Panel OKs bill linking student tests, teacher pay
Teacher pay would be linked to student performance under a merit pay bill that has cleared an Indiana House committee.
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Indiana panel OKs criminal checks on medical workers
Physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, pharmacists and other medical workers would have to undergo a criminal background check when applying for a new state license under a bill approved Tuesday by an Indiana House committee.
Senate OKs plan aimed at expanding charter schools
The Indiana Senate has approved Gov. Mitch Daniels' proposal aimed at expanding charter schools, marking the first piece of the governor's sweeping education agenda to clear both the House and Senate.
Daniels’ plan on sentencing changes appears dead
Daniels had made revamping of the criminal sentencing laws one of his top priorities for this year's legislative session, but lawmakers handling the bill said Tuesday they hadn't been able to reach a compromise and didn't expect more action before the General Assembly's April 29 adjournment deadline.
Gun bill advances without exemption for Indy venues
The Capital Improvement Board, which runs the Indiana Convention Center and the city’s professional sports venues, had hoped to get an exemption to Senate Bill 292, which pre-empts local governments from creating their own rules about where people can carry guns.
Proposal aims to keep students from inadequate teachers
Indiana students wouldn't be stuck with poor-performing teachers for two years in a row under changes House lawmakers are considering to a bill requiring annual teacher evaluations.
Indiana redistricting plan appears to benefit GOP
Republicans who control the Indiana General Assembly on Monday released proposed new maps for the state's nine congressional and 150 legislative districts, which seem to point toward solidifying GOP gains in the Statehouse.
Indiana retailers press for online state sales tax
Indiana's retail lobby urged state lawmakers Monday to pass an online sales tax provision that they said would level the playing field for businesses in the state and raise hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
Plan shifts Indiana GOP areas to Donnelly’s district
The Senate Election Committee on Monday released proposed new district maps for Indiana's nine congressional and 50 state Senate districts.
Parties near deal for hospital tax
Officials from Indiana Medicaid and a hospital trade group are trying to craft a deal that would create a tax on hospitals that would help attract more federal funds for hospitals—thereby offsetting looming cuts in state payments.
Indiana lawmakers to consider big education proposals
A House committee is expected to consider Daniels' proposal for teacher merit pay on Monday, and a Senate committee could vote on the Republican governor's controversial plan for private school vouchers on Wednesday.
Indiana Democrat fighting fines for walkout
Democrats who boycotted the Indiana House for five weeks are receiving smaller stipends because fines incurred during their walkout are being deducted from their checks, but at least one Democrat is fighting the process.
Indiana March revenues come in more than expected
The state took in $977.2 million in March, up $69 million, or 8 percent, from the same month a year ago.
Judge sends election dispute back to recount panel
A judge ruled Thursday that Democrats may have a valid argument in challenging whether Republican Secretary of State Charlie White should be kicked out of office, but said the issue should be decided by a state election recount commission.
Indiana House speaker questions immigration crackdown
Indiana's Republican House speaker said Thursday he had concerns about aspects of a proposal calling for an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigration moving through the Legislature.
Lawmakers still at odds over alcohol ID age requirement
Indiana legislators are disagreeing about how old someone should look before they have to provide identification when buying alcohol.
Judge hears arguments in White election challenge
Attorneys for Democrats and Republican Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White accused each other's clients of political manipulation during a Wednesday hearing.
Indiana Senate panel votes down proposed smoking ban
The Senate Public Policy Committee voted 8-1 Wednesday against the bill that had exemptions for casinos, bars, fraternal clubs, smoke shops and nursing homes.
Tax caps lead to painful budget cuts in some counties
Indiana homeowners and businesses have seen their tax bills cut by more than $655 million since the General Assembly approved property tax caps in 2008. But the savings have been tough for some local governments.
Judge to hear argument in White election challenge
A Marion County judge is set on Wednesday to weigh whether Republican Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White is legally qualified to serve in the office to which he was elected in November.