UNREST IN THE HOSSIER STATE

Indiana may not turn into a direct shipping state after all. Last Thursday, February 23, a Senate committee approved HB 1190 which went on to be halted by the full Senate. Sen. President Pro Tempore Robert D. Garton does not want the bill to advance because he fears an ensuing lawsuit from in-state wineries. Reportedly, Gov. Mitch Daniels’ aides are frowning on the block. Indystar.com reports that, "The governor is interested in achieving a system that gives consumers greater flexibility to purchase wine and allows Indiana-based farm wineries to grow," said Jason Barclay, special counsel to Daniels, who helped push the compromise and previously approved by the Senate committee. Gov. Garton is sending the issue back to courts; however, with only two weeks left in the Senate session, the wineries are likely out of time.