County judicial election system now in lawmakers’ lap
At issue is how to balance the goals of having a qualified, impartial bench while giving voters a meaningful role in the process.
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Speaker says House roads plan in GOP’s ‘best interest’
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said Gov. Mike Pence and Senate Republicans should embrace a long-term road-funding plan that increases taxes on smokers and motorists.
Bill would protect sexual orientation, punt on gender identity
A GOP state senator has filed a bill that would provide discrimination protections for gay, lesbian and bisexual people, but bows to concerns some have about transgender rights.
New bid planned to end Indiana’s Sunday alcohol sales ban
Indiana House Public Policy Chairman Tom Dermody of LaPorte said he's working on a bill legalizing Sunday sales that he expects to file next week.
Lawmakers considering overhaul of Indiana BMV fees
Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles would see its fee structure simplified under a bill being considered following an audit last year that found the agency had overcharged motorists more than $60 million since 2013.
Influential senator, health advocate Miller to retire
Indiana Sen. Patricia Miller, who has represented the southeast portion of the Indianapolis area for 34 years, has served as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services since 1993.
UPDATE: State education panel leader wants to re-score ISTEP
Rep. Robert Behning, R-Indianapolis, said he wants to hire a contractor to re-score the 2015 ISTEP test, which he calls a “disaster.” Meanwhile, the House education committee approved a measure sparing teachers from having their performance pay reduced as a result of the scores.
LGBT rights loom as lawmakers set other priorities
While leaders for the GOP majorities in both chambers discussed an array of policy priorities, they had much less to say about the debate over adding discrimination protections for lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender people to state law.
Legislative leaders back money for third Regional Cities grant
Republicans who control the Indiana Senate are supporting a request from Gov. Mike Pence for an extra $42 million toward the new state grant program. And House Speaker Brian Bosma says it will likely pass.
Veteran state senator Rogers announces retirement
Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, announced Tuesday that she has decided to retire after serving 26 years in the state Senate and eight years in the House.
Senate GOP to press road funding, malpractice reform, drug sentences
The legislative priorities for Indiana Senate Republicans include $418 million to improve local roads, another $42 million for the Regional Cities program, and protecting educators from negative impacts of ISTEP.
Pence signs on to Ritz approach to ‘pause’ sanctions
Democrats and Republicans are backing a proposal expected to be considered by the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday. The bill proposes schools may not receive a lower grade for 2015 than they received in 2014.
Pence releases legislative agenda for education, jobs, roads
On the eve of the 2016 legislative session, the governor released a list of bills that doesn’t include proposals to expand civil rights protections to people who are gay or transgender.
Pence out-raises Gregg in 2015
The governor is sitting on about $6.8 million cash on hand as the election year begins compared to his Democratic challenger’s $3.5 million in cash.
New rule extends life cycle of Indiana license plates
The state's license plates will be redesigned and replaced every seven years, rather than every five years. The new rule took effect Friday.
Vaping industry sues state over new regulations
Manufacturers and distributors of e-liquid claim the Indiana law is unconstitutional because it regulates products used in vaping devices but not e-cigarettes.
Pence, House GOP not on same page as lawmakers return
A lack of consensus among Republicans on several issues—including questions about gay rights, transportation funding and ISTEP testing—looms large as lawmakers ready for the 2016 legislative session, which kicks off Tuesday.
IBJ’s most-read stories of 2015
Despite national attention paid to RFRA and Jared Fogle, most of IBJ’s top-read online stories this year were the result of deeply sourced reporting on people, issues and businesses specific to central Indiana.
Indiana adoption advocates optimistic about legislation
The leader of an advocacy group for Indiana adoptees says there’s a good shot that state lawmakers will endorse a bill to expand access to sealed adoption records.
Judge limits discovery Pence sought in Syrian refugee case
A federal judge has signaled unwillingness to permit wide-ranging discovery that the administration of Gov. Mike Pence sought as it continues to oppose a charity’s resettlement of Syrian refugees in Indiana.