Tougher penalties sought for drug ‘look-a-likes’
The intent of Senate Bill 305 is to deter retailers and dealers from selling “look-a-like” drugs that are potentially more dangerous than the drugs they mimic.
The Statehouse File
Articles
Wine wholesalers could be bypassed under proposed bill
Indiana-based farm wineries could sell their products directly to retailers and dealers instead of going through a third party under a bill debated Wednesday in the House Public Policy Committee.
Proposal to allow alcohol sales at fair still on tap
People on both sides of the issue, including those on the State Fair Commission, Indiana alcohol producers, and those opposed to the change, discussed a tentative plan Wednesday for how the state fair could sell its first alcoholic beverages since the 1940s.
Same-sex marriage amendment moves to House for vote
The proposed amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Indiana easily passed a House committee Wednesday, setting up the floor debate that Speaker Brian Bosma had promised.
Teachers could receive money to pay loans under proposed bill
A bipartisan group in the Indiana House is working to give some public elementary or high school teachers $9,000 towards their student loans after three consecutive years of teaching.
Bill seeks bigger tax breaks for individuals, families
The bill, backed by Gov. Mike Pence and authored by Chairman Tim Brown, R-Crawfordsville, would tie individual and family tax deductions to increases in inflation.
House sends redistricting bill to Senate after changes
The bill passed 77-20 after amendments meant to make the process as independent as possible and require a unanimous vote of the commission to pass the maps. Democrats offered both amendments.
Bosma moves marriage bill to elections committee
House Speaker Brian Bosma said he heard over the weekend from a majority of the members of the Republican caucus who said they wanted a chance to vote on the amendment, which would define marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
Business tax cuts take next step at Statehouse
A Senate committee voted Tuesday to eliminate Indiana’s property tax on equipment for small businesses and further cut the state's corporate income tax.
Bill calls for concussion training for high school coaches
Indiana could soon become the first state to require high school football coaches to take part in a player safety and concussion-training course.
Prescription could be required to buy cold medicine
Over-the-counter medications for common colds and allergies could become more regulated under a Indiana House bill introduced last week.
Bosma ‘exploring options’ for marriage amendment
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said he’s considering ways to move a constitutional same-sex marriage amendment out of committee and onto the House floor. He said an internal poll found 80 percent of voters want to cast a ballot on the issue.
Bill would bolster Hoosier homegrown products
House Bill 1039 – approved unanimously Thursday by the Agriculture and Rural Development committee – is meant to bolster a program that brands Indiana-grown produce and meat.
Senate committee passes cursive writing requirement, again
For the third straight year, Sen. Jean Leising has convinced the Indiana Senate Education Committee to advance a bill that requires schools to teach cursive writing.
Bill would expand charters to more adults in Indiana
Senate Bill 159, authored by Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, would allow the creation of new adult high schools and create an appropriation for the charter schools so they don’t pull their funding from K-12 funds.
Proposal calls for alcohol sales during Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair is only one of two state fairs that prohibit the sale of alcohol. Senate Bill 168, authored by Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg, would change that.
Steele removes farming from proposed hunting, fishing amendment
Sen. Brent Steele’s proposed amendment passed its first round in 2011, but needed approval this year to go on the ballot for ratification by voters. Now, with new language, the process will start over.
Bill meant to protect credit scores considered by committee
Senate Bill 175 would restrict the use of credit checks in reducing credit scores.
Senate rolls out central Indiana mass-transit bill
dvocates for expanded mass transit in central Indiana will focus on a Senate bill that gives counties a way to generate more tax dollars to pay for better buses and more routes.
Republicans introduce bill to ‘clarify’ marriage amendment
Indiana House Republicans introduced a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage Thursday, along with a supplementary bill meant to address concerns that have led some lawmakers to reassess their votes for the proposal.