Senate unveils budget with no expansion for school voucher program
The most glaring contrast between the Senate and House proposals is the way in which they intend to expand funding to charter schools.
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Committee deadline fatal for many bills in Indiana Statehouse
Legislation related to Kratom, picketing, birth control and speed limits appear to be among the casualties of this session, although some of the language could be revived in so-called “zombie bills.”
Indiana House pushes Senate to adopt increased cigarette tax
Discussion about a higher cigarette tax came as the House Ways and Means Committee, the powerful budget-drafters of the chamber, considered bills that address mental health and public health.
Indiana legislators OK over-the-counter birth control bill
The Indiana House bill is key to providing women quicker access to contraceptives, bill sponsor Republican Sen. Sue Glick said Tuesday, especially in areas where they struggle to receive primary care.
Bill making tech parks eligible for more tax revenue heads to governor
A bill that would allow Indiana tech parks to capture a larger share of tax revenue is poised to become law after the Senate voted unanimously Monday to advance the legislation to the governor’s office.
State considers phone fee, other sources for 988 services
Support is clear for the 988 hotline, which is designed to operate similar to 911 but for mental health rather than public safety. However, the most important detail–how much funding the state will provide–has yet to be determined.
Bill to protect restaurants from unwanted third-party delivery apps nears final approval
Indiana is following California’s lead in moving toward regulating third-party food delivery providers by requiring them to get written consent from restaurants to deliver their food.
Indiana 250: Karrah Herring
Karrah Herring is the first member of an Indiana governor’s cabinet dedicated to equity and inclusion. Her work focuses not only within state government but also across the state’s public and private sectors. Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed Herring—who had been public affairs director at the University of Notre Dame—in 2020 with the goal of developing […]
Bill targeting ‘noncompliant’ prosecutors appears dead for 2023 session
The measure would have established a prosecutor commission and review board with the goal of dealing with prosecutors who won’t pursue certain cases. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, for instance, has pledged not to prosecute simple marijuana possession cases.
State revenue beats projections again
The Indiana State Budget Agency better-than-expected collections from sales tax, individual income tax, corporate tax, and interest revenues were the primary drivers of March’s performance.
Indiana lawmakers debate bill allowing parents to challenge ‘obscene and harmful’ library materials
A bill that seeks to ban materials deemed “harmful to minors” in school and public libraries drew sharp debate Wednesday at the Indiana Statehouse, especially from librarians, who argued that such a policy would open them up to criminal charges.
Push to change Indiana property taxes to benefit charter schools triggers alarm in IPS
The proposals have been sharply criticized by Democrats and traditional public school leaders, who argue that the changes would come at the expense of thousands of students in traditional public schools.
Department of Insurance calls for grace period for storm-affected counties
The department said those individuals will receive a 60-day extension to make premium payments without risk of penalties or policy cancellation.
Indiana Senate passes bill that would double juror pay
Proponents of the bill hope better pay will increase jury turnout and lead to getting more attentive jurors.
Indiana mental health bill advances out of House committee
A sweeping bill that would create a new mental health care system in Indiana drew tears and personal testimony Tuesday–from both the public and elected officials.
Lawmakers step back from Indy takeover, add $8M in road funding
An Indiana House committee on Tuesday voted to send additional road funding to Indianapolis and to consider a give-back of numerous former state highways.
Indiana trans health care ban ‘clear as mud,’ governor says
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb faces a Wednesday deadline to make a decision on a bill that would prohibit transgender youth from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers and surgeries in the state.
Indiana Senate advances license plate speed camera pilot despite pushback
Republican state lawmakers were divided over the measure, however, with some arguing that such “Big Brother” technology amounts to government overreach and could lead to later legislation allowing for other types of camera surveillance.
DeLaney calls for property tax reform in wake of increases
Many Hoosier homeowners have already received their latest property tax bill—or will in the coming days–and discovered the jump, which ranges from zero change in one county to more than 20% in four counties around the state.
Indiana Senate backs GOP bill tightening mail voter rules
A proposal that would require Indiana voters to submit more identification information to obtain mail-in ballots was endorsed Monday by the state Senate despite objections from opponents that it would make voting more difficult for many people.