Indy leaders support bill that could lead to roads-focused tax increase
The measure includes a provision to allow Marion County residents to vote, through a referendum, for property-tax hikes that would be used to pay for road improvements.
State Government
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Bill proposing continued income tax rate cuts passed by committee
Hoosiers would see the percentage of their income the state takes for taxes continue to decrease under a bill progressing through the Indiana House.
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Braun orders remote state workers back to office, eliminates DEI in first executive actions
By ending the pandemic-era measure, all state agencies must require their full-time workers to be back in office by July 1.
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Indianapolis Public Schools board denounces bill to dissolve district in shift to charters
The bill is the latest of several proposals that threaten the district’s viability.
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Noblesville to begin assessing S.R. 37 interchange options
The state and the city of Noblesville are setting the stage to overhaul four intersections along a 2-mile stretch: at Greenfield Avenue, Town and Country Boulevard, Pleasant Street and State Road 32/38.
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Articles
Westfield seeks state support for taxing district near Grand Park
The city will need state legislators to amend existing rules for professional sports and convention development areas for one to be created at Grand Park Sports Campus.
Ahead of Royal Rumble, new Indiana bill could open door to more fighting events
House Bill 1073 would provide regulations for bare-knuckle fighting, professional wrestling, boxing and sparring through the Indiana Gaming Association.
Proposed federal rule change reflects challenges, opportunities for Indiana’s disabled workers
The state has for several years been moving toward competitive integrated employment, in which people with disabilities work alongside non-disabled people for the same wages and benefits.
Bill seeks more income tax revenue for Hamilton County cities, especially Fishers
A bill aimed at adjusting the way income taxes are distributed in Hamilton County seeks to address a disparity in revenue received by Fishers—a situation that has lingered for years.
Housing advocacy groups see hope in bipartisan evictions legislation
Advocates say the legislation will help reduce the harm eviction filings can have on renters seeking housing, particularly in Marion County where the eviction rate is high.
Social media ban for Hoosiers under 16 gets Indiana Senate greenlight
A bill prohibiting some Hoosier minors from using social media without their parents’ permission got bipartisan support in the Indiana Senate on Thursday and moved to the House for further consideration.
Anti-DEI bills take heat, but pass Indiana Senate committee
For four hours on Wednesday, and with tempers flaring throughout, Indiana lawmakers and plenty of constituents debated whether diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts combat or constitute discrimination.
Committee unanimously supports bill to streamline Indiana’s child care licensing process
The bill would allow single-owner child care companies or nonprofits, like YMCAs, to open multiple locations under one license.
Indiana Senate committee advances several health care bills
Legislators voted to move five of the six bills forward in the legislative process, including bills banning non-compete agreements for physicians and placing limits on prior authorization.
Libraries fire back on Indiana bill to remove taxing authority
According to the Indiana State Library, roughly 237 libraries throughout the state have the power to introduce a levy on property taxes, an authority overseen by the Department of Local Government Finance.
Gov. Mike Braun signs executive orders addressing health care costs, transparency
The orders largely direct state agencies to audit current programs and coverage as a means to find health care savings.
Black Indiana lawmakers denounce governor’s anti-DEI order, budget proposal
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun last week signed an executive order replacing “diversity, equity and inclusion,” or DEI, throughout state government policies and programming with “merit, excellence and innovation,” or MEI.
Will Indiana follow its neighbors’ lead on marijuana?
Illinois and Michigan offer models Indiana could consider as it considers future marijuana legalization.
How Indiana is spending $980M in opioid settlements
So far, seven national legal disputes have been settled that benefit Indiana, with money coming in each year to support treatment and prevention programs and other efforts in the state.
For large law firms, Statehouse lobbying is a must-do
Many of Indiana’s largest law firms find it imperative to offer government lobbying for their clients in order to provide a full line of services, especially true in Indianapolis, home to all of state government and the Legislature.
GOP-backed bill to increase oversight of Indiana water projects gets early support in committee
The measure would require a utility or large private-sector project leader to obtain an approval permit before carrying out a project where significant amounts of water are moved from one water basin in the state to another.
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.
‘Squatter’ bill, harm reduction policies bring advocates to Indiana Statehouse
Some advocates warn Senate Bill 157—which would require police to remove “squatters” within 48 hours—would allow landlords to skip the court, chipping away at tenants’ rights.
While Indiana attracts more data centers, legislators look to add guardrails
In the last year, multiple Big Tech companies have announced four major Indiana developments totaling more than $14 billion, prompting state lawmakers to look for ways to address the intense energy demand.