House approves merit-selection system for Marion County judges
Judges would be selected by a nominating commission and the governor—rather than through elections—under the proposal that is supported by Republicans and opposed by some Democrats.
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House panel exempts Tesla from state ban on direct auto sales
The author of the bill, Rep. Ed Soliday, said he believed the amended measure would make people on both sides of the bill “equally happy and equally unhappy.”
Terre Haute casino could keep Hoosiers gambling in Indiana, supporters say
Senate Bill 354 would let Rising Star Casino Resort in Southern Indiana’s Ohio County move 740 gaming positions to Terre Haute.
State committee passes bill to raise cigarette tax, hike smoking age
The measure also removes employment protections for smokers, raises the age for purchasing cigarettes to 21 and directs more money to tobacco-cessation programs.
Indiana House transportation chairman pledges to rework Tesla bill
A House committee will make changes to a bill after critics charged that the measure would have blocked car maker Tesla from doing business in Indiana.
State lawmakers add voucher access to preschool expansion bill
The voucher language has injected some controversy into a bill that has received bipartisan support.
Federal appeals court overturns parts of vaping law, granting win to out-of-state manufacturers
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday found that parts of the law violate the dormant commerce clause of the constitution.
Indiana medical marijuana backers take hope in bill hearing
When the Indiana Legislature allowed a Senate committee to hear testimony on a medical marijuana-related bill, some proponents saw a glimmer of hope.
Lawmakers propose bill to expand venture capital tax credit
The bill would increase the cap on the amount of tax credits investors could claim, as well as make the credits useful for out-of-state investors.
Abortion ban bill won’t be heard in Indiana House committee
A key Indiana House panel won't consider a contentious attempt to ban abortions, its chairman said Thursday, meaning the measure likely is dead this session.
Job training tax credits gain steam in Legislature
Indiana employers would be able to claim tax credits to offset costs associated with training and credentialing their employees under legislation being considered by the Indiana General Assembly.
Bosma casts doubt on vaping law author’s new bill
Rep. Kevin Mahan, the author of the controversial vaping law, had proposed changes to the law that opponents called “a slap in the face.”
Lawmakers advance bill for picking Marion County judges
With the previous selection process deemed unconstitutional, a legislative panel has boosted a bill advocating merit-based picks and keeping a partisan balance on the bench.
GOP lawmakers draw criticism for calling tax hikes ‘user fees’
The Indiana GOP is facing a public relations challenge as it tries to sell a plan to raise road funding that would increase the state’s fuel tax while charging an additional $15 for vehicle registration.
Senate panel votes to drop ban on drug felons receiving food stamps
Indiana lawmakers on Monday took a preliminary step that would allow people with felony drug convictions to be able to receive food and nutrition assistance—part of one lawmaker’s plan to curb the state’s opioid problem.
Vaping law author introduces bill to fix ‘perceived monopoly’
The author of the controversial 2015 vaping law is back with a bill to address problems with the legislation, but at least one critic said the bill would allow the industry to remain a monopoly.
State lawmaker apologies for ‘fat women’ meme
An Indiana state senator regrets an “offensive” message about women who attended the Women’s March on Washington, but says he doesn’t know how it was posted to his Facebook account.
Bill alarms solar-power advocates
Critics say the bill would effectively wipe out a key financial incentive for homeowners and businesses to install rooftop solar systems and windmills.
Holcomb: Too many Hoosiers unprepared for jobs of the future
In his first State of the State address, Gov. Eric Holcomb stressed the importance of growing the state’s economy through increasing the skills of existing workers.
Lawmakers hear bill to establish ‘hemp oil registry’ for seizure patients
One of the bill’s author said it is designed to help parents who are “up against a wall,” and he stressed that it should not be confused as a first step to medical marijuana legalization in the state.