Indiana lawmakers look at charity gaming regulations
The bill would allow for higher prize payouts and more not-for-profits to offer charity gaming.
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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.
Hate crimes law advocates not fond of bill that doesn’t specify protected classes
Indiana Forward, a group pushing for hate crimes legislation, said the law must include a comprehensive list of protected classes.
Indiana Republicans suggest schools cut costs to raise teacher pay
The goal for school districts would be to use 85 percent or more of their state funding for instruction-related costs, such as teacher salaries.
Sexual harassment proposal offers new lawmaker-intern relationship rules
The Legislative Council voted in November to recommend the Indiana General Assembly adopt the new policy, which adds a definition of sexual harassment to the ethical standards for lawmakers.
House Republicans reveal agenda without hate crimes bill
The priorities for Indiana House Republicans this year align with Gov. Eric Holcomb’s agenda, except for one significant issue that did not make the list: a hate crimes bill.
IBJ Podcast: Will Indiana lawmakers bet big on sports gambling?
IBJ reporter Lindsey Erdody talks with host Mason King about the sports gambling legislation that will be considered in the Indiana House and Senate this year, including the many details that could complicate passage.
Indiana OKs new rules for veterans agency after scrutiny
Indiana officials have approved new rules to rein in a state agency that awarded grants intended for struggling veterans to its own employees.
Holcomb banks $4M two years ahead of Indiana re-election bid
The state GOP said Holcomb ended 2018 with more campaign cash in the bank that any previous second-year governor.
Latest hate crimes proposal leaves out specific protected classes
Rep. Greg Steuerwald, R-Avon, who introduced the bill, said the measure does not list specific protected classes because “we wanted every bias to be included that you can think of.”
Indiana General Assembly faces tight budget as new session begins
Members of the General Assembly return Thursday to the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis for a session expected to last until late April. Budget issues are expected to dominate the session.
Sports betting unlikely to be home run for state budgets
Returns in states that have already approved of sports betting have been modest so far. And experts say revenue is likely to be diluted overall as more and more states jump into the game.
Holcomb remains against legalizing marijuana, despite moves by neighboring states
Several Indiana legislators support marijuana legalization bills that could be considered during the General Assembly session that starts in early January.
Probe of Indiana’s AG cost taxpayers at least $26K, records show
An investigation into allegations that Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill drunkenly groped four women at a party last March cost taxpayers at least $26,300, according to records obtained through open records requests.
Attorney: No plans to use public funds to defend Curtis Hill
Employment attorney Kevin Betz said he won't take state money, despite a draft of the contract that showed his firm, Betz + Blevins, would receive up to $100,000 in public money to represent Curtis Hill and the attorney general's office.
State unemployment rate ticks up to 3.6 percent
The national unemployment rate for November was 3.7 percent. With the exception of one month when it was equal, Indiana’s unemployment rate has been below the U.S. rate for more than five years.