2026 legislative recap: What passed and what didn’t
Efforts to attract the Bears across the Illinois border received widespread, bipartisan support. But other items lawmakers tackled were contentious.
Marek Mazurek
Articles
No vetoes expected from Indiana Gov. Mike Braun this year
Braun has already signed 101 pieces of legislation so far this year — 57 this week as of Thursday morning — ranging from Republican priority bills on utility regulation to a $1 billion stadium package for the Chicago Bears.
Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard declares for secretary of state race
The former Indianapolis mayor enters a busy race featuring Republican Diego Morales and Democrat Beau Bayh.
Purdue launches engineering entrepreneurship hub with $10M donation from Nvidia exec
The new Hub for Innovation, Ventures and Entrepreneurship is the latest in a series of initiatives Purdue has launched over the past several years to encourage entrepreneurship and technology commercialization.
‘Time will tell’ on Bears deal, legislative leaders say as session wraps up
Just over 24 hours after Gov. Mike Braun signed legislation to provide public funding for a football stadium for the Chicago Bears in Hammond, legislative leaders sounded less than certain a deal would get done.
Where did lawmakers land on data center payments, rental caps, IEDC credits?
Indiana lawmakers sent Gov. Mike Braun a hefty local finance bill on the last day of the legislative session, weighing in on thorny topics such as local income tax allocations, rental property caps and data centers.
Lawmakers send northeast Indiana casino bill to Gov. Mike Braun
A bill that would put a $500 million casino in northeast Indiana is heading to the governor’s desk with mandatory referendum language — a previous point of contention among some lawmakers.
Where do key bills stand as Indiana’s legislative session wraps up?
Friday is set to be the final day of the 2026 Indiana legislative session as lawmakers scramble to work out the final details on a number of bills.
UPDATE: Gov. Mike Braun quickly signs Bears stadium bill
In a statement Thursday, the Chicago Bears said they “appreciate the ongoing engagement with Indiana state and local leaders” as they continue to vet a potential stadium site in Hammond.
Chicago Bears stadium bill nears governor’s desk as senator endorses changes
The Senate author of legislation to build a stadium for the Chicago Bears in Hammond has agreed with changes to the bill. The move puts the measure one step away from heading to Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s desk.
Regulatory board to question Indiana utility providers on energy affordability
In public hearings next month, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will question the state’s five largest investor-owned utility companies about billing transparency and solutions to rising energy costs.
Senate advances bill that allows new casino in Indiana
Over the objections of two state senators from the area, the Senate narrowly passed legislation Tuesday that would open up the bidding for a $500 million casino in northeast Indiana.
Indiana House passes bill paving way for possible Bears stadium in Hammond
The Indiana House gave an enthusiastic show of support Tuesday to use public funding for a new stadium in Hammond that would play host to the Chicago Bears.
Chicago Bears say HQ, training facility would not be part of stadium deal in Indiana
Last week, the mayor of Hammond said the NFL franchise had been talking about moving “Halas Hall, everything” to Indiana.
Data centers could pay Indiana municipalities 1% of equipment purchases, electric bill
The Indiana Senate is considering language that would see local governments get potentially significant payments from data center operators seeking to build in their towns.
Q&A: How a welding company ventured into specialty golf equipment
Michael VanDeventer and Ted Roark of Roark Custom Golf Works talked with IBJ about the company’s foray into golf clubs and what it means to lead a family business into the 21st century.
Senate committee settles on big changes to casino bill, but concerns remain over location, public input
An amended House Bill 1038 passed the Indiana Senate Appropriations Committee in an 8-5 vote that saw bipartisan opposition.
Bears, bonds and budgeting: Where do things stand with Indiana’s pursuit of the Chicago Bears?
After a chaotic day of hearings, statements and press conferences across two states, Indiana is in a better position to land the site for the charter NFL franchise’s home games than it was a week ago. Here’s where things stand.
UPDATE: Amended bill paves way for potential Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond
As amended Thursday, Senate Bill 27 creates a financial framework for the construction of a new stadium and puts to rest speculation as to where that stadium might be built.
Senate committee takes swings at rental cap ordinances, local taxes, data centers
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said he appreciates an attempt to compromise on rental cap ordinances, but feels the Legislature isn’t listening to what local communities want.