Will Indiana follow its neighbors’ lead on marijuana?
Illinois and Michigan offer models Indiana could consider as it considers future marijuana legalization.
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How Indiana is spending $980M in opioid settlements
So far, seven national legal disputes have been settled that benefit Indiana, with money coming in each year to support treatment and prevention programs and other efforts in the state.
For large law firms, Statehouse lobbying is a must-do
Many of Indiana’s largest law firms find it imperative to offer government lobbying for their clients in order to provide a full line of services, especially true in Indianapolis, home to all of state government and the Legislature.
GOP-backed bill to increase oversight of Indiana water projects gets early support in committee
The measure would require a utility or large private-sector project leader to obtain an approval permit before carrying out a project where significant amounts of water are moved from one water basin in the state to another.
Legislative roundup: The latest on bills IBJ is tracking this legislative session
IBJ is watching key bills that could impact the state’s economic development, health care and workforce efforts.
‘Squatter’ bill, harm reduction policies bring advocates to Indiana Statehouse
Some advocates warn Senate Bill 157—which would require police to remove “squatters” within 48 hours—would allow landlords to skip the court, chipping away at tenants’ rights.
While Indiana attracts more data centers, legislators look to add guardrails
In the last year, multiple Big Tech companies have announced four major Indiana developments totaling more than $14 billion, prompting state lawmakers to look for ways to address the intense energy demand.
Indiana lawmakers advance 15-and-under social media ban
Senate Bill 11 would require a social media operator such as Facebook or TikTok to restrict a minor from accessing the site if they did not receive “verifiable parental consent”
Indiana lawmakers contemplate slashing unemployment insurance timespan
Indiana workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own can claim unemployment insurance for up to 26 weeks under state law. Senate Bill 123 would slash that to 14 weeks.
UPDATE: Braun outlines cost-cutting goals for state agencies, plans to up spending in key areas
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun is scheduled to present his proposal to the State Budget Committee on Thursday afternoon.
Bill threatens to revoke Indiana hospitals’ nonprofit status for overcharging patients
The bill is part of mounting scrutiny by lawmakers of the prices hospital systems charge patients covered by commercial health insurance, typically provided by their employers.
State leaders pressure IU to ensure Kinsey Institute’s compliance with 2023 funding ban
Republican state leaders, including Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, joined Purple for Parents of Indiana on Wednesday to call for continued scrutiny to ensure compliance with a 2023 state law barring state dollars from being used by the sex research organization.
Braun orders remote state workers back to office, eliminates DEI in first executive actions
By ending the pandemic-era measure, all state agencies must require their full-time workers to be back in office by July 1.
School districts, coalitions punch back at bill that would close their doors
A Republican-backed bill that could dissolve five Indiana school districts, including Indianapolis Public Schools, sparked backlash from advocates and district leaders who argue the legislation unfairly targets high-poverty and urban districts that primarily educate children of color.
Indiana House Republicans’ agenda includes effort to absorb disgruntled Illinois counties
House Republicans also introduced a slew of bills addressing trademark issues such as education, housing and health care.
Bill seeks to boost Indiana tourism projects through tax rebates, special districts
Under House Bill 1223, the Indiana Destination Development Corp. could soon have a few new tools to incentivize tourism development.
Mike Braun sworn in as Indiana governor
In his first remarks as governor, the Jasper native pledged he would bring high energy and “entrepreneurial drive” to the job, upending the status quo.
Lawmakers propose transparency measures for Indiana Economic Development Corp.
The agency has been subject to criticism resulting from its handling of the LEAP Research and Innovation District in Boone County.
Braun names more agency heads on eve of inauguration
Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Braun has announced the appointment of eight individuals to lead various state agencies and departments in the new administration.
Two Senate bills propose new oversight of water withdrawals following LEAP pipeline concerns
One of the bills—which made the Senate Republican agenda—would require permits for projects that move significant amounts of water from one area of the state to another.