Indiana Senate backs law change after school shooting
The shooting at a suburban Indianapolis middle school last year has legislators looking to change state law.
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Indiana lawmaker seeks to eliminate state child labor laws
An Indiana lawmaker's efforts to eliminate the state's child labor laws have raised conflict-of-interest concerns because he employs hundreds of minors at a ski resort.
Bill to make civics test a graduation requirement advances at Statehouse
Sen. Dennis Kruse, R- Auburn, said he authored the bill to ensure high school students would better understand their government and country.
Bill would give schools voting power on redevelopment commissions
Similar measures that would have given the school representatives a voting position on redevelopment commissions have failed in the previous sessions.
UPDATE: Indiana doctor’s offspring pushing state fertility fraud law
A Senate committee went along Wednesday with the request from Republican Sen. Mike Young of Indianapolis to remove from a bill the section creating a felony charge of fertility fraud for doctors using their own sperm or eggs without the patient’s consent.
Sexual harassment bills target public official misconduct
Among the lawmakers leading the charge for harassment legislation is Democratic Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, one of the four women who say Attorney General Curtis Hill groped them at a party last March.
Indiana fiscal policy think tank finds new leader
The institute, which studies how Indiana collects and spends taxpayer money, has been without a president since late 2017.
Indiana lawmaker seeks tighter management of veterans fund
Republican Rep. Randy Frye, of Greensburg, submitted a bill Thursday that would make Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs employees ineligible for grants from the Military Family Relief Fund and would firmly cap the lifetime amount a person could receive at $2,500
Gov. Holcomb announces plan to pay off pension liability, free up money for teacher raises
On Tuesday night, Holcomb said in his State of the State speech that the state will use $150 million from its surplus to pay off a teacher pension liability that schools have been gradually paying down.
Bill would boost CIB funding, require new 25-year deal with Pacers
A bill filed by Senate Appropriations Chairman Ryan Mishler would extend the life of multiple tourism- and entertainment-related taxes that help fund the Capital Improvement Board and expand the footprint of what’s known as the Professional Sports Development Area to capture even more tax revenue for the CIB. But there’s a catch.
Indiana attorney general accuser seeks easier removal path
An Indiana legislator who says she was groped at a bar by state Attorney General Curtis Hill wants to make it easier to remove some state officeholders from their positions.
House teacher pay plan clears first hurdle, but critics say the bill doesn’t go far enough
A Republican bill calling on districts to raise teacher pay by making other budget cuts passed an Indiana House of Representatives education committee vote Wednesday, despite sharp criticism from school officials and education advocates.
Hate crimes law advocates not fond of bill that doesn’t specify protected classes
Indiana Forward, a group pushing for hate crimes legislation, said the law must include a comprehensive list of protected classes.
Senate leader assigns hate crime bills to panel he controls
A top Statehouse Republican is using a parliamentary maneuver to bottle up hate crimes legislation, dealing a potential setback to those wanting Indiana off a list of just five states that have not adopted such a law.
Facing pressure, McConnell agrees to criminal justice vote
If the legislation passes, it could be a rare bipartisan policy achievement for this Congress and the largest criminal sentencing overhaul in decades.
Tech leaders create association to lobby for industry interests at Statehouse
The new Indiana Technology and Innovation Association includes more than 90 technology companies ranging from startups to major players like Salesforce and AT&T.
Indiana Chamber’s legislative priorities include issues that recently failed
The statewide business group announced its lobbying agenda Monday—and it includes support for passing a hate-crimes bill and increasing the cigarette tax. Another priority involves the state’s superintendent of public instruction.
Indiana voters OK balanced budget amendment
Voters have approved an amendment to the Indiana Constitution obligating the General Assembly to adopt balanced budgets unless two-thirds of the members of both chambers vote to suspend the requirement.
State study panel makes no recommendation on medical marijuana
Indiana lawmakers listened to more than three hours of testimony Thursday afternoon about whether Indiana should allow for medical marijuana usage but did not come to any consensus on the issue.
Constitutional amendment for balanced budgets on state ballot
The amendment would prohibit the Indiana General Assembly from adopting a budget that spends more than the state earns in revenue.