BMV, smoking, testing among topics for study committees
Restoring public trust in the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is one of 40 topics that study committees will consider in advance of the 2016 legislative session.
The Statehouse File
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Gay rights not part of state’s study-committee roster
State lawmakers will not conduct a public study of gay rights issues in Indiana in advance of the 2016 legislative session.
Pelath won’t run for governor, says Dems need one candidate
House Minority Leader Scott Pelath said Democrats can’t afford a “free-for-all primary” that divides the party and hampers its winner’s ability to defeat incumbent Gov. Mike Pence.
Indiana education board gets five new members
The new board will be without two members who clashed with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz the past two years.
Construction begins on aging I-65 ramp downtown
The temporary shutdown of the northbound Interstate 65 ramp to westbound Interstate 70 will allow workers to rehabilitate two ramp bridges that are more than 40 years old.
State still working on details of tax amnesty program
The revenue department has identified approximately $400 million in outstanding liabilities that may be eligible for collection during the tax amnesty period.
Pence planning to run for second term in office
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence plans to announce that he’ll run for re-election during the GOP’s spring dinner next month.
Governor vetoes transparency bill over records fee
A bill that would have allowed government agencies to charge private citizens for public research requests will not go into effect this year.
Pence signs board bill, other education legislation
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed education bills Thursday that will revamp the State Board of Education, speed up state intervention into failing schools and give teachers more flexibility to experiment in the classroom.
New A-F school grading system OK’d amid more infighting
The State Board of Education approved a new A-F grading system for schools on Thursday, despite the state superintendent’s concerns that the rules have mistakes or ambiguities that will make implementing them difficult.
Pence signs $31 billion, two-year budget bill
The bill means $460 million more for public schools and private school vouchers, plus another $20 million in extra funding for charter schools.
Volunteer doctors, nurses get civil immunity under new law
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a bill into law on Tuesday that gives civil immunity to volunteer health care providers.
New law lets companies give hiring preferences to vets
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has signed a bill into law that lets companies give preference to veterans in hiring or promoting workers.
State offers employment help to HIP 2.0 members
Members of state’s health insurance plan for low-income Hoosiers will now have more access to career development resources.
Legislative roundup: Which bills passed, and which died?
Lawmakers passed bills on topics ranging from ethics reform to "religious freedom." Meanwhile, they shot down legislation that would have helped the Indy Eleven build or renovate a stadium and that would have permitted Sunday alcohol sales.
Pence doesn’t know if he’ll sign gambling bill
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says he hasn’t decided whether to sign a gambling bill into law even though legislators took steps to try to avoid a veto.
Proposed balanced budget amendment passes first test
The resolution must be approved by the state legislature again in either 2017 or 2018 before being able to go to the ballot for ratification.
Ritz says campaign for governor a possibility
Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz said in a press conference Thursday that she has not ruled out running for governor during the next election.
Legislature passes $31B budget just before midnight deadline
Indiana lawmakers adjourned for the year late Wednesday after passing a two-year, $31.3 billion budget that boosts funding for schools and leaves the state with slightly less money in reserves.
Lawmakers pass bill that will let Ritz stay chair of education board
A bill passed Wednesday gives the State Board of Education more authority to oversee Indiana’s ISTEP program and a new grant program that gives more money to charter schools, while keeping Superintendent Glenda Ritz as chair until the next election.