Indiana gasoline tax would go up under House GOP proposal
A road-funding proposal from Indiana House Republicans would add a projected 5 cents a gallon to the state's gas tax.
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Lawmakers to consider ISTEP-related accountability
At issue this year is what to do about test-score-based school accountability measures now that the state is expecting much lower scores.
Counties push another look at big-box tax appeals
County officials say a legislative fix for the issue passed earlier this year wasn’t strict enough. They say big-box stores are skirting their tax burden by using using vacant buildings to determine the value for taxation of brand-new stores.
LGBT rights promises to be the hottest debate in a 2016 legislative session
Proponents and opponents of putting sexual orientation and gender identity into the state’s civil rights law say they expect to spend tremendous time and energy on the issue—but not money. They say individual conversations are what will sway lawmakers.
Suit challenges constitutionality of RFRA fix, local gay rights laws
In their efforts to prevent discrimination against gays and lesbians, state and local governments are violating a host of constitutional rights of religious citizens and organizations, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by two Christian organizations.
Oesterle starts PAC to counter social conservatives
Free Enterprise Indiana is Bill Oesterle’s new political action committee. It will support economy-focused Republican candidates through election cycles.
Northwest Indiana lawmakers push pro sports team bill
A group of state lawmakers dreaming of bringing a professional sports team to northwestern Indiana is pushing a bill that would create a panel tasked with pursuing that goal.
LGBT rights advocacy group to host meetings statewide
Freedom Indiana will advocate for the changes when they are debated during the upcoming legislative session.
Sons’ struggles fuel state rep’s battle against heroin use
Rep. Cindy Ziemke said she is going public about her family's odyssey because the state's growing heroin problem is such an important issue. The General Assembly will consider legislative solutions during its upcoming session.
Lawmakers hope for momentum on program to help avoid layoffs
Nearly 30 states have “work-share” programs that pay partial unemployment benefits when employers need to reduce workers’ hours. The idea has gone nowhere with Indiana lawmakers, but the next legislative session could be different.
Lack of Indiana exotic animal regulations raising concerns
The state Department of Natural Resources stopped issuing permits for wild animals and regulating their ownership following the February ruling that said it didn’t have the authority to manage such legally owned animals.
UPDATE: Senate Republicans unveil draft of LGBT rights bill
The proposal comes as a new poll finds that most Indiana voters support adding sexual orientation and gender identity to Indiana’s civil rights law.
Bosma backs proposal to require pseudoephedrine prescription
Bosma’s support could give the proposal its first real life in the General Assembly, which has for years eschewed prescription proposals in favor of laws that require pharmacies to track the people who purchase drugs containing pseudoephedrine, one of the ingredients that can be used to make meth.
GOP leader says social conservative will sponsor LGBT bill
Republican leader David Long refused to give details about what the proposal will entail other than stating that Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, is drafting the measure, which will be heard when the Legislature meets in January.
Lawmakers grappling with state road-funding strategy
The key question is what the Indiana Legislature can do in a short or non-budget-making session, which will convene in January.
GOP Senate leader: Bill will address LGBT rights, religious freedom
An Indiana legislative leader assured business leaders Monday that Senate Republicans plan to introduce a bill that will address both civil rights for the LGBT community and religious freedom.
Attendance dip isn’t deterring Indy Eleven from seeking new stadium
Indy Eleven General Manager Peter Wilt isn’t too worried about the team’s 6.3 percent attendance drop this year, because of gains in sponsorship, food and beverage sales, and soccer-camp revenue.
State’s 200th birthday bash next year expected to boost tourism statewide
Leaders hope projects planned for Indiana’s bicentennial celebration—including a new state park inn, a downtown Indianapolis art plaza and hundreds of smaller efforts statewide—will leave a big impact on future generations.
Republican officials elect replacement for McMillin
Republican Party officials have picked a southeastern Indiana county councilman as the replacement for the former Indiana House majority leader who abruptly resigned last month.
Lawmakers may spoil fantasy sports party
State and federal lawmakers are taking a serious look at the legality of the services of fantasy football goliaths DraftKings and FanDuel—a move that could put the companies out of business in Indiana and other states.