Holcomb extends state income tax filing deadline
In addition to giving taxpayers more time to file their state taxes, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s executive order also extends the temporary licensing of health care workers.
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Indiana Senate doubles funding for small-biz grant program, sends bill back to House
The legislation, authored by Rep. Shane Lindauer, R-Jasper, would provide grants of $10,000 per month, with a maximum award amount of $50,000.
Indiana utility fined record $1.1M for pipeline safety violations
The fine represents the third time since 2017 that NIPSCO has received a substantial fine for similar violations. The money the utility will pay for the fine will go into Indiana’s general fund.
Legislation to extend timeline for Indy Eleven stadium heads to governor
The Indiana House on Thursday voted 83-6 to approve Senate Bill 385, which adds two years to a 2019 bill that had called for a new special tax district—known as a professional sports development area, or PSDA—to be established in Marion County by mid-2022.
The $3B question: How will Indiana spend the next round of federal aid?
Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration oversaw and directed the spending of the $2.4 billion CARES Act money Indiana received last year, but this time around, it seems more likely that state lawmakers will be involved in spending decisions.
GOP attorneys general question stimulus barring tax cuts
The attorneys general list over a dozen instances of states currently considering new tax credits or cuts that they believe could be jeopardized simply because of the relief funds.
Indiana lawmakers pass bill to ensure school funding
The bill redefines what constitutes a “virtual student” and ensures schools receive full funding for all students, regardless of whether they are receiving instruction virtually or in the classroom due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Police reform bill heads to governor’s desk after 49-0 Senate vote
House Bill 1006, which would largely ban the use of chokeholds, penalize police officers for intentionally turning off body and vehicle cameras, and make it easier for the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board to decertify bad-acting officers.
State lawmakers debate whether to increase weight limits for trucks
Manufacturers and trucking groups are supportive of the legislation, but opponents, including law enforcement agencies, have raised concerns about possible damage to state infrastructure and safety on the roads.
Senate committee passes legislation to establish regional crime gun task force
The task force would expand on a partnership between the Fishers Police Department and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that officials say has already helped reduce crime in the area.
Holcomb names Indiana Rep. Holli Sullivan as secretary of state
Sullivan will replace outgoing Secretary of State Connie Lawson, who announced in February that she would be retiring after 32 years in public service.
State lawmakers ignore Holcomb’s wishes
Gov. Eric Holcomb is not having much luck getting what he wants from the General Assembly this year, even though both chambers are overwhelmingly dominated by his Republican Party.
Holcomb administration disagrees with lawmakers on how to handle emergency powers
During the occasionally tense hearing on House Bill 1123, a slew of officials from Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration tried to convince lawmakers that the governor’s ability to make quick decisions has been key to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
States drawing up big wish lists for the COVID relief money
Since most state budgets are not in the tailspins that many feared last spring, states can use their share of the money to go way beyond balancing the books and dealing with the direct costs of the coronavirus pandemic.
Indiana attorney general continues business advisory roles
Attorney General Todd Rokita is being paid by private businesses for consulting work, including $25,000 a year for advising a Connecticut-based pharmaceutical company, according to a newspaper report.
Fishers used-car dealer agrees to state settlement over sales practices
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said the dealer sold cars online in a way that led consumers to believe the seller was a private owner. For its part, the dealer said it was a one-time occurrence.
Indianapolis, Marion County expected to get $424M from latest relief bill
The funding is part of an overall $1.9 trillion bill that could send as much as $5.87 billion to the state, including roughly $237 million to Indianapolis and another $187 million to Marion County.
School boards push back against Indiana voucher expansions
At least 65 public school boards have passed formal resolutions against the proposed legislation through a campaign organized by the Indiana School Boards Association.
Culinary arts, cosmetology programs in jeopardy in Indiana House budget
The funding would instead go to courses in areas that are typically higher paying, such as nursing, biomedical science and welding. But critics say eliminating popular programs would narrow students’ options.
Music production bill a beat away from passing Indiana House
Indiana would join 32 other states, including bordering states like Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky, in having a music production incentive program if the bill passes.