Lawmakers to study auto plates, child protection
The summer study groups sometimes set the basis for action in the following session. The divisive right-to-work law approved this year was reviewed last summer in a series of study committee hearings.
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New payout process awaits stage collapse victims
The Attorney General's Office said in an email to claimants that it is trying to find an "an efficient and respectful way" to distribute the money while limiting lawsuits.
$526M in state tax foulups spur questions about oversight
In both rounds of errors, computer programming related to the state's tax-return-processing system is being blamed.
State lawmakers ponder reaction to $206M mistake
Members of the State Budget Committee are set to meet to discuss how the state forgot to distribute $206 million owed to the counties.
Governor signs state smoking ban into law
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the smoking ban bill and other legislation during a ceremony Monday morning at his Statehouse office.
State requires more superintendent disclosure
Indiana school superintendents will have to disclose more about their pay under a new state law.
Education reform on legislators’ hot seat
Key parts of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett’s education reforms will be put under a miscroscope this summer by a special commission of state legislators.
Daniels signs inheritance-tax, kindergarten-funding bills
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels on Tuesday signed a rollback of the state's inheritance tax. The law will decrease the state's inheritance tax in stages beginning next year until it is eliminated after 2021.
Daniels signs public access, nepotism bills
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is toughening penalties for public access violations and cracking down on nepotism in local government.
Governor signs state smoking ban into law
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the smoking ban bill and other legislation during a ceremony Monday morning at his Statehouse office.
Law goes into effect banning retail sales of ‘bath salts’
Under the measure, retailers could lose their business licenses for a year if they're caught selling the synthetic drugs.
Mass transit backers regroup for next year
Despite years of intensive public and politician outreach, a transit bill died in the House Ways and Means Committee in late January by an 11-10 vote. Supporters plan education push, one-on-one meetings.
How key bills fared during 2012 Indiana legislative session
Right-to-work, smoking ban were only two of a long list of actions taken.
Legislative assistants keep wheels of state government turning
State lawmakers finished their work in Indianapolis this month, but the end of the 2012 General Assembly signaled the beginning of crunch time for a full-time staff charged with sorting out what happened during the contentious short session.
Next Purdue chief must cut costs but boost research
The successor to France Cordova, who is stepping down this summer when her contract expires, will have to tip-toe between two almost contradictory demands: Cut costs for students yet spend more to ramp up Purdue’s research enterprise.
Minor Indiana school reforms find last-minute success
Indiana lawmakers signed off on minor school changes at the close of the 2012 session while reining in broader efforts sought by state schools Superintendent Tony Bennett.
Daniels learns to get what he wants from Legislature
For his eighth and final session working with Indiana's General Assembly, Gov. Mitch Daniels finally honed a light touch for getting what he wanted out of the 150 lawmakers who mill about the floors directly above his Statehouse office.
Indiana legislators approve smoking restrictions
The Indiana Senate has narrowly approved a statewide smoking ban proposal, sending it to the governor for his expected signature into law. The ban exempts Indiana's bars, casinos and private clubs such as veterans and fraternal organizations.
Lawmakers end right-to-work dominated session
Indiana lawmakers came roaring into their 2012 session with a battle over right-to-work legislation. Now they are leaving quietly with a new statewide smoking ban, changes to the state's education system and rules giving homeowners the right to forcibly keep police from entering their homes.
Indiana House approves statewide smoking-ban bill
The Indiana House voted Thursday night to approve a statewide smoking ban bill, setting up a vote Friday in the state Senate on whether the restrictions will be on their way to becoming law.