Bill to strengthen school-district oversight draws criticism
Some Indiana school officials say a bill that would create a system to monitor school districts' financial health and punish struggling schools goes too far
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Senate Democrats block GOP funding plan as shutdown kicks in
Last-minute negotiations crumbled as Senate Democrats blocked a four-week stop-gap extension in a late-night vote, causing the fourth government shutdown in a quarter century. Behind the scenes, leading Republicans and Democrats were trying to work out a compromise.
Dem, GOP leaders blaming each other as shutdown looms
Democrats in the Senate have served notice they will filibuster a four-week, government-wide funding bill that cleared the House Thursday evening, seeking to shape a subsequent measure.
U.S. government proposes new rules for hog slaughter
The controversial rule changes would have an impact in Indiana, which is the country’s fifth-largest pork producer.
House votes to avert federal shutdown, but Senate chances dim
A divided House on Thursday passed an eleventh-hour plan to keep the government running. But the measure faces gloomy prospects in the Senate, and it remains unclear whether lawmakers will be able to find a way to keep federal offices open past a Friday night deadline.
Hogsett says Amazon bid focuses more on quality of life than sites, incentives
The mayor also told IBJ that the city is “prepared to look at anything and everything” that would help it secure Amazon’s planned second U.S. headquarters—as long as any action is fiscally prudent.
Top lawmakers say cold beer bill on ice this year, but predict issue will return
The top two Republicans in the Indiana Legislature said Thursday that legislation that would overturn an unusual law and allow more stores to sell cold beer is dead this legislative session.
Bosma says Legislature might move on Amazon incentives this session
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said lawmakers could move an incentives bill “expeditiously” to attract Amazon’s proposed second headquarters, if necessary, but he wouldn’t be in favor of doing what Wisconsin did to lure Foxconn.
Future of CBD sales still unclear after hours of testimony
The future for cannabidiol, or CBD, oil in Indiana remains unclear after an Indiana senator declined to call for a vote on two bills that would legalize the sale of the substance if certain specifications are met.
Women rally at Statehouse for legislation against gender pay discrimination
Rep. Linda Lawson and Sen. Jean Breaux are working together this session to pass legislation that would hold employers accountable for permitting a wage gap between male and female workers.
UPDATE: Indiana Senate panel votes against expanded cold beer sales
Indiana will likely remain the only state that restricts who can sell cold beer after a Senate panel voted Wednesday to uphold a closely guarded law that protects the interests of liquor stores.
UPDATE: Apple to build second campus, hire 20,000 in $350B pledge
Apple said it plans to build another corporate campus and hire 20,000 workers during the next five years as part of a commitment to the United States that will be partially financed by an upcoming windfall from the country’s new tax law.
Bill to regulate autonomous vehicle use moves forward
House Bill 1341 allows people to operate automated vehicles on public highways but only under certain conditions. Critics, including auto manufacturers, said the bill would stifle innovation.
Indiana House panel backs lifting Sunday alcohol sales ban
A Senate committee is scheduled to consider another bill Wednesday afternoon that would allow convenience and grocery stores and pharmacies to sell cold beer.
Ex-Indiana child services director hired by attorney general
Former Indiana Department of Child Services Director Mary Beth Bonaventura plans to join the Indiana Attorney General’s Office as special counsel Monday, a move that comes about a month after she resigned from her DCS post.
Bill proposes $2-per-pack cigarette tax, raising smoking age to 21
New legislation introduced by longtime Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, would drastically increase taxes on cigarettes as well as raise the legal age at which Hoosiers can buy tobacco products.
Council panel OKs spending $55M for some justice center construction costs
The same proposal also authorizes the city to spend $4.2 million for the acquisition of 140 acres of land from Citizens Energy Group as the site for the new jail, courthouses and mental health center.
Panel advances bill to exempt some software from sales tax
Advocates say removing Indiana’s sales tax on many service-based software transactions would be a step in the right direction for the state’s growing tech industry.
Fishers to consider ban of vaping, chewing tobacco in city parks
A proposed ordinance drafted by Fishers' parks department will go before its city council Tuesday night.
IPS fields five bids for buying, revamping site on hot East 16th Street corridor
The 4.5-acre parcel just east of the Monon Trail received a high bid of $2.75 million. All of the proposals would mix commercial and housing development.