Wrap up: Lawmakers debate LGBT rights, meth and more
Here’s a summary of the outcome of major legislation in the 2016 General Assembly.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Officials weigh future uses for Hamilton County courthouse
The 39,000-square-foot historic courthouse on the square in Noblesville could be turned into co-working space, a community center or something else after the county expands its adjacent judicial center.
City closing Eagle Creek gun range to public
The city of Indianapolis is closing a gun range to the public after terminating the contract of its private operator earlier this month.
Secretary of state’s office debuts voter education site
Secretary of State Connie Lawson says the web-based education program is designed to teach students, voters and teachers.
Court hearing arguments over lawmaker email privacy
The Indiana Supreme Court began hearing arguments over whether a state lawmaker's emails and other correspondence with utility company officials about proposed legislation can remain private.
IPS board postpones vote on proposals for Mass Ave site
Originally set to vote Thursday, board members decided they needed more time to examine proposals for redeveloping the former Coca-Cola bottling plant site and to get feedback from neighbors.
Indiana gay rights groups say they’ll continue fight
Indiana LGBT rights activists said Tuesday that history is on their side and they will continue pressing for statewide civil rights protections for gender identity and sexual orientation.
Airport chair delays vote on medical project, cites Hogsett concerns
Airport authority board Chairman Kelly Flynn sent an email Tuesday evening to other board members, telling them “we need to take a step back” on Athlete’s Business Network’s plan.
Allegion units seek local tax breaks for plant expansions
Two local subsidiaries of Carmel-based security-products company Allegion America are seeking roughly $769,000 in local tax breaks in return for a $13 million expansion that could lead to 158 new jobs in Marion County by 2020.
IBM case still pending as Indiana court awaits new justice
The upcoming retirement of one of Indiana's Supreme Court justices has legal observers speculating on when the court might rule in a long-running dispute over IBM Corp.'s failed attempt to privatize Indiana's welfare services.
Democrats won’t challenge Young’s candidacy in court
The Indiana Democratic Party says it won't file a court challenge to U.S. Rep. Todd Young's placement on the ballot for U.S. Senate.
State lawmakers vote to ditch ISTEP after 2017
The bill’s final vote came only after serious concerns raised by House Democrats, who passionately asserted on the House floor that they were being left out of future discussions over the test.
Indiana Legislature adjourns after moving smaller roads package
An 11th-hour deal struck before the end of Indiana's yearly legislative session will give Gov. Mike Pence just a fraction of the $1 billion he proposed spending to make state highway improvements.
Concussion training bill approved by House, Senate
Under current state law, only head football and assistant coaches are required to complete concussion training. Senate Bill 234 would expand the law to include head coaches and assistant coaches of any interscholastic sports in fifth through 12th grade.
Celadon eyes Mount Comfort for $20M headquarters
Publicly traded Celadon Group Inc. has had its headquarters at East 33rd Street and Mitthoeffer Road in Indianapolis since 1996. The company is looking elsewhere because that 40-acre site has no room for expansion and is landlocked.
Political outsider Scott Willis seeks to oust veteran Kenley
Westfield resident Scott Willis says it’s not an ideal time for him to be running for an Indiana Senate seat. But after he spent time in the fall canvassing the 20th district, he decided he couldn’t keep waiting to see if six-term Republican Sen. Luke Kenley would retire.
Sen. Kenley holds sway over what’s funded—and what isn’t
Kenley, a former grocery store owner who was first elected in 1992, said he is running for office again because he wants to work on a long-term funding solution for shoring up Indiana’s roads and infrastructure.
Savvy strategy helped Pence get full Regional Cities funding
IEDC’s decision to leave all three winning regions in limbo about funding meant many more cheerleaders when the issue went to the General Assembly.
UPDATE: Pharmacist discretion bill heads to Pence
A bill to allow Indiana pharmacists to serve as gatekeepers for cold medicines that contain the common methamphetamine ingredient pseudoephedrine is on its way to Gov. Mike Pence for consideration.
Indiana lawmakers pass police video legislation
Indiana law enforcement agencies will get the right to withhold all body and dash cam video recordings from the public under a bill that's now headed to the governor's desk.