Big-ticket item cut from Pence’s tax-simplification plan
The proposal to extend a sales-tax exemption to equipment purchases by manufacturers was expected to cost Indiana as much as $240 million per year in tax revenue.
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Ritz supporters plan Statehouse rally Monday afternoon
Organizers of the rally are targeting bills moving through the Statehouse that would shift some authority from state schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz.
Budget proposal to push school funding past Pence’s pitch
The leader of the Indiana House says a state budget proposal set for release Monday will include a larger funding increase for public schools than Gov. Mike Pence sought in his spending plan.
Long, Bosma say they’ll do what’s needed to shorten ISTEP
Indiana legislative leaders said they’re prepared to ram through legislation to make the state’s ISTEP test shorter, but they won’t consider Superintendent Glenda Ritz’s proposal to pause the school grading system for one year.
UPDATE: Panel backs inland moves, live dealers for casinos
A legislative committee has endorsed a proposal to allow Indiana's riverboat casinos to move inland. It also would allow live dealers for table games at Hoosier Park in Anderson and Indiana Grand in Shelbyville.
House panel OKs much-revised Sunday alcohol sales bill
The proposal to legalize Sunday carry-out alcohol sales in Indiana now could force grocery stores and pharmacies to follow the same regulations as liquor stores.
Ritz proposes 1-year freeze on school accountability grades
The State Board of Education will consider a proposal to suspend accountability grades and scrap portions of the ISTEP+ exam as it grapples with concerns about increased testing time for students.
Massage therapy legislation passed by Indiana House
House Bill 1360, authored by Rep. Sue Errington, D-Muncie, applies the standards of practice of health professions to certified massage therapists.
Legislation tackles big-box retail valuation issue
The bill comes as assessors around the state worry that recent Indiana Board of Tax Review decisions in favor of Meijer and Kohl’s will force them to slash the value of big-box stores during the upcoming spring assessment cycle.
Indiana business groups oppose ‘religious freedom’ law
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and other business groups argued that the Republican-sponsored proposal could hurt the state's reputation and make it more difficulty to attract companies.
Senate panel taking up Indiana religious freedom bill
On Monday afternoon, lawmakers will debate broadly worded proposals that opponents fear would give businesses the justification to discriminate against customers who don’t share the same beliefs.
Report: Automakers fail to fully protect against hacking
Automakers are cramming cars with wireless technology, but they have failed to adequately protect those features against the real possibility that hackers could take control of vehicles or steal personal data, according to an analysis of information that manufacturers provided to a senator.
House panel backs bill seeking to boost industrial hemp crop
The House agriculture committee unanimously passed the proposal that would specify the exemption of industrial hemp from its illegal cousin marijuana to include the "fiber, seeds, resin, and oil or any other compound," from an industrial hemp plant.
House backs off Pence plan to cut higher ed tax credit
The Indiana House is dropping one unpopular part of Gov. Mike Pence’s proposed tax overhaul – and another key section that would help some businesses is in jeopardy.
Senators weigh in on utility territory disputes
The Senate Utilities Committee on Thursday passed a bill that shifts leverage to Indiana’s largest utilities and electric cooperatives in their struggle to keep municipal-owned utilities from taking valuable territory.
Bill requiring insurance for shared ride services passes House
A bill that would make insurance coverage mandatory for passengers who use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft passed the Indiana House on Tuesday and moved to the full Senate.
House panel passes bill adding oversight to state agencies
State government agencies could face greater scrutiny when proposing new regulations under a measure an Indiana House committee approved Tuesday.
Statehouse roundup: Bills tackle audits, religious hiring, massage therapy, divorce waiting times
Lawmakers on Monday advanced or considered legislation regarding religious hiring decisions, massage therapy, divorce waiting times, audit frequency, death benefits for EMS workers and how to treat school board members convicted of felonies.
Bill would treat massage therapists as health care providers
A bill that would impose stricter regulations on massage therapists passed the Indiana House Public Health Committee on Monday.
Legislators look at cutting college tax credit, other breaks
One of the 29 tax breaks targeted for elimination allows up to a $200 credit for contributions to Indiana universities or colleges.