Amendment to payday loan bill unable to calm community advocates
Even after lawmakers worked hours overnight to craft an amendment to a controversial bill regulating payday and subprime loans, opponents remained frustrated.
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Indiana sports betting, new casinos not expected to create jackpot
A top Indiana budget writer doesn't expect much of a state tax revenue boost if legislators approve proposals to legalize sports betting and allow new casinos in Gary and Terre Haute.
UPDATED: Amended gambling bill requires competitive bidding process for Terre Haute casino
The owner of two casinos now located on Lake Michigan in Gary would still be allowed to move one of them to a more convenient interstate location under changes to a gambling bill lawmakers made Tuesday—but only if the company gave its other license back to the state.
Indiana lawmakers back felony charge for doctors who misuse sperm
The Indiana House voted 93-0 on Monday in favor of a bill allowing felony charges in cases of deception involving a medical procedure, device, drug or human reproductive material, such as sperm, eggs or embryos.
Ethics panel dismisses complaint against Speaker Bosma
The Indiana House Ethics Committee said Monday that “reasonable cause does not exist to support the alleged violation” by Speaker Brian Bosma.
UPDATE: Lawmakers drop MLS requirement for Indy Eleven stadium
State lawmakers on Monday significantly amended legislation designed to provide long-term funding mechanisms to the Capital Improvement Board, keep the Indiana Pacers in the city for at least another 25 years and support building a permanent soccer stadium for the Indy Eleven.
Indiana Republicans push for moratorium on new power plants
The House Utilities Committee advanced legislation this week along party lines that would prohibit state regulators from approving any large new power plants until 2021. Environmentalists and utilities say the move could interrupt the transition from coal to renewable fuels and natural gas.
Indiana governor signs hate crimes measure into law
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and other Republicans say the legislation covers all 6.6 million Hoosiers because it covers all characteristics and traits, whether expressly listed or not, but the Anti-Defamation League said the measure falls short.
State lawmakers working to close loophole in online sales, hotel taxes
Indiana is one step closer to closing what lawmakers have described as a loophole in online sales and hotel tax collection, but online travel sites oppose the legislation.
Indiana Senate votes to send controversial hate crimes bill to governor
The Indiana Senate adopted the House's version of a bias crimes bill on Tuesday afternoon, sending the legislation to Gov. Eric Holcomb despite complaints from opponents who say the bill isn’t specific enough.
MARY BETH SCHNEIDER: Government by the people?
No one from the public got a chance to directly and publicly tell lawmakers whether the newest hate crimes wording makes them feel more welcome and safer in Indiana.
Indiana Senate panel votes down sheriff’s sale notification bill
The Senate Local Government Committee voted 5-4 on Thursday against House Bill 1212, which would have mandated that sheriff’s offices advertise foreclosure sales online rather than in printed newspapers.
Indiana one step closer to tax breaks for data centers
Sen. Mark Messmer, R-Jasper, who carried the bill on the Senate side, said it would make Indiana one of the top five states for tax policy on data centers.
Professional leagues make pitch for official data in sports wagering
The House Public Policy Committee heard roughly five hours of testimony on Senate Bill 552—legislation that touches nearly every aspect of gambling in Indiana—during a hearing on Wednesday.
Legislation would increase physical therapists’ autonomy
A bill advancing through the General Assembly would allow PTs to be regulated by their peers, a move that would remove much of the medical hierarchy from the process.
Senate panel OKs compensation for wrongfully convicted
The legislation would generally permit people who are exonerated to receive $50,000 for each year they were wrongfully incarcerated.
Top Indiana companies are increasingly weighing in on the key issues of the day
In recent years, some of Indiana’s biggest companies and trade organizations, including the Indiana Chamber and the Indy Chamber, have publicly voiced opinions on a variety of social issues, including pre-kindergarten funding, gay rights, mass transportation and higher cigarette taxes.
Payday lending industry gains upper hand in Statehouse fight
A Senate bill addressing subprime lending, which had a 69-page strip-and-insert amendment released the night before passing out of committee, is headed to the House.
Demonstrators at teacher rally tell Holcomb to ‘come closer’
Hundreds of educators, administrators, students and community members flocked to the Indiana Statehouse on Saturday to show their frustration with Indiana’s treatment of public education.
Soccer stadium likely would find other uses—especially if it’s downtown
The Indy Eleven would likely need the $150 million soccer stadium proposed by owner Ersal Ozdemir for only about 20 matches a year.