Bill to ban microbeads headed to governor’s office
Legislation that would prevent the sale of any products containing microbeads in Indiana, is headed to the governor’s office for final approval.
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Panel moves religious objections bill to full House
An Indiana legislative committee has endorsed a contentious proposal that would prevent the government from compelling people to provide services for activities they consider strongly objectionable, including same-sex weddings.
Lawmakers mull early payoff that could save businesses $327M
At issue is an extra $126 per employee that Hoosier companies will pay to the federal government in 2016 if Indiana has an outstanding unemployment loan on Jan. 1 of that year. If a payoff takes place by the end of 2015, that extra payment goes away.
Indiana considers $20 search fee for public record requests
A bill that aims to simplify school management by cutting obsolete or duplicate rules in education could also change how public records are handled by all types of Indiana agencies.
Universities request more funding to keep tuition affordable
A budget proposal before the House would increase higher education funding by 3.5 percent over the next two years, about an additional $45 million, but state universities are asking for more.
Pence picks Statehouse aide as new Indiana GOP chairman
Gov. Mike Pence nominated a top adviser, Jeff Cardwell, to replace Tim Berry, who resigned Thursday without giving a reason.
State’s pensions stung by oil plunge
The drop in oil prices since July left more money in consumer bank accounts, but it was costly to Indiana’s pension funds.
Education roundup: One bill reducing super’s power left
The Senate Education Committee is considering numerous pieces of education-related legislation, including a bill aimed at removing the state superintendent of public instruction as chair of the Indiana State Board of Education.
Committee passes bill to OK online gambling on horse racing
House Bill 1270 would allow horse racing fans to bet on their favorite horses from their personal phones or computers.
School chiefs weigh in on proposed new funding formula
Leaders from some of Indiana's poorest school districts said Tuesday they fear proposed funding cuts they're facing, while those from growing districts are worried proposed increases for them won't be enough.
State rep from Indy apologizes for Weiner-like behavior
Rep. Justin Moed, D-Indianapolis, issued an apology Tuesday for what he calls “poor judgment” following an online report that he sent nude photographs of himself and gifts to a woman tied to a 2013 sexting scandal involving a former New York congressman.
Key lawmakers draw scrutiny for ties to soccer team
House Speaker Brian Bosma and House Ethics Committee Chairman Rep. Greg Steurwald did legal work for the Indy Eleven and owner Ersal Ozdemir's Keystone Construction Corp.
Veteran advocates say issues have been tabled in Legislature
Dozens of proposals have been sidelined, including one that would create a $2 million program to treat those with traumatic brain injuries.
State tax revenue misses expectations again
For the first eight months of fiscal year 2015, Indiana tax revenue is down 1 percent, or about $91 million. Tax receipts have missed expectations in six out of those eight months.
Kenley: Slower-than-expected tax revenue warrants caution
Indiana Senate budget chief Luke Kenley said he might be a bit more restrained with spending in his version of the next two-year budget because the state has not been meeting its revenue projections for the current fiscal year.
Ballard: Polluters dawdling on brownfield cleanup
The owners of more than 20 polluted industrial sites in Indianapolis are hiding behind the legal protections of a state-run voluntary program to delay cleanup, Mayor Greg Ballard alleges in a letter to state regulators.
Analysis: New nursing homes didn’t cause glut
An IBJ analysis of occupancy data from nursing homes built since 2012 and open at least one year found that newer facilities are filling their skilled-nursing beds at a lower rate than established nursing homes statewide.
Senate panel advances bill to ban microbeads
Senate Commerce and Technology Committee members voted 6-0 Thursday to advance the measure that would gradually phase out the sale and production of cosmetics with microbeads. The House unanimously passed the legislation last month.
Senate committee considering teacher tax credit bill
Indiana teachers would get a $200 tax credit to help pay for classroom supplies under legislation considered Wednesday by the Senate Education Committee.
Indiana lawmakers advance rules for e-cigarette liquids
Several owners of vaping-related businesses told Senate committee members it would cost them thousands of dollars to comply with the proposed regulations.