State Senate deadlocks over school start date bill

The state Senate has deadlocked over whether to support a bill that would largely prohibit Indiana's public schools from starting their school years until late August.

Senators split 25-25 on the bill Tuesday, and Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman wasn't present to break the tie. The bill could be voted on again Wednesday.

The bill would allow school start dates of no earlier than the fourth Monday of August.

Supporters say such a law would mean more summer time together for families and boost the state's recreation and tourism sites. Opponents argue such decisions should made by local school boards.

The Senate voted 45-5 in favor of a bill requiring schools to teach cursive writing. The state Department of Education last year dropped cursive writing from required school curriculum in favor of keyboard proficiency.