Editorial: Retention isn’t ideal, but it’s a tool to attack reading problem
State data shows that nearly 1 in 5 third-graders doesn’t pass the state’s reading exam.
State Government
Articles
Indiana Senate approves child care proposal as House punts on health care merger oversight
Senate Republicans on Monday pushed the Legislature’s latest effort to improve child care access for Hoosier families closer to the finish line. But Democrats say the bill loosens regulations for providers and could put children at risk.
Bills, bills, bills. What could still pass—and what might die—in Indiana’s 2024 session
Among the measures awaiting further action are those dealing with property taxes, 13th checks, foreign ownership of agricultural land, limits to the governor’s executive powers and expanded firearm carry rights in the state capitol complex.
Lawmakers likely to study state takeover of Washington, Meridian streets in Indianapolis
The discussion comes amid a debate over plans by IndyGo—the city’s public transportation agency—to create bus-only lanes on Washington Street (previously U.S. 40) as part of its planned Blue Line rapid-transit service.
Indiana lawmakers vote to lift state ban on happy hours
State Sen. Kyle Walker, the bill’s sponsor, told lawmakers Tuesday that the tourism and restaurant industries want the legislation in order to attract more patrons and increase food sales.
House committee delays vote on Blue Line bill after hours of testimony
Lawmakers on the Indiana House Roads and Transportation Committee heard nearly three hours of testimony Tuesday on Senate Bill 52, mostly from opponents who said the legislation would jeopardize the future of the planned Blue Line bus line and cause Indianapolis to lose out on $150 million in federal infrastructure improvements.
Amended bill would retain taxing district but some could opt out
An Indiana Senate committee on Tuesday adopted an amendment to a bill originally aimed at disbanding the recently-created Mile Square economic enhancement district, essentially keeping the designation in place, but with several changes.
Indiana environmentalists, manufacturers at odds over bill to protect toxic ‘forever’ chemicals
HB 1399 seeks to carve out more than 5,000 “forever chemicals” from being defined as such by the state and its environmental rules board. That means chemicals deemed harmful in other states would no longer carry the same designation in Indiana.
Bill affecting dog breeders, pet stores clears Indiana Senate
Legislation establishing care standards for dog breeders and pet stores that would simultaneously void more than 20 local ordinances that ban retail dog sales moves back to the Indiana House after passing through the Senate on a 31-18 vote on Monday.
Ambulance insurance payment bill advances over business objections
EMS providers say insurance stinginess is complicating their financial stability and forcing them to hand big bills to unwitting Hoosiers.
‘Magic mushrooms’ research gets OK from Indiana House committee
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration designated psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy” for treatment-resistant depression in 2018 and for major depressive disorder in 2019.
Indiana pet-breeder standards bill moves forward with funding still undetermined
The bill would void ordinances in 21 communities across the state, including Indianapolis and Carmel, that ban stores from selling pets from breeders.
City, Indy Chamber continue push against repeal of downtown tax district
The city was joined by Indy Chamber and City-County Council President Vop Osili in opposing a proposed county-wide tax provision that would replace the downtown tax district.
Indiana’s state budget director stepping down to become Carmel’s CFO
Zachary “Zac” Jackson, who has led the State Budget Agency as director for nearly five years, is leaving state government to become chief financial officer and controller for the city of Carmel, the Indiana governor’s office announced Monday.
Front-runner Mike Braun looks to break away from field in governor’s race
While no nonpartisan-sponsored polls have been released in the GOP gubernatorial race, a poll conducted for the U.S. senator’s campaign in late December showed him with a significant lead.
Indiana wholesalers fight over surging ready-to-drink cocktail market
Beer wholesalers want the ability to sell liquor-based ready-to-drink cocktails in Indiana, an increasingly popular line that liquor and wine wholesalers want to keep for themselves.
Indiana FSSA agency bill dies after proposed Medicaid amendments
An agency bill that passed unanimously out of committee died Thursday in an unusual move following the addition of several bipartisan amendments seeking transparency and accountability on a $1 billion Medicaid funding shortfall.
Lawmakers consider protections for kid-run lemonade stands
A bill in the Indiana House would ban local regulations on lemonade stands, making it easier for children to operate such small enterprises without fear of running afoul of the law.
Bill clarifies exemption to law requiring school districts to give closed buildings to charters for $1
Senate Bill 270 clarifies language added in the last legislative session that led to two different interpretations of the law by Indianapolis Public Schools and the state.
Bills striking some child care regulations pass the Senate, House
But while the Senate passed its bill—a priority for the Republican caucus—with almost the full support of the chamber, the House version faced adversity from Democrats.