FEIGENBAUM: Legislative battles looming over religious expression
Republican leaders haven’t put religious expression measures on their agenda for the session, but they aren’t inclined to stand in the way.
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Senators weigh in on utility territory disputes
The Senate Utilities Committee on Thursday passed a bill that shifts leverage to Indiana’s largest utilities and electric cooperatives in their struggle to keep municipal-owned utilities from taking valuable territory.
Tax ‘simplification’ bill raises numerous questions
Indiana lawmakers are considering legislation that would eliminate $21 million in annual tax cuts for businesses and individuals, bolster a break for the working poor, and expand a sales tax exemption for businesses.
Lawmakers consider national test to replace ISTEP
Senate Bill 566, authored by Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, and Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Bremen, would halt an effort to create a new ISTEP, instead directing the state to use a national test beginning in the 2016-17 school year.
Court costs could increase to pay for more technology
Court fees to pay for new technology would rise at least 80 percent if legislation passed by the Indiana House Courts and Criminal Code Committee on Wednesday becomes law.
Indiana launches website to entice international companies
A multi-language website has been launched to provide a resource to international businesses considering investment or job creation in Indiana.
Bill requiring insurance for shared ride services passes House
A bill that would make insurance coverage mandatory for passengers who use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft passed the Indiana House on Tuesday and moved to the full Senate.
House panel passes bill adding oversight to state agencies
State government agencies could face greater scrutiny when proposing new regulations under a measure an Indiana House committee approved Tuesday.
Indiana House backs new ethics rules for state legislators
Major changes in the code include instructions that House members should avoid the appearance of impropriety. It also directs members to not carry out any public or private advocacy on issues in which they have a personal financial interest.
Senate backs religion-based hiring by contractors
Religious institutions that receive state and local government contracts would be allowed to make hiring decisions based upon religion under a bill approved by the Indiana Senate.
Statehouse roundup: Bills tackle audits, religious hiring, massage therapy, divorce waiting times
Lawmakers on Monday advanced or considered legislation regarding religious hiring decisions, massage therapy, divorce waiting times, audit frequency, death benefits for EMS workers and how to treat school board members convicted of felonies.
Senate panel delays bill targeting livestock farm limits
Indiana lawmakers on Monday chose to hold off on a bill that would limit local governments' control over large livestock farms and instead replaced it with a proposal for further research.
Bill would treat massage therapists as health care providers
A bill that would impose stricter regulations on massage therapists passed the Indiana House Public Health Committee on Monday.
Pence changes gears at BMV amid another $2M in overcharges
Gov. Mike Pence is launching an internal audit and has installed a new commissioner to oversee the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Another $2 million in motorist overcharges came to light Monday.
Telecom firms fight over bill altering state powers
Opponents of the bill say it would give big companies more leverage in negotiating connection agreements with smaller firms. Supporters say it just reduces redundancy in laws already on the books.
Republicans marching toward curbs on Ritz’s authority
Glenda Ritz's supporters protest that Republicans are disenfranchising a state electorate that gave Ritz 57,000 more votes than GOP Gov. Mike Pence received in the same election.
State’s GOP House members poised to vote to repeal Obamacare
The seven lawmakers are trying to undo the same law that gave Indiana Gov. Mike Pence a huge political victory just days ago, when he won federal approval to expand health coverage to uninsured Hoosiers.
Legislators look at cutting college tax credit, other breaks
One of the 29 tax breaks targeted for elimination allows up to a $200 credit for contributions to Indiana universities or colleges.
Indianapolis-Chicago Amtrak service extended to April
State officials say a 60-day extension for the Amtrak line allows time for them to complete negotiations to keep it running long-term.
Hotly debated bill to regulate e-cigarette liquid advances
A large group came to protest Senate Bill 539, authored by Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Middlebury, which would establish regulations on e-liquid – the fluid used in electronic cigarettes.