Bill banning local plastic bag restrictions passes Senate
The Indiana Senate has approved a measure banning local governments from taxing or restricting the use of disposable plastic bags by retailers, including grocery stores.
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Adoption records bill heads to governor’s desk
A bill long sought by Hoosiers who were adopted between 1941 and 1994 and denied their birth records passed the Indiana General Assembly on Monday and awaits the signature of Gov. Mike Pence.
Judge dismisses lawsuit over Indiana DCS caseloads
Marion Superior Court Judge Heather Welch said plaintiff Mary Price has no right to bring the claim under an Indiana law setting a maximum caseload at 17 and should take her complaint to the State Employee Appeals Commission.
Indiana teacher pay bill advancing despite criticism
Many school district administrators and Indiana's teachers unions are arguing against a legislative proposal that would give districts the authority to negotiate higher pay with individual teachers.
Senate panel overhauls environmental rules bill
Indiana would keep its authority to make its own environmental rules after a Senate committee passed an overhaul to a bill that would have let the federal government set all standards.
Indiana fetal remains bill puts spotlight on fetal disposal
Sen. Michael Young, who's sponsoring the bill in the Senate, said the fetus provision is needed in light of state regulators’ recent fine against an Indianapolis-based medical waste disposal company that violated its state permit by accepting fetal remains.
Hate-crimes bill likely to die in Indiana House
A bill creating the state's first hate-crime law is expected to fail because it won't get a committee hearing in the House.
Young to stay on U.S. Senate ballot after 2-2 vote
The state election board voted 2-2 along party lines Friday after hearing arguments from attorneys for the state Democratic Party and tea party-backed GOP Rep. Marlin Stutzman that Young's campaign didn't submit enough petition signatures to meet requirements.
IEDC official: Full-court press averted disaster, yielded ‘home run’
Indiana Economic Development Corp. President Jim Schellinger said state officials realized early on that the Dow-DuPont merger could have wiped out some of the best jobs in Indianapolis.
Indiana election commission to hear Senate ballot challenge
The Indiana Election Commission is set Friday to hear a challenge to U.S. Rep. Todd Young's place on the ballot for the state's open U.S. Senate seat, after Democrats and his tea party-backed Republican primary opponent filed objections.
Democratic Party calls for firing over altered ISTEP report
The chairman of Indiana's Democratic Party called Thursday for the firing of a State Board of Education official who altered a report that detailed a so-called independent investigation into the ISTEP exam.
Politicos complicate Ivy Tech presidential hire
Ivy Tech Community College faces a crucial moment in selecting its next president, a job the college says demands education experience, fundraising chops and the ability to improve student performance. But has the search become a political football?
Regional Cities funding faces hurdle in Indiana House
The measure is stalled in the Ways and Means Committee, but Speaker Brian Bosma says the governor’s help on a long-term road funding bill could get it moving.
Amendment to prevent LGBT workplace discrimination fails
A measure to prohibit workplace discrimination against LGBT people failed in the Indiana House on Thursday afternoon, despite gaining more than a handful of Republican votes in support.
U.S. Rep. Brooks not seeking Ivy Tech presidency
Sue Ellspermann, who has applied for the Ivy Tech job, is set to resign from her job as lieutenant governor on March 2.
Pence expresses ‘confidence’ in ISTEP report despite alterations
A review of documents showed a top education official made significant alterations to a report that detailed a so-called independent investigation into the unpopular standardized ISTEP+ exam for students.
Indiana official had say in independent report on tests
A report summarizing what was billed as an independent investigation into Indiana's new, unpopular standardized student exam includes edits and suggested changes by a state administrator hired by Gov. Mike Pence's State Board of Education.
Drug bill critics: Too early to change Indiana criminal code
Opponents of a bill that calls for mandating tougher sentences for some convicted drug dealers said Tuesday it's too early to change Indiana's criminal code since a major overhaul took effect only two years ago.
Lawmakers zeroing in on anti-meth plan
Bills would let pharmacists require prescriptions for suspicious customers trying to buy cold medicines with pseudoephedrine. But some drug store chains fear putting their pharmacists in danger.
Judge weighs bid to block Indiana’s Syrian refugee order
U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt noted at a Friday hearing that Indiana had no actual ability to prevent Syrian refugees from entering the state.