Indiana House pushes major boards consolidation, lawsuit limits to Senate
Opponents of two separate measures raised concerns over cultural commissions and insurer-friendly lawsuit changes.
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State tax cut for overtime, tips clears Senate; House sends other tax breaks to Braun
The Senate plan is expected to reduce state tax revenue by about $250 million and apply to 2026 income on tax returns filed in 2027.
Immigration enforcement bill clears Indiana Senate amid national ICE controversy
The vote comes as immigration enforcement—particularly actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE—has sparked protests, clashes with law enforcement and heightened political tensions in several states, especially in Minnesota.
UPDATE: Key lawmaker wants Bears commitment before finalizing stadium bill
Gov. Mike Braun told IBJ on Thursday that he hopes more concrete developments regarding the Chicago Bears’ potential move to northwest Indiana could come “within 10 days or a couple weeks.”
Legislative committee sends amended Bears stadium bill to full Senate
The vote came after little discussion and no testimony—no one from the public signed up to talk about the bill.
Indiana Senate advances bell-to-bell school cellphone limits despite bipartisan concerns
Under current state law, students are prohibited from using phones during instructional time, but they can use them during lunch and passing periods.
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.
Legislation seeks to close ‘loopholes’ in E-Verify requirements for public contractors
Public work project contracts entered into or renewed after June 30 would have to include a provision requiring the primary contractor and all tiers of subcontractors to enroll in E-Verify.
Indiana lawmakers consider anti-doxing bill following redistricting bomb, swatting threats
Indiana lawmakers hope to crack down on doxing after more than a dozen of their own became victims of threats amid a turbulent but unsuccessful redistricting campaign.
Senator seeks more policing, criminal prosecution from state in downtown Indianapolis
State Sen. Michael Young has introduced legislation that could lead to a state takeover of policing and criminal prosecution in downtown Indianapolis.
Five topics that could shape state lawmakers’ work in 2026
There are a slew of topics legislators plan to tackle in 2026, including rising energy costs, tax codes, child care and education, and possibly a new casino in one of Indiana’s urban centers.
‘Culture of chaos’: Indiana hemp industry on edge as federal lawmakers ban delta-8 products
Tied up in the bill that ended the 43-day shutdown was language that bans almost all hemp-derived products starting in November 2026.
Local leaders plan pitch for downtown casino, circle potential sites
Sources tell IBJ that tax revenue from a new casino could help pay for potential upgrades to Lucas Oil Stadium as well as a soccer stadium on the east side of downtown.
Appeals court upholds Indiana abortion ban
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said in a statement that “this ruling is a resounding victory for life and the rule of law in Indiana.”
Indiana Chamber releases scorecard ranking lawmakers on 2025 votes
More than 50 lawmakers earned a perfect mark—all Republicans who generally align with the right-leaning business organization.
Senate rushes to pass Trump’s tax bill, which could raise national debt by $3.3 trillion
Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill would extend tax cuts passed in 2017, enact campaign promises such as no tax on tips, spend hundreds of billions of dollars on immigration and defense, and slash social benefit programs including Medicaid.
Governments face state deadline to start livestreaming meetings
The law, passed in 2023, covers public meetings held by state boards and commissions; elected school boards; county commissions; and county, city and town councils.
Trump’s big bill teeters as House conservatives demand more changes
House Republicans narrowly advanced the sprawling package in a rare weekend vote late Sunday, but just barely, as GOP leaders promise more negotiations ahead.
Indiana bill roundup: Here’s what happened to legislation IBJ followed this session
Gov. Mike Braun signed 243 bills into law during this year, including more than 60 on Tuesday. Here’s a rundown of some of the most significant pieces of legislation that made it through this year’s General Assembly.
Legislative session was mixed bag for business
Business owners can expect some tax relief and a new state small business office, but the Indiana Economic Development Corp. will have less money for some of its operations and programs under the next two-year budget.