Senate panel backs legalization of CBD oil with small amount of THC
A bill that would legalize the sale and use of cannabidiol oil passed the Indiana Senate’s Corrections and Criminal Law Committee 7-2.
Public policy
Bill to regulate autonomous vehicle use moves forward
House Bill 1341 allows people to operate automated vehicles on public highways but only under certain conditions. Critics, including auto manufacturers, said the bill would stifle innovation.
Tax, education, broadband bills top legislative priorities for tech industry
Gov. Eric Holcomb is asking lawmakers to clarify that the state’s sales tax doesn’t apply to software provided on the cloud. But that’s not the only tech-related legislation introduced at the General Assembly.
Bill seeks tax credits for boosting minimum-wage worker pay
State Sen. John Ruckelshaus has introduced a bill that would provide a state tax credit to employers that give minimum-wage workers a pay raise after they complete a training program.
Holcomb, lawmakers try to crack the code on a convoluted workforce system
Gov. Eric Holcomb says his workforce plan won’t just replace existing bureaucracy with new bureaucracy. He said he wants to “make sure we’re getting folks at the local level not just around the table, but that they have both the flexibility and the funding” to make necessary changes.
Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute leader steps down after 8 years
John Ketzenberger, a longtime local journalist who has been credited for stabilizing the institute’s finances, is mum so far on his plans after leaving the post.
City launches ‘Street Reach’ effort to help homeless, curb panhandling
Central to the campaign is a new full-time manager who will focus on business engagement and connecting homeless individuals to housing and addiction treatment options.
State manufacturers float relocation tax credit idea as tool to lure workers
The Indiana Manufacturers Association is also hoping the state will allow local governments to offer relocation tax incentives to build upon any that the state offers.
Former IU Health CEO to join law firm’s consulting arm
Dan Evans, who for 13 years was president and CEO of Indiana University Health, has joined Faegre Baker Daniels Consulting as a senior director in its health and biosciences group.
Holcomb faces deadline on divisive energy, alcohol bills
Thus far, the Indiana governor has refused to detail any action he may take, saying he was “still reviewing” them and “looking at every angle.”
Lawmakers pass budget with investments in education, entrepreneurism
The final version of the bill eschews a proposed $1 per pack cigarette tax increase. But it includes many of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s priorities.
Legislature passes vaping overhaul that removes controversial security firm scheme
The bill is now in Gov. Eric Holcomb’s hands and awaits his signature or veto.
Hogsett takes page from Hudnut era in new anti-littering effort
The city, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and Eli Lilly and Co. are teaming on a new initiative aimed at beautifying the city.
Indiana Democrats raise alarm bells on Medicaid cuts
Indiana officials are sounding alarm bells about a plan by Republicans in Congress to cut Medicaid spending.
Bill that would restrict bans on short-term rentals stalls in House
The result is a victory for local governments that want to thwart homeowners from offering their houses on Airbnb—but not for homeowners in those communities who wish to use such services to make extra money.
Former higher ed chief Stan Jones dies
Jones was a behind-the-scenes architect of Gov. Frank O’Bannon’s efforts to create a community college system.
House Dems offer road funding plan as alternative to GOP’s
They’re calling the plan “No New Taxes” and arguing Indiana can pay for major road-funding improvements without raising the gas tax.
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.”
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.”
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.