Bill to make civics test a graduation requirement advances at Statehouse
Sen. Dennis Kruse, R- Auburn, said he authored the bill to ensure high school students would better understand their government and country.
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Tech lobbying group focusing on talent, capital, place at Indiana Legislature
The goals for the Indiana Technology and Innovation Association—which includes members from more than 100 companies, from startups to major players such as Salesforce and AT&T—boil down to getting more high-skill workers here and finding more venture capital dollars for companies.
Indiana lawmakers approve policies banning sexual harassment
House members approved the policy in a unanimous voice vote Thursday after the Senate adopted a similar policy two weeks ago.
Scott Jones is back in town determined to make his mark—again
After nearly four years away from Indiana, local tech luminary Scott Jones has returned to central Indiana. And he’s returned with gusto, supercharging Eleven Fifty Academy and helping advance a life-sciences company he says can “transform medicine on multiple fronts.”
Holcomb hits some workforce goals, still faces hurdles on others
In 2018, Holcomb boldly outlined specific goals, One year later, he has exceeded some targets, but hasn’t met other goals.
Sexual harassment bills target public official misconduct
Among the lawmakers leading the charge for harassment legislation is Democratic Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, one of the four women who say Attorney General Curtis Hill groped them at a party last March.
Department of Child Services reform bill passes Indiana House
The House on Tuesday unanimously passed House Bill 1006, sending it to the Senate for consideration. The bill, authored by Avon Republican Greg Steuerwald, has five major provisions.
House committee passes tighter rules for virtual schools
House Bill 1172, authored by Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, outlines new rules to better assess and guide the educators, parents and students engaged in virtual school.
Gambling bill would allow Terre Haute casino, accelerates timeline for live games at racinos
The bill, filed by Republican Sens. Mark Messmer and Jon Ford, covers a wide range of gambling issues expected to be debated this year.
Panel backs proposal to move up appointing state schools chief
Indiana’s governor would begin appointing the state schools superintendent in 2021 instead of 2025, under a proposal endorsed Wednesday by the House Education Committee. Voters traditionally have elected the superintendent.
Indiana lawmaker seeks tighter management of veterans fund
Republican Rep. Randy Frye, of Greensburg, submitted a bill Thursday that would make Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs employees ineligible for grants from the Military Family Relief Fund and would firmly cap the lifetime amount a person could receive at $2,500
Gov. Holcomb announces plan to pay off pension liability, free up money for teacher raises
On Tuesday night, Holcomb said in his State of the State speech that the state will use $150 million from its surplus to pay off a teacher pension liability that schools have been gradually paying down.
Bill would boost CIB funding, require new 25-year deal with Pacers
A bill filed by Senate Appropriations Chairman Ryan Mishler would extend the life of multiple tourism- and entertainment-related taxes that help fund the Capital Improvement Board and expand the footprint of what’s known as the Professional Sports Development Area to capture even more tax revenue for the CIB. But there’s a catch.
Indiana lawmakers look at charity gaming regulations
The bill would allow for higher prize payouts and more not-for-profits to offer charity gaming.
State may revamp tourism department, create quasi-governmental agency
Several lawmakers, lobbyists and state officials are pushing for sweeping changes to the state’s tourism bureau.
House teacher pay plan clears first hurdle, but critics say the bill doesn’t go far enough
A Republican bill calling on districts to raise teacher pay by making other budget cuts passed an Indiana House of Representatives education committee vote Wednesday, despite sharp criticism from school officials and education advocates.
Hate crimes law advocates not fond of bill that doesn’t specify protected classes
Indiana Forward, a group pushing for hate crimes legislation, said the law must include a comprehensive list of protected classes.
IBJ Podcast: Will Indiana lawmakers bet big on sports gambling?
IBJ reporter Lindsey Erdody talks with host Mason King about the sports gambling legislation that will be considered in the Indiana House and Senate this year, including the many details that could complicate passage.
Latest hate crimes proposal leaves out specific protected classes
Rep. Greg Steuerwald, R-Avon, who introduced the bill, said the measure does not list specific protected classes because “we wanted every bias to be included that you can think of.”
Lawmakers to tangle over sports wagering, Gary casinos
Hate-crimes legislation and increasing teacher pay might be the big talking points at the Indiana Statehouse this session, but it’s a safe bet that gambling will stir up a few debates, too.