Appointed to the Senate in 1997, and elected to a full term in 1998, Lanane was elected to serve as the Democratic Leader by the Senate Democrat Caucus in 2012. He served as Assistant Democratic Leader from 2008-2012.

Sen. Lanane represents Indiana Senate District 25 which includes the cities of Muncie and Anderson as well as Union Township and part of Anderson Township in Madison County and Salem, Center, Monroe, Liberty and Perry townships in Delaware County.

An outspoken voice on issues including economic development, education, consumer protection, health care and courts and criminal justice matters, Lanane has proven his ability to reach across party lines to get things done.

In addition to leadership duties, he serves as the Ranking Democrat on the Senate's Rules and Legislative Procedure Committee. He also serves as a member on the Senate Committees on Public Policy, Civil Law, Elections and Joint Rules.

In the Senate, Lanane was one of the primary authors of legislation creating the Indiana telemarketers 'no call list.' He was also an author of the 'truth in taxation' law, which simplifies residents' property tax bills, and the Indiana Homeowner Protection Act which protects homeowners from deceptive and abusive practices known as predatory lending. He was also an author on legislation authorizing Anderson's Hoosier Park Racing and Casino, creating thousands of new employment opportunities.

A practicing attorney, Lanane earned his undergraduate degree from Ball State University and his law degree from Indiana University. Lanane and his wife Cynthia have three children and one grandchild and live in Anderson.