Marian University interested in taking over state mental hospital site
The private university has started conversations with the state for assuming control of the site that holds Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital, which will close later this year.
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UPDATE: Indiana doctor’s offspring pushing state fertility fraud law
A Senate committee went along Wednesday with the request from Republican Sen. Mike Young of Indianapolis to remove from a bill the section creating a felony charge of fertility fraud for doctors using their own sperm or eggs without the patient’s consent.
Sexual harassment bills target public official misconduct
Among the lawmakers leading the charge for harassment legislation is Democratic Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon, one of the four women who say Attorney General Curtis Hill groped them at a party last March.
Department of Child Services reform bill passes Indiana House
The House on Tuesday unanimously passed House Bill 1006, sending it to the Senate for consideration. The bill, authored by Avon Republican Greg Steuerwald, has five major provisions.
Indiana unemployment holds steady at 3.6 percent
Private sector employment in Indiana grew by 12,200 in December with significant gains in education and health services, construction and hospitality.
Indiana fiscal policy think tank finds new leader
The institute, which studies how Indiana collects and spends taxpayer money, has been without a president since late 2017.
House committee passes tighter rules for virtual schools
House Bill 1172, authored by Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, outlines new rules to better assess and guide the educators, parents and students engaged in virtual school.
Gambling bill would allow Terre Haute casino, accelerates timeline for live games at racinos
The bill, filed by Republican Sens. Mark Messmer and Jon Ford, covers a wide range of gambling issues expected to be debated this year.
Panel backs proposal to move up appointing state schools chief
Indiana’s governor would begin appointing the state schools superintendent in 2021 instead of 2025, under a proposal endorsed Wednesday by the House Education Committee. Voters traditionally have elected the superintendent.
Legislators try to get tighter grip on virtual charter schools
New proposals stem from recommendations made by education officials, including potential solutions to low test scores and graduation rates, a lack of student and parent participation, and the need to improve their oversight.
Indiana lawmaker seeks tighter management of veterans fund
Republican Rep. Randy Frye, of Greensburg, submitted a bill Thursday that would make Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs employees ineligible for grants from the Military Family Relief Fund and would firmly cap the lifetime amount a person could receive at $2,500
Gov. Holcomb announces plan to pay off pension liability, free up money for teacher raises
On Tuesday night, Holcomb said in his State of the State speech that the state will use $150 million from its surplus to pay off a teacher pension liability that schools have been gradually paying down.
Bill would boost CIB funding, require new 25-year deal with Pacers
A bill filed by Senate Appropriations Chairman Ryan Mishler would extend the life of multiple tourism- and entertainment-related taxes that help fund the Capital Improvement Board and expand the footprint of what’s known as the Professional Sports Development Area to capture even more tax revenue for the CIB. But there’s a catch.
Gov. Holcomb says ‘what’s next’ could be soccer stadium
The Republican governor did not take a position on an Indy Eleven plan to have state and local taxpayers fund a new stadium, but he said officials always need to embrace the future.
Indiana lawmakers look at charity gaming regulations
The bill would allow for higher prize payouts and more not-for-profits to offer charity gaming.
Indiana attorney general accuser seeks easier removal path
An Indiana legislator who says she was groped at a bar by state Attorney General Curtis Hill wants to make it easier to remove some state officeholders from their positions.
Truckers sue the state for increased toll road fees
Holcomb announced in September that fees along the 157-mile toll road would increase by 35 percent for heavy vehicles and that the state would in turn reap $1 billion to spend on new infrastructure projects.
State may revamp tourism department, create quasi-governmental agency
Several lawmakers, lobbyists and state officials are pushing for sweeping changes to the state’s tourism bureau.
House teacher pay plan clears first hurdle, but critics say the bill doesn’t go far enough
A Republican bill calling on districts to raise teacher pay by making other budget cuts passed an Indiana House of Representatives education committee vote Wednesday, despite sharp criticism from school officials and education advocates.
State lawmaker expects Indianapolis to be considered for casino
The Indiana General Assembly is likely to consider a proposal that would allow Gary’s two casino licenses to be relocated this year—one would stay in Gary, while the other could move to another city in the state.