Indiana budget regulators requiring state agencies to hold back 2% ‘management reserve’
A memo issued by the State Budget Agency last week says that, despite “our strong financial position,” the state needs “to be mindful of unknown factors.”
Casey Smith, Indiana Capital Chronicle
Articles
State education board begins rollout of new K-12 standards
Indiana’s State Board of Education is moving forward with a plan that “streamlines” K-12 education standards and makes it easier for teachers to craft individualized lesson plans.
Judge grants class action for RFRA-based lawsuit against Indiana abortion ban
The ACLU asked the court in September to grant certification of a class that includes all Hoosiers whose religious beliefs “direct them to obtain abortions in situations” prohibited by Senate Enrolled Act 1, the near-total abortion ban.
Indiana higher ed commission lays out early plans for university funding, new career programs
State lawmakers tapped the commission to spearhead numerous new statewide education efforts.
The big wins—and some losses—of Indiana’s 2023 legislative session
Of the 1,154 bills filed, Indiana lawmakers approved 252 of those in the 2023 legislative session, with many still waiting for a final signature from the governor. Here’s a recap.
Legislative session ends as chaotic, twelfth-hour push nets $312M increase for traditional K-12
Under pressure from local schools and fellow Republican lawmakers, GOP leaders opted to decrease the amount dedicated to paying down the unfunded liability in pre-1996 Teacher Retirement Fund and shift an additional $312 million to K-12 schools.
Time running out for state lawmakers to deliver on health, education and tax promises
Indiana’s lawmakers are nearing the end of a grueling nearly four-month legislative session, but three of their biggest priorities—aside from the budget—remain unresolved.
21st Century Scholar enrollment, military tax exemption bills head to governor
Lawmakers are still hashing out other proposals to require financial literacy education and decrease health care costs
Former Rep. Marlin Stutzman plans new bid for old House seat
The seat in Indiana’s 3rd District is up for grabs after GOP incumbent Rep. Jim Banks announced earlier this year that he would instead run for a U.S. Senate seat in 2024.
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 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.
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.
Four attorneys assigned to abortion-related litigation resign from Indiana AG’s office
With key hearings scheduled in licensing and civil litigation against Indianapolis OB-GYN Dr. Caitlin Bernard this month, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office will be down four attorneys who worked on the case but have now resigned.
GOP plan to boost Indiana pre-grad training facing pushback
House Bill 1002, a priority bill for the House GOP caucus and the leading high school reform measure moving through the legislature, seeks to expand work-based learning in Indiana high schools, like apprenticeships and internships.
Indiana’s ‘$1 Law’ to expire under amended charter school bill
In addition to providing Indiana charter schools with access to more state and local funding, the bill would sunset a law that requires public school districts to sell or lease vacant or unused instructional buildings for a single dollar to public charter schools.
House bill would let property owners ‘supersede’ Indiana health officials over septic systems
Critics say the bill breeds conflicts of interest and argue that decisions regarding septic systems should remain in the hands of public health professionals.
Bill advancing Indiana’s carbon sequestration projects moves forward
Senate Bill 451 is part of a years-long effort to move forward the construction of carbon capture and sequestration projects, while also giving special privileges to an Indiana company that is preparing to undertake the nation’s largest carbon dioxide storage project.
Lawmakers say Indiana bill to monitor early coal plant closures would ensure reliability
Supporters maintain the bill will keep Indiana from relying too heavily on natural gas. Some energy advocates are more hesitant, however, expressing concern that the measure could slow the state’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
Indiana bill seeks to separate school transcripts, vaccination records
Current state law permits schools to include a student’s immunization information with their high school transcript, but some say that violates students’ privacy rights.
Indiana school choice advocates turn up lobbying efforts for more private-school funding
The latest push includes a statewide poll and multiple local advocacy events intended to sway the state’s budget writers.