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.
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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.
With no overarching issue on GOP agenda, contentious topics may get airing
Indiana's Republican supermajorities are returning to the Statehouse without a major legislative goal to accomplish—a reality that may leave a vacuum that some plan to fill with divisive debates that GOP leaders have in the past sought to contain.
Terre Haute lawmaker to propose sports betting legislation
Republican Rep. Alan Morrison's measure is sure to face opposition from the Indianapolis-based NCAA, which opposes all forms of sports gambling.
Powerful state senator resigns to take D.C. law job
Republican Brandt Hershman, chairman of the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee, says he will be joining Barnes & Thornburg’s Washington D.C. office.
Indiana Gov. Holcomb avoids discussing many hot-button issues
Since taking office nearly a year ago, Holcomb has ducked substantive policy questions about everything from abortion and gun rights legislation, to federal health care policy or whether Indiana convenience stores should be able to sell cold beer.
UPDATE: Officials predict change unlikely to Indiana’s cold beer law
Public opinion polling suggests the general public widely supports allowing convenience and big-box stores to sell cold—and not just warm—beer.
Hamilton to leave recycling group to focus on Legislature
Carey Hamilton said she will leave the group in March after being employed there for nearly a decade and growing the organization. She was elected as a representative to the Indiana Legislature in 2016.
Holcomb grants paid parental leave for state employees starting in 2018
Holcomb on Wednesday announced he signed an order providing up to four weeks of paid leave for parents after the birth of a newborn or adoption. The policy was part of Holcomb’s 2018 agenda.
Is marijuana debate at a tipping point?
A fight over whether Indiana should legalize medical marijuana seems all but inevitable now.
Holcomb, lawmakers try to crack the code on a convoluted workforce system
Gov. Eric Holcomb says his workforce plan won’t just replace existing bureaucracy with new bureaucracy. He said he wants to “make sure we’re getting folks at the local level not just around the table, but that they have both the flexibility and the funding” to make necessary changes.
Expected hot topics in the 2018 General Assembly
Lawmakers returning to the Statehouse in January for their 2018 session will face questions about alcohol, autonomous vehicles, hate crimes and more.
Panel’s support for cold beer sales falls short
Alcohol Code Revision Commission members were at odds over whether the sale of cold beer would allow for an increase in sales or would simply provide better service for customers. Others were adamant they needed more public input.
Indiana legislative staff adjust to changes in gun-carrying law
Hundreds of legislative employees can now carry handguns at the Indiana Statehouse and adjacent state office buildings, but with some limitations.
State looks down the road at autonomous vehicles
Gov. Eric Holcomb will ask lawmakers in 2018 to authorize the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles on Indiana roads.
GOP losses in Virginia buoy Indiana Democrats’ hopes
Democrats in Indiana wield little to no influence at the Statehouse but see recent electoral victories for Democrats in Virginia, Oklahoma and Georgia statehouses as welcoming signs ahead of the 2018 midterm election.