Merritt loses job as railroad exec, a role critics called conflict
As chairman of Senate Utilities Committee, Sen. James Merritt supported numerous bills favored by big utilities, the railroad’s biggest customer. Now he’s out of a job.
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UPDATE: Pharmacist consultation bill clears senate committee
Indiana pharmacists could get the legal right to refuse to sell a common cold medicine used to make methamphetamine to suspicious customers under a bill a Senate committee approved Tuesday.
Chamber’s Brinegar voices concern over Pence’s LGBT stance
Indiana Chamber of Commerce CEO Kevin Brinegar said business leaders hoped the first-term Republican would use his State of the State address “to close the book on the … issue.”
Lawmakers won’t seek ban on over-counter pseudoephedrine
Indiana legislators are poised to start debates on how to combat growing methamphetamine production in Indiana, but adding a prescription requirement for one of the illegal drug's key ingredients is off the table.
Foes of ISTEP bill say it doesn’t protect all schools equally
A bill speeding through the Legislature that would give schools relief from last year’s drop in ISTEP scores won’t offer much protection for the state’s most struggling schools.
House speaker: LGBT rights law less likely after Pence speech
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said Thursday that there's less of a chance that the Legislature will approve civil rights protections for gay and transgender people following comments made by Gov. Mike Pence during his annual State of the State address
Bill sparing schools from A-F grade drop sent to House floor
A bill sparing Indiana schools from a drop in A-F grades resulting from this year's sharp decline in student ISTEP scores now goes to the full House for consideration after the chamber's education committee approved it Thursday.
Bill to lift Sunday alcohol sales ban has fewer store rules
A new proposal to lift Indiana's eight decades-old ban on Sunday carryout alcohol sales would impose fewer new restrictions on grocery stores and pharmacies than a bill that failed in the Legislature last year.
Mandatory cursive bill advances, but faces hurdles ahead
Senate Bill 73, making cursive mandatory in schools, passed out of the Education and Career Development committee Wednesday with a 6-4 vote.
Bill would weaken protections for homeowners in foreclosure
Banks support proposed state legislation that could prevent Hoosier homeowners from using a settlement process to avoid foreclosure. But the sponsor of a bill with the controversial provision says he will strike it.
House transportation leader: Pence funding plan a ‘gamble’
The condition of Indiana's roads has emerged as a major issue. There is a major division among majority Republicans over how to handle the funding, with Pence and the Senate leaders signaling they are at odds with their counterparts in the House.
Bill to ease limits on handgun permits draws concerns
A proposal to lift Indiana's restrictions on alcohol offenders obtaining handgun licenses would remove one means of protecting victims, an advocate for domestic violence victims told state lawmakers Wednesday.
Eighth state senator decides not to seek re-election
Indiana state Sen. Jim Arnold has joined seven other state senators to announce he or she is retiring or running for another office.
Indiana House, Senate each pass ISTEP bills
Indiana lawmakers have overwhelmingly approved bills giving teachers and schools a one-year reprieve from being punished for poor student performance on ISTEP exams.
Pence’s $481M road-funding plan clears preliminary hurdle
Gov. Mike Pence’s plan differs sharply with a longer-term plan offered Monday by Indiana House Republicans, who want to raise gasoline and cigarette taxes to boost funding levels for road improvements.
UPDATE: House GOP unveils road-funding plan with tax hikes
Indiana House Republicans are proposing tax increases to cigarettes and gasoline in their road-funding proposal that's an alternative to a rival plan proposed by Gov. Mike Pence.
Pence campaign boosted by $1M from governors group
Records show Gov. Mike Pence’s campaign received the contribution two days before the Dec. 31 deadline. That helped the campaign raise some $3.5 million during the last half of 2015, while Gregg’s campaign collected nearly $2 million.
Bill aims to replace Indiana’s religious freedom law
Indiana lawmakers will consider a proposal that would throw out the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act and replace it with a statute its sponsor says aims to protect six fundamental rights.
Yearly address gives Pence chance to turn political page
Expect a laser-like focus on new jobs, an improving economy and planned infrastructure projects in Gov. Mike Pence’s annual State of the State speech.
Bill targets homeowners in revitalized neighborhoods
An Indianapolis woman is advocating for state legislation that would provide property-tax relief for longtime homeowners in designated distressed areas.