Chicago Bears say HQ, training facility would not be part of stadium deal in Indiana
Last week, the mayor of Hammond said the NFL franchise had been talking about moving “Halas Hall, everything” to Indiana.
Legislature
Lawmaker kills Indy billboard legislation
Lobbyists for billboard companies have recently sought to deregulate the space through state legislation, rather than fighting with local officials who have so far been unwilling to give in to their requests. The debate has spanned several years.
UPDATE: Bears zero in on Hammond site as committee prepares to vote on new stadium language
The moves come with just more than a week left in Indiana’s legislative session and as Illinois lawmakers consider legislation meant to keep the NFL team in that state.
Indiana House OKs youth social media bill, college degree cuts
The measure directs state officials to scrutinize and potentially eliminate certain low-wage college degree programs offered at Indiana’s public institutions.
UPDATE: Senate set to vote on heavily amended immigration bill
Sen. Liz Brown, the Republican who authored Senate Bill 76, on Monday signed off on significant changes the House made to the bill.
Republicans revive push to shorten Indiana’s early voting period
The proposal for fewer early voting days was added Monday by the Senate Elections Committee through an amendment; no public testimony was allowed.
Bill would give local governments slice of data centers’ tax break
House Bill 1333 would require data center developers that receive sales tax exemptions to give 1% of the abatement to local governments.
Indiana will likely finally consolidate townships. But how?
Critics say the township model is outdated and inefficient and adds an unnecessary layer of government. Legislation from both chambers of the Indiana Statehouse would pare down township government.
Q&A: Shea Joyce, Indy’s new deputy mayor of operations and government affairs
Joyce, an Indianapolis native and former André Carson campaign staffer, has stepped into a newly created cabinet role within Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration.
Environmental deregulation bill narrowly passes House committee
The bill’s author said it would would eliminate “unnecessary” mandates and “needless” reporting or paperwork requirements.
New casino location remains in flux as gambling legislation starts moving in Senate
The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which could consider changes that include narrowing where a casino could be located.
Rental ordinances in Fishers, Carmel come under threat from state lawmakers
Language buried in a bill about local finances would override ordinances in Carmel and Fishers and prevent other local governments from restricting or banning rental properties.
Does Indiana’s environmental reform bill streamline standards or make unnecessary cuts?
Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order for state agencies to keep businesses in mind when setting environmental rules. That directive could soon materialize in changes to rules governing the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Legislation seeks speedier path to home building
House Bill 1001 would allow single-family houses and duplexes to be approved without a hearing in areas that are zoned residential.
State tax cut for overtime, tips clears Senate; House sends other tax breaks to Braun
The Senate plan is expected to reduce state tax revenue by about $250 million and apply to 2026 income on tax returns filed in 2027.
Immigration enforcement bill clears Indiana Senate amid national ICE controversy
The vote comes as immigration enforcement—particularly actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE—has sparked protests, clashes with law enforcement and heightened political tensions in several states, especially in Minnesota.
The Chicago Bears, Indiana and the math behind NFL stadium deals
Professional sports experts say past NFL stadium deals might offer Indiana lawmakers a few clues to what a Lake County deal could mean for both the team and the state.
UPDATE: Key lawmaker wants Bears commitment before finalizing stadium bill
Gov. Mike Braun told IBJ on Thursday that he hopes more concrete developments regarding the Chicago Bears’ potential move to northwest Indiana could come “within 10 days or a couple weeks.”
Legislative committee sends amended Bears stadium bill to full Senate
The vote came after little discussion and no testimony—no one from the public signed up to talk about the bill.
Indiana Senate advances bell-to-bell school cellphone limits despite bipartisan concerns
Under current state law, students are prohibited from using phones during instructional time, but they can use them during lunch and passing periods.