State health advocates hope proposed cigarette tax reduces smoking
Public health officials say the increase is a proactive approach toward reducing the smoking rate and would serve as a deterrent for young people to even begin.
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Indiana House transportation chairman pledges to rework Tesla bill
A House committee will make changes to a bill after critics charged that the measure would have blocked car maker Tesla from doing business in Indiana.
Senate signs off on cursive bill, which faces a House test
One Indiana lawmaker is continuing her cursive writing crusade, hoping the Legislature will finally sign off this year on mandating that schools teach it.
Indiana medical marijuana backers take hope in bill hearing
When the Indiana Legislature allowed a Senate committee to hear testimony on a medical marijuana-related bill, some proponents saw a glimmer of hope.
Bosma: ‘Education’ needed to sell voters on tax increase
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said Thursday that Republicans "need to continue educating the public" about the need for a tax increase that would be used to fund infrastructure projects around the state.
Abortion ban bill won’t be heard in Indiana House committee
A key Indiana House panel won't consider a contentious attempt to ban abortions, its chairman said Thursday, meaning the measure likely is dead this session.
Lawmakers advance bill for picking Marion County judges
With the previous selection process deemed unconstitutional, a legislative panel has boosted a bill advocating merit-based picks and keeping a partisan balance on the bench.
GOP lawmakers draw criticism for calling tax hikes ‘user fees’
The Indiana GOP is facing a public relations challenge as it tries to sell a plan to raise road funding that would increase the state’s fuel tax while charging an additional $15 for vehicle registration.
Indiana lawmakers seek changes to laws on property seizure
Eight bills have been submitted this legislative session to reform the state's civil forfeiture law.
Lawmaker’s bill targets protesters obstructing traffic
An Indiana lawmaker says disturbing newscasts of chaotic and sometimes violent protests across the United States helped lead him to propose a bill that would direct police to use "any means necessary" to break up mass gatherings that block traffic.
Lawmakers hear bill to establish ‘hemp oil registry’ for seizure patients
One of the bill’s author said it is designed to help parents who are “up against a wall,” and he stressed that it should not be confused as a first step to medical marijuana legalization in the state.
Indiana GOP leaders pledge vaping law overhaul
Republican legislative leaders say they want to unwind stiff regulations they imposed on Indiana's vaping industry, which created a stranglehold on the burgeoning market for one company and prompted an FBI investigation.
Carmel mayor pushes for statewide right-of-way change for roundabouts
A bill authored by Rep. Jerry Torr would give the right-of-way to large trucks in roundabouts throughout Indiana. Carmel has already passed a local version of the law.
State lawmaker proposes ‘ILEARN’ test to replace ISTEP
Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, filed House Bill 1003 in the Indiana General Assembly on Wednesday, setting out details for a new state testing system, whose name stands for “Indiana’s Learning Evaluation Assessment Readiness Network.”
Indiana lawmakers propose bills to change RV sales tax law
Two proposed bills in the Indiana Legislature aim to exempt out-of-state buyers of recreational vehicles from having to pay state sales tax, even if their states don't have a reciprocal agreement in place.
Indiana lawmakers take up wide range of health care legislation
The Indiana General Assembly is back in session and set to consider all manner of health care legislation, from consumer rights to expanded insurance coverage.
House Republicans’ road plan includes gas-tax increase, user fees
The proposal calls to raise three taxes and implement new user fees. House Speaker Brian Bosma said he expects the plan to cost most Hoosiers about $4 per month.
GOP leaders say road-funding plan top priority for Legislature
A coalition of not-for-profit and business community voices are urging the Republican majorities to add another priority: expanding a statewide preschool program for poor children.
Indiana bill seeks to eliminate requirement for gun permits
Gun rights advocates view the upcoming legislative session as their best bet to get rid of an Indiana law that requires a license to carry handguns.
State senator proposes casino for Terre Haute
Legislation to put a casino in one, specific location would be tough to pass. Lawmakers from Gary have tried for years to move one of its riverboat casinos inland and a previous proposal to move part of Rising Sun’s gambling operations to Indianapolis found a skeptical response.