Indiana House OKs youth social media bill, college degree cuts
The measure directs state officials to scrutinize and potentially eliminate certain low-wage college degree programs offered at Indiana’s public institutions.
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Bill would give local governments slice of data centers’ tax break
House Bill 1333 would require data center developers that receive sales tax exemptions to give 1% of the abatement to local governments.
Indiana will likely finally consolidate townships. But how?
Critics say the township model is outdated and inefficient and adds an unnecessary layer of government. Legislation from both chambers of the Indiana Statehouse would pare down township government.
Environmental deregulation bill narrowly passes House committee
The bill’s author said it would would eliminate “unnecessary” mandates and “needless” reporting or paperwork requirements.
New casino location remains in flux as gambling legislation starts moving in Senate
The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which could consider changes that include narrowing where a casino could be located.
Does Indiana’s environmental reform bill streamline standards or make unnecessary cuts?
Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order for state agencies to keep businesses in mind when setting environmental rules. That directive could soon materialize in changes to rules governing the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
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.
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.”