Legislative roundup: The latest on bills IBJ is tracking this legislative session
IBJ is watching key bills that could impact the state’s economic development, health care and workforce efforts.
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Two Senate bills propose new oversight of water withdrawals following LEAP pipeline concerns
One of the bills—which made the Senate Republican agenda—would require permits for projects that move significant amounts of water from one area of the state to another.
Lawmakers ready tax legislation ahead of session prime for reform
Policymakers have proposed at least 12 bills seeking to create or adjust property tax credits or deductions and institute freezes.
UPDATE: Biden blocks Nippon’s acquisition of U.S. Steel
Biden’s decision—attributed by other news organizations to unnamed sources—comes just days after Japan-based Nippon proposed giving the U.S. government a veto over any reduction in U.S. Steel’s “production capacity.”
Beverly Hudnut, former first lady of Indianapolis, dies at 66
Beverly Hudnut, the former mayor’s third wife, worked as a lawyer, lobbyist, policy adviser and consultant.
2024 Newsmakers: Gov.-elect Mike Braun and Lt. Gov.-elect Micah Beckwith
The cornerstone of Braun’s campaign was his promise to use his business experience to lead Indiana. And on election night, he doubled down on campaign promises to cut government spending and pass a balanced budget.
2024 Newsmakers: Lauren Roberts, Caroline Ellert and an anonymous accuser
Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration and the Indianapolis City-County Council launched investigations and new reporting and training programs this year after three women accused a mayor’s adviser of sexual harassment.
2024 Newsmaker: Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett
In April, Hogsett made a surprise announcement that the city would pursue a Major League Soccer team and said he was talking with representatives of a yet-to-be-named ownership group about the possibility.
2024 Newsmaker: U.S. Sen. Todd Young
Two years after U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., co-authored the CHIPS and Science Act, Indiana is reaping big rewards.
2024 Year in Review: Wins by Braun, Rokita, Banks cap off big GOP year
Braun and running mate Micah Beckwith won handily—54% to 41%—over Democrat Jennifer McCormick, who had previously been elected state superintendent of public instruction as a Republican.
2024 Year in Review: Indy implements downtown tax
The economic enhancement district is projected to raise $4.65 million a year in taxes to pay for downtown-focused improvements and programs and fund the operating costs of a low-barrier homeless shelter planned on the southeast side of downtown.
Braun’s win, Beckwith upset, harrassment allegations among year’s biggest political stories
This year, both a presidential and gubernatorial election year for Indiana, provided no shortage of political news.
Fate of Trump’s Cabinet picks unclear as Republicans prepare to take power in Senate
Republicans are under more pressure than usual as Trump and his allies make clear that they will confront senators who don’t fall in line.
Biden vetoes Young-backed legislation to add 66 federal judgeships, including in Indiana
Biden said the bill would also have created new judgeships in states where senators have not filled existing judicial vacancies.
Lawmakers preview property tax policy at legislative conference
Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Chair Travis Holdman, R-Markle, said his caucus is ready to introduce between 12 and 15 bills that will affect property taxes.
Man who revealed weapons at polling site could face charges under new law
Under Senate Enrolled Act 170, threatening, obstructing, interfering with or injuring an election worker can be charged as a Level 6 felony.
Feds finalize deal to give SK Hynix $458M for West Lafayette facility
The chip manufacturer announced plans in April to open a 430,000-square-foot building spanning 90 acres in the second half of 2028.
Democrats replace embattled Sen. Greg Taylor with new caucus leader
The move comes just a day after The Indianapolis Star published a new round of allegations from women who say Taylor sexually harassed them—accusations the Indianapolis Democrat vehemently denied.
State approves $60M for LEAP District development for Lilly, Meta projects
The state will eventually recoup much of that investment when LEAP land is sold to tenants, officials from the Indiana Economic Development Corp. said.
A Medicaid study committee made no recommendations this year—despite a funding shortfall
A year the Holcomb administration revealed a shortfall in the state’s Medicaid program of nearly $1 billion, lawmakers will start working in January to piece together legislation that at least in part deals with the second-largest and fastest-growing item in the state budget.