Indiana ‘missed big’ by not adopting work share, report says
Researchers who have studied work-share programs—which have been implemented in 28 states—say thousands of Indiana workers have been unnecessarily laid off.
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Indiana House budget would expand vouchers, limit poverty aid for schools
The budget proposal, which was presented to and passed by the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, would increase state funding for K-12 education by $378 million over the next two years—a 3.8% boost from this school year.
House Republicans opt to invest in one-time grant programs in budget proposal
The $36.3 billion two-year budget proposed by the House GOP on Thursday would make a handful of one-time investments in small businesses, regional projects, student learning loss, health initiatives, broadband and police training.
State lawmakers advance bill to allow curbside pickup of alcohol
A wide-reaching alcohol policy bill would allow for curbside pickup of alcoholic beverages, plus carryout beverages at the new food hall at the Bottleworks development in downtown Indianapolis.
Indiana panel OKs bill that sets statewide standards on renewable-energy projects
The vote followed a passionate debate between renewable energy advocates and a group of residents and local officials who said legislation would take away local control.
Indiana lawmakers take next step to require FAFSA submission
A bill that would require students at public schools to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid advanced to the Indiana House after lawmakers approved the measure in a Senate vote Tuesday.
House panel advances pregnancy accommodations bill with virtually no mandates
If it becomes law, House Bill 1309, authored by Republican Rep. Karen Engleman of Georgetown, will allow employees to request accommodations from their employer—something pregnant workers are already allowed to do.
Indiana lawmakers could end school takeovers for test performance
A proposal winning early support in the House would eliminate many of the consequences for poor test performance that typically loom over Indiana public schools.
Indiana Senate votes to override Holcomb’s veto of landlord-tenant bill
If it becomes law, Senate Enrolled Act 148 would prevent all local governments from regulating any aspect of landlord-tenant relationships and would block tenant protections that the city of Indianapolis had put in place last spring.
Project to place overdose antidote kits in every Indiana county
Overdose Lifeline intends to purchase and place 215 NaloxBox units across the state. The $58,000 cost of the NaloxBox units and shipping will be paid for through a federal grant to the state.
Indiana lawmakers propose using cigarette tax for Medicaid
A House committee made significant changes Thursday to the way Indiana would spend proceeds from a proposal to hike the state’s cigarette tax for the first time in more than a decade and impose a new state tax on vaping liquids.
State lawmakers consider new emergency session rules
The House Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee on Thursday amended a bill to create what would be called an “emergency session,” which would allow lawmakers to convene at any time during a statewide emergency.
Indiana holding firm to vaccination by age group, not occupation
Pressure has been mounting to offer vaccines to teachers and other essential workers, but the state has been offering vaccines to people by age group, in descending order, with the goal of vaccinating the most elderly and vulnerable first.
Indiana officials plan to send more masks to schools, businesses
On Wednesday, Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box announced that the state would be opening a portal for “critical infrastructure businesses” to request masks and hand sanitizer, and also would be shipping more supplies to schools.
Indiana to air commercial during Super Bowl to promote COVID-19 vaccine
The TV spot, which will be broadcast in six markets throughout the state, will feature the family of an Indiana athletic director who died of COVID-19.
Indiana lawmakers consider grant program to attract remote workers
House Bill 1416 would establish a remote worker grant program that would offer out-of-state individuals as much as $8,500 to relocate to Indiana.
Lawmakers consider eliminating requirement to publish public notices in newspapers
House Bill 1498 would allow local governments and other public bodies, such as school boards, airport authorities and local commissions, to publish legal notices online instead of in local newspapers, which is currently required by law.
Indiana Senate backs bill to ban renaming of Indianapolis
A proposal to ban Indianapolis and more than 100 other Indiana cities from ever changing their names has been approved by the state Senate.
Indiana House approves COVID-19 liability protection bill
The House voted 76-20 to approve the bill on Monday. Two Republicans—Reps. John Jacob of Indianapolis and Curt Nisly of Milford—joined 18 Democrats in voting against it.
Indiana Senate approves bill to deregulate wetlands
Wetlands would still be regulated by the federal government under the Clean Water Act, but that oversight would only apply to about 20% of the remaining wetlands.