Senate bill calls for reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers
Breastfeeding accommodations, bathroom and water breaks and lifting limitations are examples of accommodations employers would be required to make under Senate Bill 342.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Feds say local gaming company conspired with GOP strategist to make illegal contributions
A Republican strategist who pleaded guilty to conspiracy Thursday said in court that at least eight people were used as conduits for illegal corporate donations from an Indianapolis gaming company to former Indiana Sen. Brent Waltz when he ran for U.S. Congress in 2016.
How shifting political tides ended Indiana’s ambitious school takeover effort
The State Board of Education’s decision to end the takeover confirmed the waning enthusiasm in Indiana for state oversight of failing schools. But it also revealed how much Indianapolis Public Schools has transformed in recent years.
Indiana lawmakers send surplus-spending bill to Holcomb
The bill moved through the Indiana General Assembly faster than usual. The chambers usually wait until the halfway point of the session to consider legislation that originated in the opposite chamber.
City to consider purchase of Blue Indy’s assets
The city of Indianapolis will have up to 90 days after Blue Indy ceases operations in May to decide whether to purchase the electric-car-sharing service’s assets
Buttigieg’s unlikely Iowa rise now carries high expectations
Pete Buttigieg likely cannot finish lower than second in the Iowa caucuses if he wants to advance in the Democratic presidential nominating campaign.
Lawmakers push health care cost-saving, price-transparency bills forward
The measures are largely focused on ending surprise billing for patients, creating an all-payer claims database and requiring health care providers to give patients costs estimates in advance.
Indiana House committee advances hands-free driving bill
The committee listened to about two hours of testimony, with many of the speakers telling personal stories. No one spoke against the hands-free driving measure, which is a legislative priority for Gov. Eric Holcomb.
House passes bill to prevent companies from forcing employees to be microchipped
House Bill 1143 would prohibit businesses from using the implantation of some type of tracking or identification device as a condition of employment for current or prospective workers.
Indiana House backs tougher rules for tobacco retailers
Stores across Indiana would face tougher penalties for selling tobacco products to anyone younger than 21 under a bill endorsed Tuesday by the Indiana House.
Indiana’s infant mortality rate at its lowest in 6 years
In 2018, 7.3 out of every 1,000 babies born in Indiana died in their first year of life, one of the highest rates in the nation. Last year, the rate dipped to 6.8 per 1,000.
Two more counties end library late fees
The Monroe County Public Library collected about $79,000 in overdue fines last year, but the amount saved by freeing staff from collecting fines is expected to mitigate the revenue loss.
FELDMAN: Legislature should pass ban on handheld cell phone use
It’s all about eyes off the road, cognitive distraction and the inability to process everything necessary on the road.
EDITORIAL: Lawmakers should pass bill to build up unemployment fund
Federal officials are worried that Indiana hasn’t built up a big enough surplus to weather the next recession.
Can a city battle climate change? Indianapolis wants to find out.
A plan drafted by the city’s Office of Sustainability—and a commission the City-County Council is forming—aim to mitigate the effects of climate change on the Circle City.
Holcomb names new revenue commissioner
Bob Grennes has served as chief operating officer at the Department of Revenue since 2017 and has played a role in helping the department update its technology.
Council Republicans to introduce proposal to study violent crime in Indianapolis
The proposal comes after police investigated 154 criminal homicides in 2019—five lower than the record set in 2018—and an increase in the number of non-fatal shooting victims.
Republicans vote down another proposal to boost teacher pay
A Democratic proposal to immediately boost Indiana teacher pay by $100 million a year by stretching out payments to a teacher pension fund was rejected Thursday by a Republican-controlled committee.
Indiana utilities would be prevented from shutting down coal-fired plants under new bill
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, comes as several large Indiana utilities are planning to shut down thousands of megawatts of coal-fired generating capacity in coming years in favor of cleaner or cheaper fuel sources.
Buttigieg decision on police chief shadows presidential run
Pete Buttigieg’s demotion of South Bend’s first African American police chief has shadowed his presidential campaign, giving rise to complaints he has a blind spot on race and raising questions about whether he can attract the support of African Americans who are crucial to earning the Democratic nomination.