picketing prohibitions, effective July 1, 2014.

• Declares it unlawful to hinder lawful work or employment through picketing, obstruct workplace entrances/exits, or interfere with public roads, streets, highways, railways, airports, or other transportation by picketing.

• Allows employers, organizations, or affected entities to seek injunctions against unlawful picketing without proving irreparable harm, and courts must award injunctive relief upon finding prohibited conduct occurred.

• Courts shall award litigation expenses, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees to prevailing plaintiffs; labor organizations continuing to sponsor prohibited picketing are subject to court orders for actual and consequential damages to business sales, opportunities, or property.

• Exempts picketing authorized under U.S. or Indiana constitutions and laws, including labor organization picketing under IC 22-6-1; violations may also result in criminal charges under IC 35-43-2-2.