Indiana Senate approves handgun training fund for teachers
Supporters have said the 40 hours of optional training would help teachers learn how to defend themselves and students if needed, especially in situations with an active shooter.
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Indiana public health expansion clears key legislative vote
House Public Health Committee Chairman Brad Barrett urged support for the proposal, saying that county health programs are “strapped” for resources and those troubles were magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donor privacy or secrecy? Not-for-profit disclosure bill nears law.
Indiana’s state and local governments wouldn’t be able to require the public disclosure of not-for-profit donor data in many cases under a proposal that is nearing law.
Investors say they are owed money from life settlements
The Indiana Secretary of State is investigating multiple complaints it has received against Roger Dobrovodsky and/or his business entities, which include EDU Financial Strategies, EDU Holding Trust, EDU Trust Services LLC and EDU Wealth Advisors LLC.
Bill amendment aims to stop Indy’s no-turn-on-red proposal
A Republican state lawmaker is trying to prevent Indianapolis from adopting no-turn-on-red regulations, just as the Democrat-controlled City-County Council is considering a measure that would prohibit such turns throughout downtown.
Senate panel advances bill allowing utilities to avoid bidding on transmission lines
The controversial bill would give state utilities the right of first refusal to build, own and operate new transmission lines in their service area, avoiding competitive bidding from outside companies.
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.
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.