Senate committee passes cursive writing requirement, again
For the third straight year, Sen. Jean Leising has convinced the Indiana Senate Education Committee to advance a bill that requires schools to teach cursive writing.
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Bill would expand charters to more adults in Indiana
Senate Bill 159, authored by Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, would allow the creation of new adult high schools and create an appropriation for the charter schools so they don’t pull their funding from K-12 funds.
First salvo fired in possible TV ad war on gay marriage
Conservative-leaning Advance America has spent $20,600 for spots on WISH-TV and WTHR-TV, according to station records. Otherwise, supporters and opponents are keeping their powder dry for a possible November referendum.
Proposal calls for alcohol sales during Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair is only one of two state fairs that prohibit the sale of alcohol. Senate Bill 168, authored by Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg, would change that.
Changes to farm-trespassing bill delay vote
The Indiana Senate Criminal Law Committee delayed a vote that had been scheduled for Tuesday amid a flurry of proposed amendments.
Governor backs alternative business tax cut
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence threw his support behind House Republicans’ watered-down business tax proposal Tuesday amid outcry from local leaders over the potential to damage their already cash-strapped budgets.
Pence emphasizes 2014 agenda in State of the State speech
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence held close to a carefully scripted message for 2014 during his second State of the State address, prodding lawmakers for a business tax cut and education items while asking them to take action on the same-sex marriage amendment.
Committee considers but doesn’t vote on new VC tax credit
Senate Bill 165, authored by Republican Sen. Randy Head of Logansport, would distribute up to $10 million in tax credits to venture capital firms investing in Indiana businesses.
Steele removes farming from proposed hunting, fishing amendment
Sen. Brent Steele’s proposed amendment passed its first round in 2011, but needed approval this year to go on the ballot for ratification by voters. Now, with new language, the process will start over.
Bill meant to protect credit scores considered by committee
Senate Bill 175 would restrict the use of credit checks in reducing credit scores.
Indiana gold dealers operate under new rules
Indiana "cash for gold" dealers now must register with the secretary of state and local police as part of a new state law designed to help authorities track stolen jewelry.
Indiana considers amendment that could shield industrial farms
The bill’s sponsors say it’s a way to keep non-farmers, including national animal rights groups, from meddling in the state’s rural interests.
Senate rolls out central Indiana mass-transit bill
dvocates for expanded mass transit in central Indiana will focus on a Senate bill that gives counties a way to generate more tax dollars to pay for better buses and more routes.
Republicans introduce bill to ‘clarify’ marriage amendment
Indiana House Republicans introduced a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage Thursday, along with a supplementary bill meant to address concerns that have led some lawmakers to reassess their votes for the proposal.
Bill to drug-test welfare recipients will be back
A proposed law that would require some welfare recipients to undergo drug testing is likely to pass the Indiana House again this year, a key lawmaker said Thursday.
House to take up bill to create redistricting commission
The Republican-controlled Indiana House is set to take up legislation that would give a bipartisan commission the duty of drawing district maps.
Senate bill seeks to cut corporate income and property taxes
The proposal from Republican leaders would make small companies exempt from tax on business equipment, and cleave the state’s corporate income tax to the second-lowest in the nation.
Committee passes ban on tanning for young teens
Commercial tanning beds may soon be off limits to Hoosiers younger than 16 under a bill approved Wednesday by the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee.
Microbrews would be available at farmers’ markets under bill
Indiana microbrewers are one step closer to selling their craft beer at local farmers’ markets after a bill passed a Senate committee Wednesday.
House Republicans to push tax cut, preschool
House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, presented an agenda focusing on workforce development – which also included a new focus on college internships, increased funding for roads and highways and the repeal of “burdensome regulations.”