UPDATE: Panel approves Pence’s balanced budget amendment
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's request for a proposed balanced budget constitutional amendment has cleared a legislative committee after first hitting a bump.
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UPDATE: Senate panel approves repeal of construction wage law
Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee members voted 8-5 Tuesday to support eliminating the boards that establish construction wages for each state or local project.
Bill opening adoption records access stalls in Indiana House
A proposal that would have expanded Indiana adoptees' access to more than 50 years of sealed records appears to be dead this session, to the disappointment of some advocates.
Some argue RFRA revision is too much, or not enough
While many hailed the revisions to the state’s new “religious freedom” law as a salve for the wounds suffered by the state after its passage, neither religious conservatives nor gay rights activists are satisfied.
Pence approves revision to RFRA after national furor
The revised legislation prohibits providers from using the law as a legal defense for refusing to provide services, goods, facilities or accommodations. Legislators hammered out the change after critics claimed the “religious freedom” law could be used to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Michigan governor warns he’ll veto RFRA legislation
The Republican for months has expressed skepticism with a proposed state-level Religious Freedom Restoration Act if there is no accompanying measure with gay protections.
NCAA in ‘wait and see’ mode on RFRA revision
NCAA President Mark Emmert said Thursday the association spoke with lawmakers and the governor of Indiana about how best to revise the state’s new religious objections law.
Proposed RFRA amendment draws mostly positive response
Eli Lilly, Cummins, Anthem, Indiana University Health, Dow Agro, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce said they were encouraged by the new legislation. Angie’s List, however, said it wasn’t enough.
Salesforce CEO: ‘This isn’t about politics; it’s about economics’
In an interview with IBJ, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said he was bullish on Indiana until the religious freedom law passed, and he’s encouraged by proposed changes being made at the Statehouse.
Church cancels 2017 Indianapolis convention over new law
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) announced Wednesday that it would seek a new venue for its 2017 General Assembly.
Lawmakers suggest deal close on religious freedom law
Indiana Republican legislative leaders huddled behind closed doors for several hours with Gov. Mike Pence, fellow Republican lawmakers and business executives as they worked on language they hope to have ready for possible votes Thursday.
Indy senator who co-authored RFRA faces challenge in 2016
Moderate Republicans and his last Democratic challenger are eyeing Scott Schneider’s seat, which he hung onto in 2012 with less than 50 percent of the vote.
Indiana lawmakers back 3-year ban on building nursing homes
The state Senate voted 36-12 Tuesday to give final approval to the bill, sending it to Gov. Mike Pence.
Tourism agency responds to religious freedom law
A message on the home page of www.visitindy.com says that all are welcome to visit the city, and a separate page highlights some of the businesses that support the lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender community.
Indiana firms press Pence for changes to religious-freedom law
Indiana-based companies including Eli Lilly and Co. and Anthem Inc. sent a letter to state leaders Monday asking them to enact legislation clarifying the state’s new religious-freedom law.
Indiana lawmakers try to quiet firestorm surrounding new law
Amid growing criticism, Republican legislative leaders said they are working on adding language to the religious freedom law to make it clear that the measure does not allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.
Indiana Democrats seek repeal of religious freedom law
Indiana's Republican legislative leaders said Monday they're working on adding language to a new state law to make it clear that it doesn't allow discrimination against gays and lesbians, while Democrats countered that a full repeal is the only way to stem the widespread criticism.
Centaur holding out hope for live dealers at racinos
Centaur Gaming plans to release an annual report this week that plays up its charitable contributions and tax payments as state senators debate whether to allow the company to add live dealers at its central Indiana racetrack casinos.
Angie’s List calls off $40M expansion over ‘freedom bill’
Angie’s List Inc. said Saturday that it is canceling plans for a major expansion to its east-side headquarters “as a result of the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.” The project was expected to create 1,300 jobs by the end of 2019.
Apple CEO Cook ‘disappointed’ in ‘religious freedom’ law
Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple Inc., has added his name to the list of business leaders who don’t like Indiana’s new “religious freedom restoration” law.