Indiana lawmakers plan summer study on sports betting, child welfare
Over the summer, the General Assembly will look at more than 50 topics ranging from industrial hemp to short-term rental taxes.
The Statehouse File
Articles
GOP Senate candidates run outsider campaigns with insider consultants
The three Republican candidates running in the May 8 primary to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly rely heavily on political consulting firms in the Washington, D.C., area or on the East Coast to steer their campaigns in Indiana.
GOP Senate candidates embrace Trump while bashing each other
The three Indiana Republican candidates running for the U.S. Senate spent much of Sunday night’s debate positioning themselves as the biggest supporters of President Donald Trump.
Computer science education bill passes Senate committee
A Senate committee unanimous approved legislation that would require that all school districts in Indiana add computer science to their curriculum.
Women rally at Statehouse for legislation against gender pay discrimination
Rep. Linda Lawson and Sen. Jean Breaux are working together this session to pass legislation that would hold employers accountable for permitting a wage gap between male and female workers.
Bill proposes $2-per-pack cigarette tax, raising smoking age to 21
New legislation introduced by longtime Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, would drastically increase taxes on cigarettes as well as raise the legal age at which Hoosiers can buy tobacco products.
Panel advances bill to exempt some software from sales tax
Advocates say removing Indiana’s sales tax on many service-based software transactions would be a step in the right direction for the state’s growing tech industry.
House panel OKs additional funding to meet public school growth
The bill, authored by Rep. Sally Siegrist, R-West Lafayette, is the House’s first response to an unexpected 6,315-student increase in public school enrollment.
Bathroom bill would allow customers access to employee restrooms
A state Senate committee approved legislation Monday that would require businesses to allow customers with medical conditions to access employee restrooms if a public restroom is not available.
Panel’s support for cold beer sales falls short
Alcohol Code Revision Commission members were at odds over whether the sale of cold beer would allow for an increase in sales or would simply provide better service for customers. Others were adamant they needed more public input.
Spartz sworn in as senator after Kenley’s retirement
The Noblesville Republican said she has a desire to ensure limited government is the foundation of Hoosier policies, allowing for lower taxes and a free enterprise system.
Small school districts put students at a disadvantage, study says
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Ball State University Center for Business and Economic Research on Monday released findings of a study showing that the size of a school corporation has a direct impact on student achievement.
Former lawmaker Gard to chair state alcohol-study group
Beverly Gard has been chosen to chair Indiana’s Alcohol Code Revision Commission, which has been tasked with updating the state’s alcohol laws, many of which have not been changed since the end of Prohibition.
Holcomb removes criminal record question from state job application
The state of Indiana will stop asking executive branch job candidates if they have a criminal history on initial employment applications starting Saturday.
Indiana gasoline tax set to start over holiday weekend
Indiana’s gas tax will increase by 10 cents a gallon under House Enrolled Act 1002, which goes into effect Saturday. The tax will jump from 18 cents to 28 cents a gallon.
Governor signs solar-power compensation bill into law
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed a bill into law that will reduce the financial benefits available to those who install solar panels.
Divisive solar-power bill heads to governor
Critics say the legislation will discourage the use of residential solar and hamper the solar industry in Indiana. But supporters say it will help protect consumers who don’t have solar.
Bill that once targeted Tesla approved by Indiana Senate
A bill that would prevent Hoosiers from buying cars directly from auto manufacturers passed the Indiana Senate on Thursday with no changes. The bill was amended earlier this session to eliminate Tesla Motors from the ban.
Fate of short-term rentals bill up in air after more changes
Changes made to a short-term rentals bill earlier in the week were erased in the Senate on Wednesday.
Indiana House passes bill to cut solar panel incentives
Both sides of the issue clashed over the impact the bill would have on Indiana’s growing solar energy industry.