Indiana House revives drug-testing plan for welfare clients
The proposal from Rep. Terry Goodin, D-Austin, would require drug testing for welfare recipients deemed at high risk for drug abuse or who've been previously charged with drug crimes.
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Education board leadership bill nears final approval
A Republican-backed proposal that would allow the Indiana superintendent of public instruction—currently Democrat Glenda Ritz—to be replaced as leader of the state Board of Education advanced Tuesday toward final negotiations in the Indiana Legislature.
Senate rejects proposed changes to construction wage bill
The Republican-controlled Senate defeated several proposed changes Tuesday to a measure that would repeal the state's construction wage law.
Senate passes resolution opposing tougher ozone limits
Indiana lawmakers say the tougher federal standards on smog-forming pollution will harm the state's economy.
House rejects delaying education board control change
Republicans in the Indiana House on Monday rejected a series of Democratic-sponsored amendments to a contentious bill that would allow the state Board of Education to elect its own chairman.
Senate stalls discussion on repeal of construction wage law
Indiana Senate leaders on Monday delayed discussing a proposal that would repeal the state's law that sets wages for public construction projects. Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long said lawmakers need more time to consider 27 proposed amendments.
Delay in live dealers possible sticking point in gambling bill
The Senate bill, which passed 36-13, doesn’t allow live dealers to oversee table games at the state’s horse track-based casinos in Anderson and Shelbyville, at least not for five years. And that could be a deal-breaker in the House.
Senate OKs bill to renovate Carroll Stadium for Indy Eleven
A bill that would provide $20 million to help expand and renovate Michael Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium at IUPUI for the Indy Eleven soccer team passed the Indiana Senate on Thursday.
Senate panel advances budget, but Kenley warns cuts may be coming
Indiana Senate Republicans revealed a two-year, $31.5 billion budget Thursday that boosts funding for schools, universities and highways and leaves the state with nearly $1.9 billion in the bank.
House panel backs bill to let education board decide leader
Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz is one step closer to losing her position as leader of the State Board of Education.
School funding debate back on Indiana Legislature’s agenda
Education issues are coming back to the forefront of the Indiana Legislature as lawmakers are set to renew debates over funding for local school districts and who will head up the State Board of Education.
UPDATE: Panel approves Pence’s balanced budget amendment
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's request for a proposed balanced budget constitutional amendment has cleared a legislative committee after first hitting a bump.
UPDATE: Senate panel approves repeal of construction wage law
Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee members voted 8-5 Tuesday to support eliminating the boards that establish construction wages for each state or local project.
Bill opening adoption records access stalls in Indiana House
A proposal that would have expanded Indiana adoptees' access to more than 50 years of sealed records appears to be dead this session, to the disappointment of some advocates.
Some argue RFRA revision is too much, or not enough
While many hailed the revisions to the state’s new “religious freedom” law as a salve for the wounds suffered by the state after its passage, neither religious conservatives nor gay rights activists are satisfied.
Pence approves revision to RFRA after national furor
The revised legislation prohibits providers from using the law as a legal defense for refusing to provide services, goods, facilities or accommodations. Legislators hammered out the change after critics claimed the “religious freedom” law could be used to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Michigan governor warns he’ll veto RFRA legislation
The Republican for months has expressed skepticism with a proposed state-level Religious Freedom Restoration Act if there is no accompanying measure with gay protections.
NCAA in ‘wait and see’ mode on RFRA revision
NCAA President Mark Emmert said Thursday the association spoke with lawmakers and the governor of Indiana about how best to revise the state’s new religious objections law.
Proposed RFRA amendment draws mostly positive response
Eli Lilly, Cummins, Anthem, Indiana University Health, Dow Agro, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indianapolis Rainbow Chamber of Commerce said they were encouraged by the new legislation. Angie’s List, however, said it wasn’t enough.
Salesforce CEO: ‘This isn’t about politics; it’s about economics’
In an interview with IBJ, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said he was bullish on Indiana until the religious freedom law passed, and he’s encouraged by proposed changes being made at the Statehouse.