Indiana Senate panel votes down proposed smoking ban
The Senate Public Policy Committee voted 8-1 Wednesday against the bill that had exemptions for casinos, bars, fraternal clubs, smoke shops and nursing homes.
Legislation
Articles
Compromise elusive on Indiana sentencing changes
An Indiana legislator trying to find a compromise on a plan that Gov. Mitch Daniels originally pushed to help stem the state's prison costs seems to still have work ahead.
Indiana Senate panel sets vote on smoking ban
The Senate Public Policy Committee is expected to vote on the bill Wednesday. Amendments won't be allowed to the bill that currently includes exemptions for casinos, bars, fraternal clubs, smoke shops and nursing homes.
Corporate income tax plan hinges on budget hurdles
A tight Indiana budget could thwart efforts in the Indiana General Assembly to improve the state economic climate by lowering the corporate income tax.
Bills would set fall votes for Indiana school boards
All school board elections across Indiana would be moved to the November ballot under bills advancing in the state Legislature.
School voucher proposal approved by House
The GOP-led House voted 56-42 on Wednesday in favor of the bill that would use taxpayer money to help some parents move their children from public schools to private schools.
Labor bills targeted in boycott pass Indiana House
Republicans in the Indiana House on Wednesday pushed through three labor-related bills that had drawn protests from Democrats during their five-week legislative walkout.
Indiana House backs ban on higher minimum wages
Cities and counties across the state would be prohibited from setting higher minimum wages under a bill approved by the Indiana House.
Indiana Senate panel may vote on smoking ban after all
Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, the chairman of an Indiana Senate committee, said he might call for a vote on the proposal at the Senate Public Policy Committee's April 6 meeting, but that he likely wouldn't allow any amendments.
Indiana House faces pressure to finish work on time
House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said the five week "vacation" by House Democrats means lawmakers may have to work on Fridays and Saturdays. He said representatives would go with little sleep and eat sandwiches and pizza while working at their desks if necessary to get work done.
State GOP pushing expansive voucher program
Indiana's Republican leadership is pushing ahead with a proposal that would be the nation's broadest use of school vouchers, allowing even middle-class families to use taxpayer money to send their kids to private schools.
Indiana Senate approves marriage amendment
The Indiana Senate on Wednesday overwhelmingly OK’d a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would ban gay marriage and civil unions.
Indiana budget faces hundreds of possible changes
More than 330 proposed amendments to the state budget bill were listed online as of Monday night, and Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma said more are pending.
House Democrats return to Statehouse
Indiana House Democrats have returned to work at the Statehouse for the first time since they fled to Illinois on Feb. 22 in protest of a Republican reform plan they called an assault on labor and public education.
No breakthrough in talks to end Indiana House walkout
Legislators from both parties threw cold water Thursday on optimism about a breakthrough ending the month-long boycott by Indiana House Democrats.
Indiana report says drugstores, grocers best at not selling liquor to minors
Liquor stores didn’t do as well, undercutting their argument against allowing other retailers to sell cold beer.
Indiana House leaders meet over Democratic boycott
The leader of the boycotting Indiana House Democrats returned to the Statehouse on Wednesday for what he called a "very positive" meeting with Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma.
Indiana bill enhances rural areas for young entrepreneurs
A bill signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels will create a type of auction among rural communities for young entrepreneurs graduating from some universities in the state.
Panel backs Indiana gay marriage ban amendment
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the amendment on a 7-3 party line vote Wednesday, with Republican senators rejecting arguments that language prohibiting civil unions could threaten the ability of employers to offer domestic partner benefits.
Boycott reaches 30 days for Indiana House Democrats
A legislative stalemate in Indiana reached a political milestone on Tuesday as House Democrats stayed away from their jobs for a 30th consecutive day in what now ranks among the longest Statehouse boycotts in recent U.S. history.