Legislative roundup: Here’s what IBJ is tracking as session picks back up
From utility rates to tenderloin sandwiches, here are some bills IBJ is following this legislative session.
Marek Mazurek
Articles
Bill from Indianapolis Republican seeks to ban lobbyists for public schools, universities
Rep. Andrew Ireland said he authored the bill because he’s concerned about school districts hiring lobbyists with money that could be going toward the classroom.
Indiana House Republicans count affordability in utilities, housing among legislative priorities
House Republicans are emphasizing affordability through deregulation in their legislative priorities. The measures center on local zoning laws for housing, new methods of utility ratemaking and cutting down on code in education.
Indiana House speaker ready to talk Chicago Bears, but not MLS, in 2026 session
House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, on Thursday told reporters that discussions involving the Bears need to happen quickly, after the team just last month publicly announced it was expanding its search for a stadium to Indiana.
Municipal groups welcome newly filed bills to adjust local income tax structures
After months of asking for relief from the new tax structure imposed by the General Assembly in 2025, local units of government could see some relief under proposed changes to the state’s income tax code this session.
Indiana lawmakers say talks with Chicago Bears are in very early stages
State legislators say they are waiting to hear more from the Bears before they can work on proposals to relocate the team to northwest Indiana.
Proposal to eliminate sales tax on Indiana utility bills sees some bipartisan support
A Democratic representative and a Republican senator have each filed bills to do away with the state sales tax on utility bills. The measure could save the average ratepayer more than $150 a year, but would see the state miss out on hundreds of millions in tax revenue.
Partnership between public affairs firms highlights growing Indiana-Ireland bond
A former Hoosier lawmaker and a former Irish government minister are linking their firms as Indiana’s ties to Ireland grow.
Lawmakers mull shift in how utility rates are set
As utility companies attempt to bring new power sources online to meet skyrocketing demand, Indiana legislators are considering using performance-based ratemaking to set utility rates.
Gov. Mike Braun reinstates workforce development board previously dissolved by Legislature
The Governor’s Office said Tuesday that the new board will act as “a central coordinating body to align employers, education and training providers, and state agencies around measurable workforce outcomes.”
Indiana business groups create nonprofit to push for civil, tort law reforms
Groups including the Corydon Group, the Indiana Motor Truck Association, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Manufacturers Association are banding together to advocate for pro-business reforms.
Indiana State Fair Commission names next executive director
The fair commission’s longtime executive director, Cindy Hoye, will step down in March.
Why The Washington Post’s editorial board dubbed Indiana its ‘state of the year’
The Post’s editorial board announced the distinction Monday, kicking off what the board says is a new yearly tradition to recognize states that “did the most to improve or otherwise acted in a way worthy of distinction.”
Republican senators file bill to restore alumni-elected positions to IU’s board of trustees
Senate Bill 110 would revert the board’s makeup to what it looked like before the 2025 legislative session, with five governor-appointed members, three alumni-elected members and one student representative.
Gov. Mike Braun says no loss of federal funding has materialized over redistricting fallout—at least so far
In a sit-down interview with IBJ, Braun talked about the possible ramification’s of Indiana’s redistricting decision, how he plans to work with lawmakers moving forward and other priorities ahead of the remainder of the legislative session.
IEDC board handles funding for Elevate Ventures in first meeting since audit
The IEDC board converted debt from Elevate Ventures into ownership of the nonprofit’s funds, while also awarding Elevating a $5 million loan to invest in Indiana startups.
Braun names 3 new members for Indiana utility oversight board
Gov. Mike Braun has said he wants his new picks for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to work to lower energy costs for Hoosier businesses and families.
Braun expresses support for relocated casino in Allen County over Indianapolis
Lawmakers are already considering two bills in the 2026 session that would bring a casino to Allen County, while central Indiana legislators are coalescing around a push for a casino in downtown Indianapolis.
Braun says original proposal for soccer stadium ‘not doable,’ but MLS team is still possible
MLS plans have hit a snag, apparently over the city’s proposal for how to finance a stadium. On Thursday, the governor said he reviewed the city’s proposal, but deemed it financially infeasible.
Senate bill aimed at easing Indiana’s veterinary shortage
The legislation would allow licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians from other states to practice in Indiana without needing to go through the state’s full examination process.