Indiana students may need to learn how to open bank accounts, take out loans in order to graduate
The vote puts Indiana on track to join several other states that have recently adopted financial literacy graduation requirements.
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Indiana lawmakers scale back on private school aid expansion
Critics argued the original proposal opened up tuition payments to private schools for even the wealthiest families.
Indiana Senate panel advances bill to prohibit non-compete agreements for physicians
It’s the latest in a series of bills meant to address the high cost of health care in Indiana, as well as the physician shortage and patients’ rights.
Indiana bills backed by national pet store chain draw pushback from animal advocates
A national pet brand chain is a driving force behind two Indiana bills that would block local communities from enforcing outright bans on the retail sale of pets. Such ordinances already exist in cities like Bloomington and Carmel
Black legislators’ top priorities include auto-enrollment in state college tuition program
The push for automatic enrollment of eligible students in the state’s 21st Century Scholars program might be able to navigate the Legislature’s Republican supermajority due to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s backing.
Indiana, other states readying privacy bills as Washington stalls
Lawmakers in at least nine states, including Indiana, have introduced so-called comprehensive privacy bills, which broadly seek to set limits around what consumer data companies can collect and how they use it.
Architects push for restoration of historic preservation tax credit
The effort is meant to create more incentive for developers to rehab vacant, deteriorating institutional structures in communities throughout the state.
Proposal could ax business personal property tax for thousands
The bill would raise the exemption that determines which companies must pay the tax. It would exempt companies that own machinery, equipment and other tangible goods that cost them, in total, less than $250,000. The current threshold is $80,000.
Three bills in Indiana Senate take aim at health-care costs, practices
The proposals aim to lower prescription drug costs, promote competition among physicians and end the practice that allows for inaccurate medical billing in certain circumstances.
Legalizing online casinos lands backing of House committee chair
Rep. Ethan Manning, a Republican from Logansport, said he’ll introduce a bill to allow online casino games, taxing revenue at an 18% rate and sharing some of the proceeds with cities and counties where casinos are located.
Should the state ax its individual income tax?
A powerful Senate Republican plans to introduce legislation next year to create a commission to consider changes to Indiana’s tax structure, including phasing out the state income tax.
Q&A with Niki Kelly, a veteran reporter leading a Statehouse news outlet
For more than two decades, Kelly reported for The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne. But this summer, Kelly, 49, was named editor-in-chief of the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Black legislative caucus picks new leaders
Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago,, succeeds state Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis, as chair.
Tension over ballot measure to fund Rebuilding Stronger could get Indiana lawmakers involved
IPS heads into the new year amid public disagreement between district officials and some charters over how much funding from the referendum should be split up between different schools, if voters approve it.
Funding for education, public health expected to dominate 2023 Legislature
Also looking for state support are initiatives related to workforce training, road funding, energy standards and affordable housing.
IBJ Podcast: Former budget hawk flips role, asks for big increase in state health spending
Former state senator Luke Kenley and Dr. Kristina Box, Indiana state health commissioner, break down their big ask of the Indiana Legislature: Increase public health spending by $242 million per year.
Luke Kenley: State must boost public health spending
The former chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee will testify before that same committee to ask lawmakers to allocate an additional quarter-of-a-billion dollars annually toward public health programs.
Indiana lawmakers return ahead of new state budget debate
The four-month-long 2023 session that begins in early January will focus on drafting a new state budget, with Democrats calling for a pause on debating contentious social issues after Republican lawmakers pushed through the state’s abortion ban over the summer.
Three education issues to watch in 2023 legislative session
GOP leaders essentially stayed mum about whether they’ll take another crack at last year’s unsuccessful curriculum bill that sought to restrict what teachers could say about race and racism.
Indiana Chamber, state lawmakers lay out legislative priorities
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce laid out its agenda as lawmakers prepare to return to the Statehouse next year to craft a two-year budget and consider dipping into the state’s $6 billion surplus to improve public health outcomes, education and workforce development.