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.
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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.
Still no decisions on Indiana smoking, police-entry bills
Legislators finished work Wednesday without an agreement yet on just how comprehensive a statewide smoking ban they might adopt and without the support of a major police group for a proposal laying out when residents might be legally justified in using force against police officers.
Statewide smoking ban, resisting-police bills unsettled
A few high-profile issues remain undecided ahead of Friday's planned adjournment of the 2012 legislative session.
Fixes to historic preservation tax credits may have to wait
Fixes to the state's historic preservation tax credit program pushed by Indiana Landmarks may have to wait another year after the Indiana Senate put the brakes on a bill that garnered unanimous support from the Indiana House.
Talks continue on Indiana tax, spending plans
Indiana lawmakers are working toward final agreement on several tax and spending issues in the last days of this year's legislative session.
Indiana retailers face penalties over ‘bath salts’
The Indiana House has given final legislative approval to a proposal toughening state laws that prohibit businesses from selling synthetic stimulants nicknamed "bath salts" or other drugs that mimic marijuana.
Retirement wave will give Indiana House new look
The loss of hundreds of years of experience in the House, including the top Republican and Democratic budget writers, has some worried that paid lobbyists could gain an even heftier role within the General Assembly.
Daniels wants strict smoking ban, but will accept lenient bill
Gov. Mitch Daniels said Friday he will accept a weakened smoking ban if that’s what it takes to get some sort of smoke-free measure approved in his final year as governor.
Bill for alcohol amnesty law goes to governor
Legislators have approved changing Indiana law to shield people from arrest on alcohol charges if they seek out medical help for someone who is intoxicated.