Inspector finds mismanagement at Indiana’s veterans affairs
However, the inspector general did not find sufficient evidence to support charges against current or former employees, in part due to the agency’s shoddy record-keeping.
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Quick take: Six things to know about the proposed Pacers deal
Here’s a breakdown of the 158-page agreement that the CIB was considering Friday morning.
Indiana Senate panel backs 20% tax on e-cigarette liquids
The vote came after the committee adopted a tax on the price of the vaping liquid, rather than a 4 cents per-milliliter tax that was backed by the House in February.
Indiana House defeats proposed moratorium on new power plants
The House voted 53-38 Thursday to strip language that would have prohibited the state from approving new power plants for two years, a move widely seen as delaying construction of renewable energy projects.
UPDATE: CIB approves Pacers deal to fund $360M renovation, expansion of Bankers Life Fieldhouse
The agreement between city officials and the NBA team provides nearly $800 million in tax revenue to the Pacers over the life of the 25-year deal.
UPDATE: New Senate budget plan gives slight school funding boost
A new state budget plan would send some more money to Indiana schools but at a level short of what advocacy groups say is needed for meaningful teacher pay raises.
Hate-crime outcome leaves execs ambivalent
An army of high-profile business leaders wanted the General Assembly to pass what they called a comprehensive hate crimes law, but the effort fell short. What went wrong?
Indiana might be underestimating number of students in foster care, advocates say
In Indiana, the number of foster children rose 60 percent between 2012 and 2016—the second-steepest climb in the nation, according to federal data.
Amendment to payday loan bill unable to calm community advocates
Even after lawmakers worked hours overnight to craft an amendment to a controversial bill regulating payday and subprime loans, opponents remained frustrated.
Indiana sports betting, new casinos not expected to create jackpot
A top Indiana budget writer doesn't expect much of a state tax revenue boost if legislators approve proposals to legalize sports betting and allow new casinos in Gary and Terre Haute.
UPDATED: Amended gambling bill requires competitive bidding process for Terre Haute casino
The owner of two casinos now located on Lake Michigan in Gary would still be allowed to move one of them to a more convenient interstate location under changes to a gambling bill lawmakers made Tuesday—but only if the company gave its other license back to the state.
Indiana lawmakers back felony charge for doctors who misuse sperm
The Indiana House voted 93-0 on Monday in favor of a bill allowing felony charges in cases of deception involving a medical procedure, device, drug or human reproductive material, such as sperm, eggs or embryos.
Ethics panel dismisses complaint against Speaker Bosma
The Indiana House Ethics Committee said Monday that “reasonable cause does not exist to support the alleged violation” by Speaker Brian Bosma.
Amtrak suspends ticket sales for Hoosier State line after June 30
Amtrak on Monday issued an official notice that it plans to suspend operation of the Hoosier State line, which provides Indianapolis-to-Chicago service, starting July 1. The state hasn’t included funding for the line in its next budget.
UPDATE: Lawmakers drop MLS requirement for Indy Eleven stadium
State lawmakers on Monday significantly amended legislation designed to provide long-term funding mechanisms to the Capital Improvement Board, keep the Indiana Pacers in the city for at least another 25 years and support building a permanent soccer stadium for the Indy Eleven.
Turkey Run State Park added to National Register of Historic Places
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says the park northeast of Terre Haute was added to the national registry because of its cultural value to Indiana and its national history.
Panel hires attorney to probe Bosma’s use of campaign funds
The Indiana House Ethics Committee has hired an outside attorney to investigate allegations that House Speaker Brian Bosma used campaign funds to collect unflattering information about a former intern who claims she had a sexual encounter with him decades ago.
Indiana Republicans push for moratorium on new power plants
The House Utilities Committee advanced legislation this week along party lines that would prohibit state regulators from approving any large new power plants until 2021. Environmentalists and utilities say the move could interrupt the transition from coal to renewable fuels and natural gas.
Indiana governor signs hate crimes measure into law
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and other Republicans say the legislation covers all 6.6 million Hoosiers because it covers all characteristics and traits, whether expressly listed or not, but the Anti-Defamation League said the measure falls short.
State lawmakers working to close loophole in online sales, hotel taxes
Indiana is one step closer to closing what lawmakers have described as a loophole in online sales and hotel tax collection, but online travel sites oppose the legislation.