Senate votes to make pork tenderloin official state sandwich
Senate Bill 21 passed the chamber 37-11 and now heads to the Indiana House.
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Legislators return to longtime debate over Indiana townships
Numerous attempts in the Legislature for major reorganization of Indiana’s 1,008 townships have failed—dating back to a 2007 report on local government reform headed by former Gov. Joe Kernan and then-Chief Justice Randall Shepard.
Bill would shield Uber, Lyft from liability lawsuits stemming from drivers’ crimes against passengers
If enacted, the measure would prevent future cases similar to the civil action now pending in Marion Superior Court against Uber following the 2024 murder of Indianapolis resident Chanti Dixon by an Uber driver.
In ILEA bill, critics see taxation without representation but supporters see shared accountability
The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance’s recommendations would drastically change Indianapolis schools and reduce the power of the elected IPS school board.
Should utility regulators be elected? Some Indiana lawmakers think so.
Currently, 10 states hold general elections for utility regulators. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle think Indiana should join them.
‘Paid protester’ lobbying bill advances to Senate floor with ‘substantial’ edits expected
Another measure bans ranked choice voting, which isn’t used in Indiana.
Report: NFL commissioner visits northwest Indiana amid Bears stadium search
Late last month, the Bears reportedly sent a drilling and testing crew to a site near Wolf Lake in Hammond.
Who’s running for Indiana’s congressional, legislative seats
All nine U.S. House and 100 Indiana House seats are up for election this year, along with half of the 50 Indiana Senate seats. The candidate filing period ends at noon Feb. 6.
State blames costly, complex federal changes for schoolchildren summer food aid opt-out
SUN Bucks provides $120 in grocery benefits across a summer per eligible school-age child. The federal government covers the benefit, and splits administrative costs 50-50 with states.
Senator files bill that would make way for $750M Indianapolis casino
The bill, authored by Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, would allow casino operator Full House Resorts Inc. to move its gaming license from Rising Sun to Marion County–with a few conditions.
Legislative roundup: Here’s what IBJ is tracking as session picks back up
From utility rates to tenderloin sandwiches, here are some bills IBJ is following this legislative session.
Bill from Indianapolis Republican seeks to ban lobbyists for public schools, universities
Rep. Andrew Ireland said he authored the bill because he’s concerned about school districts hiring lobbyists with money that could be going toward the classroom.
Indiana House Republicans count affordability in utilities, housing among legislative priorities
House Republicans are emphasizing affordability through deregulation in their legislative priorities. The measures center on local zoning laws for housing, new methods of utility ratemaking and cutting down on code in education.
Indiana wins national drone test site designation
Sen. Todd Young said the site will mean more training opportunities for the Indiana National Guard and other military who come here to train, plus spillover economic benefits to communities that host them.
Indiana House speaker ready to talk Chicago Bears, but not MLS, in 2026 session
House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, on Thursday told reporters that discussions involving the Bears need to happen quickly, after the team just last month publicly announced it was expanding its search for a stadium to Indiana.
Legislation seeks to close ‘loopholes’ in E-Verify requirements for public contractors
Public work project contracts entered into or renewed after June 30 would have to include a provision requiring the primary contractor and all tiers of subcontractors to enroll in E-Verify.
Redistricting foe Sen. Greg Walker changes mind, says he’ll seek reelection
Walker was a vocal Republican critic of the redistricting plan pushed by President Donald Trump—and was one of several lawmakers who faced swatting or other intimidation tactics ahead of the Senate’s vote last month against redrawing the congressional maps.
Citing mental health impacts, Indiana legislators seek to limit social media use by children
Separate proposals would also restrict phones in schools and allow parents to set stronger filters on school-issued devices.
Hogsett optimistic on pro soccer in Indy, but legislative leader says plans ‘not feasible’ so far
While Mayor Joe Hogsett remains optimistic at the prospect of bringing a professional soccer team to Indy, Senate Appropriations Committee chair Ryan Mishler told IBJ he’s less certain of a team’s long-term viability.
Trump officials loosening strings on federal education money for conservative states
Education Secretary Linda McMahon approved Iowa’s plan Wednesday. Indiana and Kansas have also applied to be exempted from certain parts of federal education law, and leaders of other states have expressed interest.