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.
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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.
Indiana General Assembly faces tight budget as new session begins
Members of the General Assembly return Thursday to the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis for a session expected to last until late April. Budget issues are expected to dominate the session.
Holcomb remains against legalizing marijuana, despite moves by neighboring states
Several Indiana legislators support marijuana legalization bills that could be considered during the General Assembly session that starts in early January.
Gov. Holcomb wants to keep Pacers in Indy, will consider plans to improve CIB facilities
The Capital Improvement Board of Managers will ask lawmakers for more long-term funding that could be used in part for improvements at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The governor says he’s ready to listen.
State tax revenue projected to grow, but new money will barely cover increased costs
State fiscal leaders heard some good and bad news about the state budget Monday morning in a highly anticipated revenue forecast that predicted tax receipts for the next two years.
New members, new leaders could spice up 2019 legislative session
When the Indiana General Assembly convenes for the 2019 session on Thursday, it will have 21 new faces—16 in the House and five in the Senate—a significant amount of turnover for a body of 150 lawmakers.
Gov. Holcomb wants hate-crimes bill to include gender identity
The Indiana governor announced his 2019 agenda on Thursday, and it included passing a hate crimes law to get Indiana off the list of five states without such protection. Holcomb referred to it as being on the “naughty list.”
Holcomb’s 2019 agenda focuses on economy, workforce development, public health
Gov. Eric Holcomb’s list of priorities, which he announced Thursday afternoon, also includes a bias-crimes bill, teacher pay, the Department of Child Services and the state superintendent of public instruction.
Holcomb says he won’t pursue plan to toll interstate highways
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced his decision Thursday afternoon after the Indiana Department of Transportation released a strategic plan for interstate tolling that was mandated by a transportation infrastructure funding law passed in 2017.