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.
Legislature
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Critics say the township model is outdated and inefficient and adds an unnecessary layer of government.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.
Gov. Mike Braun’s second State of the State stresses affordability issues
The governor also celebrated data center development, but he said tech companies should pay for 100% of their power needs.
Hoosier Survey finds support for legalizing marijuana, making health care more affordable
The survey asked 600 Indiana residents about a wide variety of topics, including what they thought about Indiana as a place to live, taxes, tariffs, redistricting and data centers.
Legislation seeks to close ‘loopholes’ in E-Verify requirements for public contractors
Public work project contracts entered into or renewed after June 30 would have to include a provision requiring the primary contractor and all tiers of subcontractors to enroll in E-Verify.