Lawmakers reach deadline week as key bills remain
Indiana lawmakers have a busy week ahead of them as they try to advance major bills before legislative deadlines arrive this week.
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Senate OKs bill to ban texting while driving
Both chambers of the Indiana Legislature have now approved bills making it illegal for drivers to type, send or read text messages on mobile phones or other electronic devices.
GOP senators leery of Indiana immigration crackdown
A bill aimed at having an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigration in Indiana is on its way to the state Senate, but some Republican senators expressed concerns Thursday about the ramifications for law enforcement and taxpayers.
Union protests at Statehouse on GOP proposals
The future of the bill drawing the strongest ire of the union members remained uncertain as a Republican committee chairman said a decision had not been made on whether so-called right-to-work legislation would be considered this session.
Indiana House OKs amendment banning gay marriage
The Republican-controlled House voted 70-26 to advance the proposal, which must clear two separately-elected Legislatures to get on the ballot for a public vote.
Indiana Senate panel advances nuclear incentive bill
A bill that would allow Indiana's utilities to quickly pass onto their customers some of the costs of planning nuclear power plants is advancing in the General Assembly.
Indiana moving ahead with plan to fix jobless fund
Legislators aren't holding up a plan to fix Indiana's debt-ridden unemployment insurance fund as they wait to see whether the federal government will put off charging the states interest on what they owe.
Panel backs Indiana immigration crackdown bill
An Indiana Senate committee approved a bill Wednesday night that its sponsor says would lead to an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigration in the state.
UPDATE: Bill hikes marriage fees unless couples take class
Under the bill, couples who complete premarital classes would pay the standard $18 fee for a marriage license and certificate. But couples that don't take a course would pay $72.
Nuclear power bill at statehouse conjures up ghosts
A controversial bill in the Indiana Senate would make it easier for utilities to quickly bill ratepayers for proposed nuclear and other clean-energy projects.
Indiana teachers to rally at Statehouse
Indiana teachers are planning a rally at the Statehouse to support public education and denounce proposals backed by Republicans who control the House and Senate.
Indiana lawmaker pushes Sunday sales of alcohol, cars
Indiana shoppers would be able to buy a six-pack of beer or a new car on Sundays if state Sen. Phil Boots is successful in rolling back two of the few remaining blue laws still in effect in Indiana.
Bill would expand powers of campus police officers
Police officers at Indiana colleges and universities could have the same authority as city and county officers under a bill introduced in the General Assembly.
Panel OKs criminal checks on medical workers
Physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, pharmacists and other medical workers would have to pay for a national criminal background check when applying for a state license under a bill pending with the Indiana Senate.
Tighter rules for scholarship program advance
Indiana's popular 21st Century Scholars program that provides full college scholarships to needy students who stay out of trouble would have stiffer requirements under a proposal approved Thursday by a legislative committee.
Tax credit would benefit public school foundations
Ellettsville Democrat Vi Simpson wants to create an income-tax credit for gifts to public-school foundations, which could compete with one that’s already available for private-school scholarships.
House OKs bill to change ‘stupid’ alcohol ID policy
The Indiana House approved a bill Thursday to revise a much-ridiculed state law requiring everyone buying alcohol to show identification regardless of their age.
House passes measure fixing unemployment fund
The Indiana House approved a bill Monday to help fix the state's bankrupt unemployment insurance fund by reducing jobless benefits for some people and softening tax increases on businesses.
Florida judge strikes down health care overhaul
A federal judge ruled Monday that the Obama administration's health care overhaul is unconstitutional, siding with 26 states, including Indiana, that sued to block it.
Indiana House OKs smoking ban with bars exempted
The Republican-led House voted 68-31 Monday to approve the bill, which now moves to the GOP-controlled Senate for consideration.