State panel backs legalizing fenced-in hunting preserves
Indiana’s four current high-fenced deer-hunting preserves would be the only ones allowed in the state under a bill endorsed by a legislative committee.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Senate panel taking up Indiana religious freedom bill
On Monday afternoon, lawmakers will debate broadly worded proposals that opponents fear would give businesses the justification to discriminate against customers who don’t share the same beliefs.
Obama pitches free community college plan at Ivy Tech
President Barack Obama pitched his plan for two free years of community college to a raucous crowd of students and Democratic officials during a Friday stop on Ivy Tech Community College’s campus.
January jobs report finds robust gains on all fronts
The Labor Department said Friday that the economy added 257,000 jobs in January, previous months were revised up, wages rose by the most in six years, and more Americans entered the job market.
Obama to promote college proposal during Indy Ivy Tech visit
The president, who wants to make the first two years of community or technical college free for students, will face resistance to his plan from Republicans leery of having government pick up the tab.
House panel backs bill seeking to boost industrial hemp crop
The House agriculture committee unanimously passed the proposal that would specify the exemption of industrial hemp from its illegal cousin marijuana to include the "fiber, seeds, resin, and oil or any other compound," from an industrial hemp plant.
House backs off Pence plan to cut higher ed tax credit
The Indiana House is dropping one unpopular part of Gov. Mike Pence’s proposed tax overhaul – and another key section that would help some businesses is in jeopardy.
House, Senate continue push to revamp education governance
Majority Republicans in the House and Senate are pushing forward with bills to revamp the Indiana Board of Education and strip power from the state superintendent even as Democrats complain the GOP is only playing politics.
FEIGENBAUM: Legislative battles looming over religious expression
Republican leaders haven’t put religious expression measures on their agenda for the session, but they aren’t inclined to stand in the way.
Senators weigh in on utility territory disputes
The Senate Utilities Committee on Thursday passed a bill that shifts leverage to Indiana’s largest utilities and electric cooperatives in their struggle to keep municipal-owned utilities from taking valuable territory.
Tax ‘simplification’ bill raises numerous questions
Indiana lawmakers are considering legislation that would eliminate $21 million in annual tax cuts for businesses and individuals, bolster a break for the working poor, and expand a sales tax exemption for businesses.
Lawmakers consider national test to replace ISTEP
Senate Bill 566, authored by Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, and Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Bremen, would halt an effort to create a new ISTEP, instead directing the state to use a national test beginning in the 2016-17 school year.
Court costs could increase to pay for more technology
Court fees to pay for new technology would rise at least 80 percent if legislation passed by the Indiana House Courts and Criminal Code Committee on Wednesday becomes law.
Fastenal plans local manufacturing site, 97 new jobs
The company is seeking a property-tax abatement from the city worth an estimated $263,444 to make the plan possible.
Pence tells Congress states need more education control
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence told a Congressional committee on Wednesday that the federal government should give states more flexibility to work on education.
Justice complex decision could come at last minute
Delays by the City-County Council could push the closing of a $1.6 billion deal for a new criminal justice complex until mid-May, just under the wire to preserve prices in the preferred bid.
Indiana launches website to entice international companies
A multi-language website has been launched to provide a resource to international businesses considering investment or job creation in Indiana.
Bill requiring insurance for shared ride services passes House
A bill that would make insurance coverage mandatory for passengers who use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft passed the Indiana House on Tuesday and moved to the full Senate.
House panel passes bill adding oversight to state agencies
State government agencies could face greater scrutiny when proposing new regulations under a measure an Indiana House committee approved Tuesday.
Indiana House backs new ethics rules for state legislators
Major changes in the code include instructions that House members should avoid the appearance of impropriety. It also directs members to not carry out any public or private advocacy on issues in which they have a personal financial interest.