Councilors to introduce new smoking-ban proposal
Two City-County Councilors are prepared to take another stab at enacting a stronger public smoking ban in Indianapolis. And this time they think Mayor Greg Ballard will approve.
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Governor signs bill regarding residents resisting police
Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed into law a bill laying out when Indiana residents might be legally justified in using force against police officers.
Daniels signs public access, nepotism bills
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is toughening penalties for public access violations and cracking down on nepotism in local government.
Governor signs state smoking ban into law
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the smoking ban bill and other legislation during a ceremony Monday morning at his Statehouse office.
Carmel councilors want final say on city’s debt
Carmel City Councilor Eric Seidensticker on Thursday morning proposed an ordinance that would require the council to sign off on any additional debt. The ordinance is backed by at least five of the seven councilors.
Minor Indiana school reforms find last-minute success
Indiana lawmakers signed off on minor school changes at the close of the 2012 session while reining in broader efforts sought by state schools Superintendent Tony Bennett.
Indiana legislators approve smoking restrictions
The Indiana Senate has narrowly approved a statewide smoking ban proposal, sending it to the governor for his expected signature into law. The ban exempts Indiana's bars, casinos and private clubs such as veterans and fraternal organizations.
Lawmakers end right-to-work dominated session
Indiana lawmakers came roaring into their 2012 session with a battle over right-to-work legislation. Now they are leaving quietly with a new statewide smoking ban, changes to the state's education system and rules giving homeowners the right to forcibly keep police from entering their homes.
Indiana House approves statewide smoking-ban bill
The Indiana House voted Thursday night to approve a statewide smoking ban bill, setting up a vote Friday in the state Senate on whether the restrictions will be on their way to becoming law.
Still no decisions on Indiana smoking, police-entry bills
Legislators finished work Wednesday without an agreement yet on just how comprehensive a statewide smoking ban they might adopt and without the support of a major police group for a proposal laying out when residents might be legally justified in using force against police officers.
Talks continue on Indiana tax, spending plans
Indiana lawmakers are working toward final agreement on several tax and spending issues in the last days of this year's legislative session.
Indiana retailers face penalties over ‘bath salts’
The Indiana House has given final legislative approval to a proposal toughening state laws that prohibit businesses from selling synthetic stimulants nicknamed "bath salts" or other drugs that mimic marijuana.
Ohio River bridge plan calls for tolls on 3 spans
The governors of Indiana and Kentucky on Monday agreed to use tolls to pay for two new Ohio River bridges and a revamped Interstate 65 bridge over the river, all in the Louisville metropolitan area.
Talks start on Indiana smoking-ban compromise
Legislators began negotiations Monday toward a compromise on proposed statewide smoking restrictions, with a leading supporter of a comprehensive ban saying the bill shouldn't prevent cities and counties from adopting tougher ordinances.
Retirement wave will give Indiana House new look
The loss of hundreds of years of experience in the House, including the top Republican and Democratic budget writers, has some worried that paid lobbyists could gain an even heftier role within the General Assembly.
Daniels wants strict smoking ban, but will accept lenient bill
Gov. Mitch Daniels said Friday he will accept a weakened smoking ban if that’s what it takes to get some sort of smoke-free measure approved in his final year as governor.
Bill for alcohol amnesty law goes to governor
Legislators have approved changing Indiana law to shield people from arrest on alcohol charges if they seek out medical help for someone who is intoxicated.
Fight over tuition for immigrants derails bill
Indiana senators fearing a backlash from conservatives scuttled an expansive education proposal this week after it was amended to grant in-state tuition to illegal immigrants already enrolled in state schools.
Bill requiring stage inspections heads to governor
The Indiana Senate voted 41-5 Thursday in favor of the bill giving the state Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission the power to regulate stages and other temporary structures.
Indiana Senate approves diluted state smoking ban
For all the bluster a statewide smoking ban sparked at the beginning of the 2012 legislative session, the version Indiana lawmakers may end up approving seems little more than a wisp of smoke.