Senate considers changes to state smoking-ban bill
Indiana senators are ready to begin tinkering with a proposal to ban smoking statewide in some private establishments.
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Indiana legislators OK lifting Sunday cycle sales ban
Indiana's motorcycle dealers will be allowed to buy and sell their bikes on Sundays under a change in state law that legislators have approved.
Indiana funding jump would end kindergarten fees
Parents across Indiana weary of paying sometimes-hefty fees for their children to attend full-day kindergarten classes could soon catch a break.
Indiana lawmakers stall latest time-zone change push
The House Transportation Committee discussed a resolution Wednesday that would have urged the federal government to hold hearings on switching the entire state from eastern time to central time.
House committee deals blow to Rockport synthetic-gas plant
Questions about a synthetic natural gas plant proposed for southern Indiana led a House committee to strip tax breaks for the $2.6 billion project from a bill that already has passed the Senate.
Lawmakers back penalties over farm lawsuits
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 6-3 Wednesday in favor of the bill that would give judges discretion on whether to order the person filing a frivolous lawsuit to pay the farm’s court costs and attorney fees.
Senate panel weighs carve-outs in statewide smoking ban
The House-approved measure includes exemptions for casinos and private clubs. It also includes an 18-month delay before the ban takes effect in bars.
Smoking ban among key issues pending in Legislature
The Senate is set to consider a statewide smoking ban as well as legislation that would aside another $5 million for victims of the Indiana State Fair stage collapse.
Indiana fair victim testifies on state plan for found money
A high school tennis player who was crippled in last summer's deadly stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair testified Thursday as legislators considered whether to double the amount the state is paying for victims.
Lawmakers eye early finish after contentious start
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma told House members Thursday that he and Senate President Pro Tem David Long were planning to wrap things up by March 9. The 2012 session is formally scheduled to end by March 14.
Bill seeks school superintendent contract disclosure
A bill that would require Indiana's school boards to disclose all financial details of proposed superintendent contracts before voting on them drew only positive comments during a public hearing before a legislative panel.
Daniels wants few exemptions to Indiana smoking ban
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels says he hopes legislators will send him a statewide smoking ban bill with a short list of exemptions.
Indiana legislators back bill for alcohol amnesty law
Indiana legislators are nearing agreement on a bill that would shield people from arrest on alcohol charges if they report that someone is intoxicated and needing medical help.
Indiana bill to teach creationism being shelved
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma is using a procedural move to kill the proposal for this legislative session.
Indiana’s inheritance tax on chopping block
State legislators looking to phase out or scale back Indiana’s inheritance tax, which brings in some $150 million a year, say they would lean on anticipated money from online sales tax collections and growth in other revenues to make up the difference.
Many Indiana House Democrats calling it quits
More than quarter of the Democratic members of the Indiana House aren’t trying for re-election this year, further boosting the chances of Republicans strengthening their hold on the chamber.
Top Indiana House budget writer won’t seek new term
Rep. Jeff Espich of Uniondale, the leader of the Indiana House's budget-writing committee, announced Friday that he won't seek re-election this fall and will end 40-year legislative career.
Advocates want no weakening of Indiana smoking ban
Anti-smoking advocates aren't happy about an 18-month exemption for bars that's included in a bill for a statewide smoking ban, and are aiming to prevent the proposal from being watered down.
Telecommunications companies push bill to defend turf from state network
The new law would prevent the I-Light data network from straying beyond its stated mission of serving the state’s colleges and universities.
Indiana lawmaker says school bus fees increase danger
Indiana's public school districts wouldn't be able to end school bus service for their students under a proposal advancing in the General Assembly after protests from parents in a suburban Indianapolis district who now face annual bills of more than $400 a child for rides to and from school.