Bill to regulate autonomous vehicle use moves forward
House Bill 1341 allows people to operate automated vehicles on public highways but only under certain conditions. Critics, including auto manufacturers, said the bill would stifle innovation.
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Bill proposes $2-per-pack cigarette tax, raising smoking age to 21
New legislation introduced by longtime Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, would drastically increase taxes on cigarettes as well as raise the legal age at which Hoosiers can buy tobacco products.
Panel advances bill to exempt some software from sales tax
Advocates say removing Indiana’s sales tax on many service-based software transactions would be a step in the right direction for the state’s growing tech industry.
Indiana lawmakers not governed by sexual harassment policy
As state legislatures across the county take steps toward updating their sexual harassment policies, Republican lawmakers who dominate the Indiana General Assembly appear to be adopting a wait-and-see approach.
Indiana Senate panel backs Sunday sales with limited hours
The Senate public policy committee voted unanimously Wednesday to advance the proposal, which would allow carryout sales of alcohol throughout Indiana for an eight-hour period on Sundays, sending the bill to the full Senate for amendments or approval.
Indiana governor pledges ‘transparent’ child agency review
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb vowed in his State of the State address Tuesday night to “do whatever is necessary to ensure the success” of the Department of Child Services.
11 ideas to boost workforce development in Indiana, as proposed by legislators
Faced with a shortage of skilled workers to fill some available jobs, legislators have proposed myriad bills this session aimed at tackling the issue and improving the effectiveness of the state’s system.
Two bills address financial distress in troubled school districts
Lawmakers warn that more school districts will face budgetary distress in the coming years.
Holcomb to bring measuring stick to State of State address
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb in his Tuesday evening speech plans to lay out benchmark goals in key priority areas—especially in workforce development.
Longtime Indiana Statehouse leader to retire
Rep. Bill Friend of Macy, the speaker pro tempore, said he will finish out his term, but won't run again in 2018.
Indiana House GOP wants small townships to consolidate
Nearly a third of Indiana's 1,005 townships would be consolidated with others under a plan proposed by House Republicans.
Key lawmakers, governor skeptical about chance for redistricting reform this year
Despite strong support from influential Republicans and fired-up grassroots activists, redistricting reform legislation faces several significant hurdles in the short session.
Tax, education, broadband bills top legislative priorities for tech industry
Gov. Eric Holcomb is asking lawmakers to clarify that the state’s sales tax doesn’t apply to software provided on the cloud. But that’s not the only tech-related legislation introduced at the General Assembly.
Democratic leader questions GOP ‘secrecy’ on child agency
Statehouse Democrats say they are troubled by Republican "secrecy" as Gov. Eric Holcomb and the GOP majority scramble to contain fallout from a burgeoning crisis in Indiana's child welfare agency.
Long-serving House Democrat won’t seek re-election
Rep. Linda Lawson of Hammond says the climate in the Legislature has become “toxic” with Republicans holding large majorities in recent years and ignoring Democrats.
Indiana GOP lawmakers don’t plan to act on child services crisis
The two most powerful Republicans in the Indiana Legislature said they do not plan to take major action to address a growing crisis in the Department of Child Services during this year's session, which kicked off Wednesday.
Indiana lawmakers return for possibly contentious session
The General Assembly could be an intense 10 weeks dominated by pet issues, social issues, and an effort to repeal Indiana’s prohibition-era ban on retail Sunday alcohol sales.
Bill seeks tax credits for boosting minimum-wage worker pay
State Sen. John Ruckelshaus has introduced a bill that would provide a state tax credit to employers that give minimum-wage workers a pay raise after they complete a training program.
Indiana senator pushes for CBD oil legalization
The proposed legislation clarifies that cannabis oil is not included under the term "controlled substance" in Indiana, making the products legal.
Professor: Indiana should review sexual harassment statute
A professor at IU's Robert H. McKinney School of Law says it's time for the state to change a statute that keeps sexual harassment victims from having their day in court, including a provision that requires an employer to give their consent before being sued.