Merritt loses job as railroad exec, a role critics called conflict
As chairman of Senate Utilities Committee, Sen. James Merritt supported numerous bills favored by big utilities, the railroad’s biggest customer. Now he’s out of a job.
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UPDATE: Pharmacist consultation bill clears senate committee
Indiana pharmacists could get the legal right to refuse to sell a common cold medicine used to make methamphetamine to suspicious customers under a bill a Senate committee approved Tuesday.
Chamber’s Brinegar voices concern over Pence’s LGBT stance
Indiana Chamber of Commerce CEO Kevin Brinegar said business leaders hoped the first-term Republican would use his State of the State address “to close the book on the … issue.”
Lawmakers won’t seek ban on over-counter pseudoephedrine
Indiana legislators are poised to start debates on how to combat growing methamphetamine production in Indiana, but adding a prescription requirement for one of the illegal drug's key ingredients is off the table.
House speaker: LGBT rights law less likely after Pence speech
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said Thursday that there's less of a chance that the Legislature will approve civil rights protections for gay and transgender people following comments made by Gov. Mike Pence during his annual State of the State address
Bill sparing schools from A-F grade drop sent to House floor
A bill sparing Indiana schools from a drop in A-F grades resulting from this year's sharp decline in student ISTEP scores now goes to the full House for consideration after the chamber's education committee approved it Thursday.
Bill to lift Sunday alcohol sales ban has fewer store rules
A new proposal to lift Indiana's eight decades-old ban on Sunday carryout alcohol sales would impose fewer new restrictions on grocery stores and pharmacies than a bill that failed in the Legislature last year.
GOP plots revamp of medical malpractice law
Patients who have been injured or killed as the result of negligence by Indiana hospitals and physicians could win more cash under proposed changes to Indiana’s Medical Malpractice Act.
Bill would weaken protections for homeowners in foreclosure
Banks support proposed state legislation that could prevent Hoosier homeowners from using a settlement process to avoid foreclosure. But the sponsor of a bill with the controversial provision says he will strike it.
House transportation leader: Pence funding plan a ‘gamble’
The condition of Indiana's roads has emerged as a major issue. There is a major division among majority Republicans over how to handle the funding, with Pence and the Senate leaders signaling they are at odds with their counterparts in the House.
Eighth state senator decides not to seek re-election
Indiana state Sen. Jim Arnold has joined seven other state senators to announce he or she is retiring or running for another office.
Indiana House, Senate each pass ISTEP bills
Indiana lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved bills giving teachers and schools a one-year reprieve from being punished for poor student performance on ISTEP exams.
Bill aims to replace Indiana’s religious freedom law
Indiana lawmakers will consider a proposal that would throw out the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act and replace it with a statute its sponsor says aims to protect six fundamental rights.
Bill targets homeowners in revitalized neighborhoods
An Indianapolis woman is advocating for state legislation that would provide property-tax relief for longtime homeowners in designated distressed areas.
County judicial election system now in lawmakers’ lap
At issue is how to balance the goals of having a qualified, impartial bench while giving voters a meaningful role in the process.
Influential senator, health advocate Miller to retire
Indiana Sen. Patricia Miller, who has represented the southeast portion of the Indianapolis area for 34 years, has served as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services since 1993.
LGBT rights loom as lawmakers set other priorities
While leaders for the GOP majorities in both chambers discussed an array of policy priorities, they had much less to say about the debate over adding discrimination protections for lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender people to state law.
Legislative leaders back money for third Regional Cities grant
Republicans who control the Indiana Senate are supporting a request from Gov. Mike Pence for an extra $42 million toward the new state grant program. And House Speaker Brian Bosma says it will likely pass.
Veteran state senator Rogers announces retirement
Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, announced Tuesday that she has decided to retire after serving 26 years in the state Senate and eight years in the House.
Senate GOP to press road funding, malpractice reform, drug sentences
The legislative priorities for Indiana Senate Republicans include $418 million to improve local roads, another $42 million for the Regional Cities program, and protecting educators from negative impacts of ISTEP.