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.
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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.
Right-to-work boycott fines put on hold by Indiana high court
The state Supreme Court placed on hold Wednesday all legislative fines against Democrats who boycotted the Indiana House during the right-to-work battle until it rules on whether it's legal for those fines to be deducted from their paychecks.
Senate panel to consider bill banning school bus fees
The measure is a reaction to Franklin Township's decision last fall to begin charging at least $40 a month per child for bus service.
Marion County judge blocks right-to-work fines
A Marion County judge ordered Indiana House Republicans to return fines levied against House Democrats in the right-to-work battle last year and blocked $1,000-a-day fines levied this year.
Senate passes comprehensive charity gambling bill
Not-for-profits with multiple affiliates in the state would need only one gambling license to run fundraisers.
State Senate approves regulations for stages
The measure, aimed at preventing another tragedy like last summer's stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair, would require the state Division of Fire and Building to issue permits for temporary structures.
Indiana Senate sends right-to-work bill to Daniels
The Indiana's Senate passed right-to-work legislation Wednesday morning by a vote of 28-22, placing the state on the verge of becoming the Rust Belt's first to enact the contentious labor law.