Hotly debated bill to regulate e-cigarette liquid advances
A large group came to protest Senate Bill 539, authored by Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Middlebury, which would establish regulations on e-liquid – the fluid used in electronic cigarettes.
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Meth bills mandating cold-pill prescriptions face tough road
Bills aiming to reduce Indiana’s methamphetamine problem by requiring prescriptions for some cold medicines probably won’t be considered in House or Senate committees this session, key lawmakers said.
Pence’s $51M prison expansion proposal met by skepticism
The proposal comes just months after Indiana's criminal sentencing laws changed in part to reduce the need for more prison space.
UPDATE: Local officials to consider more animal shelter funding
The Department of Public Safety estimates $1.5 million is needed to address findings that the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control shelter is unsanitary, understaffed and underfunded.
Proposal would add e-cigarette restrictions, taxes
Indiana would require stores to have a license to sell electronic cigarettes and would tax the battery-powered devices like traditional tobacco products under a bill a state lawmaker said he'll sponsor.
Child services agency missing caseload standard
Doris Tolliver, the agency's chief of staff, told the State Budget Committee on Wednesday that only one of its 19 regions is meeting the workload standards for case workers.
Pence names new Homeland Security director
David Kane, who has been federal security director for the U.S. Transportation Security administration since 2005, will take over management of the state agency Nov. 24.
Mayors at meth summit call for medication controls
Some of Indiana's mayors and law enforcement officials are urging lawmakers to combat the state's methamphetamine scourge by making some cold medications available only by prescription.
State distributes $1.2 million to domestic violence shelters
The money had already been earmarked for the programs, but the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute board had delayed its distribution to gather more information and confirm the money will be spent to expand programs.
Indiana gun permit applications moving online
Indiana State Police are switching to an online gun permitting system that will bring end to the use of paper applications for those permits.
30 counties to be reimbursed for snow storm costs
Currently, $1.13 million has been processed for reimbursement, and more federal money will be distributed as applications are processed.
Sheriffs: Mentally ill people swamping Indiana jails
County jails have become the "insane asylum" for Indiana as state hospital care for the mentally ill has declined, a sheriff told a legislative committee in Indianapolis on Monday.
Indiana State Police turn to online recruiting
The agency has posted a one-minute video outlining the minimum requirements necessary to apply to be a state police officer.
Taxi drivers settle with Speedway over confiscated licenses
Under the agreement, drivers who had their licenses taken by police on the day of the 2013 Indianapolis 500 will receive a payment and assurances that the town won't take similar action on race days.
Kokomo council backs ban on smoking in bars
The Kokomo City Council voted 5-4 Monday night to give initial approval to a ban on smoking in bars and social clubs.
EMS service to lay off 361 workers in Indiana
Rural/Metro Corp. says the changing health care landscape and the challenges of covering rural communities are forcing it to end its area ambulance services. It’s also closing a billing operations center in Indianapolis.
Democrats question $12M in consulting contracts
The cash-strapped city of Indianapolis has entered agreements worth more than $12 million as it pursues a public-private partnership for a new courthouse and jail. Mayor Greg Ballard’s office says the fees will be paid by the developer.
Ballard proposes $50M preschool program as part of crime initiative
Mayor Greg Ballard on Wednesday proposed a 5-year program to pay for preschool for 4-year-olds from low-income families. He also floated hiring another 280 police officers. The cost to the average household would be $86 per year.
Prosecutors: Expungement law has good, bad sides
An Indiana law allowing some criminals to have their records expunged is drawing mixed reviews from judges and attorneys, who say parts of the law don't make sense.
Security to be tight at Expo this weekend
Indianapolis officials are taking extra steps to ensure safety at Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration in a year that has seen a surge in homicides.