The fate of a proposed statewide smoking ban in the state Legislature is uncertain, with anti-smoking advocates keeping up their push for restrictions that are tougher than some lawmakers think can win approval.
The Senate Public Policy Committee is expected to vote on the bill Wednesday. Amendments won't be allowed to the bill that currently includes exemptions for casinos, bars, fraternal clubs, smoke shops and nursing homes.
Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, the chairman of an Indiana Senate committee, said he might call for a vote on the proposal at the Senate Public Policy Committee's April 6 meeting, but that he likely wouldn't allow any amendments.
Tom Swoik, executive director of Illinois Casino Gaming Association, said gambling revenue has dropped 32 percent since the state’s smoking ban was approved. He said the ban has cost state government about $800 million in taxes.
Angry prosecutors have derailed a legislative plan to reduce Indiana's corrections costs by shortening some criminal sentences, and now the state seen as a national model for fiscal austerity could be forced to find millions of dollars for new prisons.
Health advocates will have to live with wide exemptions in a proposed statewide smoking ban because a stricter, more comprehensive ban wouldn't be able to pass the conservative Senate, the head of a Senate committee said.
The city of Indianapolis plans to launch a free application for Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches that will allow residents to report potholes, high weeds or stray dogs as they spot them.
The Indianapolis Parks Foundation will administer the city's tax-supported crime grants program, under a proposal approved Monday night 26-0 by the City-County Council.
The Republican-ruled Senate voted 31-18 Tuesday for the bill, which contains penalties for businesses that hire illegal immigrants and allows police officers to ask someone for proof of immigration status if they have a reasonable suspicion the person is in the country illegally.
A bill aimed at having an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigration in Indiana is on its way to the state Senate, but some Republican senators expressed concerns Thursday about the ramifications for law enforcement and taxpayers.
Legislation that would allow Hoosiers with gun permits to carry their weapons into municipal properties could affect Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center.
The Senate's criminal law committee voted 5-3 to advance to the full Senate the bill directing the criminal law and sentencing study committee to examine Indiana's marijuana laws next summer and make recommendations.
A partnership called the Tobacco Retailer Inspection Program said Monday that sales of tobacco products to teen-agers occurred in less than 4 percent of more than 8,400 inspections.
Indianapolis spent almost half its 2011 budget for snow removal—$3.4 million—to deal with last week’s ice and snow storms, the city announced Friday morning.
The Indiana House and Senate have cancelled plans to work Tuesday because of the ice storm that's sweeping across central Indiana.
Indiana residents are facing an icy trek to work as the second wave of a winter storm that brought freezing rain, snow and sleet overnight approaches the state.
The Republican-led House voted 68-31 Monday to approve the bill, which now moves to the GOP-controlled Senate for consideration.
Sen. Karen Tallian, D- Portage, is sponsoring a bill that would direct the criminal law and sentencing study committee to examine Indiana's marijuana laws next summer and come up with recommendations.
The Indiana House Public Health Committee voted 9-3 to endorse the bill prohibiting smoking in public places and indoor work sites—after it exempted casinos and pari-mutuel horse tracks from the ban.
Drivers wouldn’t be allowed to send or read text messages on cell phones under a bill approved by an Indiana House committee.
