Critics say the township model is outdated and inefficient and adds an unnecessary layer of government.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.
Joyce, an Indianapolis native and former André Carson campaign staffer, has stepped into a newly created cabinet role within Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration.
The bill’s author said it would would eliminate “unnecessary” mandates and “needless” reporting or paperwork requirements.
The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which could consider changes that include narrowing where a casino could be located.
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.
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.
House Bill 1001 would allow single-family houses and duplexes to be approved without a hearing in areas that are zoned residential.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
The vote came after little discussion and no testimony—no one from the public signed up to talk about the bill.
Under current state law, students are prohibited from using phones during instructional time, but they can use them during lunch and passing periods.
The governor also celebrated data center development, but he said tech companies should pay for 100% of their power needs.
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.
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.
INDOT had planned a “major” interchange project near Whitestown but will now break that into three smaller projects.
State Sen. Michael Young has introduced legislation that could lead to a state takeover of policing and criminal prosecution in downtown Indianapolis.
Motivated by rising property tax bills caused in part by rising home prices, Gov. Mike Braun and the Republican-majority Legislature last spring upended the funding structure for local government and forced tough budgeting decisions in cities and towns.
Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, an Indianapolis Republican and general counsel for the University of Indianapolis, was appointed as the new chair.
