Noblesville, Westfield lead the effort for sports district changes
The cities are set to ask state lawmakers to change the rules that govern how and when cities can benefit from taxes generated by sports-related projects.
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Hogsett prepares to again seek changes to state road-funding formula
But some city-county councilors are so tired of waiting on the Legislature to act that they are suggesting exploring city-based solutions.
Business groups await more details, urge caution on Braun property tax plan
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Braun’s lack of particulars on his property tax relief plan for homeowners has raised concerns that the tax burden could be shifted to business and agricultural property owners.
Veteran groups join forces to push for legalization of electronic pull-tab gambling
The “Big Four” veteran organizations are forming the PlayIN for Charity alliance, which will advocate for enabling legislation in 2025.
Water issues, pipeline play into Statehouse leader’s primary loss
Rep. Sharon Negele, R-Attica, said voters didn’t think she’d done enough to ensure local officials could stop projects related to water and solar that they didn’t like.
Indy Statehouse primaries: Open seat draws four GOP candidates; Democratic incumbents face challengers
U.S. Rep. Greg Pence’s decision to not seek reelection started a domino effect: State Rep. Mike Speedy decided against running for reelection and four Republicans threw their hats into the ring to take his place.
La Keisha Jackson wins caucus to represent Senate District 34
Jackson, a city-county councilor of 10 years and a not-for-profit CEO, will finish out Sen. Jean Breaux’s term. Democrats will hold a second caucus to determine who will fill Breaux’s place on the November ballot to serve the next four-year term.
Democratic lawmaker to seek judicial changes after sentence in IMPD officer’s death
State Rep. Mitch Gore, who is a captain at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, said he would explore “all legislative remedies” to address what he said is a sentence that is too lenient. A Republican committee chair said he’s open to legislative proposals that come out of the case.
Black legislative caucus plans town halls statewide
The 13-member caucus billed the six events as opportunities for Hoosiers to learn more about legislation passed in the most recent session and to “provide feedback and input” ahead of next year’s budget-writing session.
Governing bodies tussle over control of Indiana State Fair
Contention over who runs the Indiana State Fair emerged during the legislative session in a spat about fair date language added, removed and re-inserted into a proposal in the hours before the session’s end.
Law regulating AI usage in elections takes effect
The law requires that candidates include a disclaimer when a political ad includes the use of generative AI, and it creates a path for legal action when candidates believe they are misrepresented.
Gaming commission funding throttled by lawmakers in late-night move
A feud between the General Assembly and the Indiana Gaming Commission escalated late Friday when lawmakers approved language blocking the commission from getting more money without their approval.
Bill limiting land buys by ‘foreign adversaries’ goes to governor
Some critics worry the bill would compromise economic development deals in the works, but it passed easily.
Additional options for spending work-based learning funds approved by Indiana lawmakers
The final draft allows students to use up to $625 from annual CSA grants to pay for training for a driver’s license with an employer match.
Here are the education bills approved by the 2024 Indiana legislature
Stricter rules on school attendance, reading proficiency, and cellphone use in the classroom will affect Indiana students and schools beginning next year under legislation passed in the General Assembly’s 2024 session.
Indiana lawmakers pass bill defining antisemitism, with compromises
The final version accepted by both the House and Senate chambers made concessions in language that was opposed by critics of Israel.
Legislature sends new rules for Indy downtown tax district to governor
The bill, now headed to Gov. Eric Holcomb for consideration, would let some property owners opt out of paying the tax and cap the revenue but let the city expand the district.
Senate moves foreign ownership of farmland bill over economic development concerns
Senate sponsors on Monday pushed back against exemptions for a specific agricultural project in northern Indiana, noting that 11 Chinese companies are currently seeking projects within Indiana.
Lawmakers likely to study state takeover of Washington, Meridian streets in Indianapolis
The discussion comes amid a debate over plans by IndyGo—the city’s public transportation agency—to create bus-only lanes on Washington Street (previously U.S. 40) as part of its planned Blue Line rapid-transit service.
Despite changes, bill to end ‘viewpoint discrimination’ still draws ire from college faculty
Faculty councils at multiple Hoosier schools, including Indiana, Purdue and Ball State universities said Wednesday they remain vehemently opposed to the bill.