Indiana House OKs smoking ban with bars exempted
The Republican-led House voted 68-31 Monday to approve the bill, which now moves to the GOP-controlled Senate for consideration.
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General Assembly working fast on unemployment fund
Indiana lawmakers are working quickly to help fix the state's bankrupt unemployment insurance system in enough time to give businesses a tax break.
English-language bill advancing despite questions
An Indiana proposal to require that state documents be issued only in English is raising philosophical and practical questions from lawmakers trying to navigate the tricky territory of immigration politics.
Loopholes give smoking ban bill a better chance
A proposed statewide smoking ban now has so many exemptions that health advocates say it nearly loses its meaning.
Utility lawyers question coal-gas plant timetable
Several attorneys have questioned a timetable for the approval of a coal-gasification plant in southwestern Indiana, saying it leaves too little time for public input.
Judges to hear challenge to state’s alcohol permit process
A panel of Indiana Court of Appeals judges on Monday will consider a complaint from the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, which insists too many competing drugstores are receiving beer permits.
Charter school’s nimble approach could become the norm
Indianapolis Metropolitan High School implemented a school-wide overhaul in its educational approach in only three months. The charter school might be the face of the future for all Indiana public schools.
Measure would allow photo radar cameras in school and construction zones
Legislature considering use of same technology used to nab those who disregard traffic signals.
Bill would force owners of electric cars to pay fee
Special charge would help offset lost gas-tax revenue.
FEIGENBAUM: Lawmakers wrestle with when and how to regulate
What may be appropriate regulatory reform to one person or industry may be anathema to another.
Measure would let utilities use formula to set rates
Some utility consumer groups and large customers are fighting a proposed Indiana law that would allow power, gas and water companies to have their rates set annually by a formula rather than by state regulators.
Senate to consider ban of texting while driving
Previous attempts to ban texting while driving have cleared the House but met resistance from conservative leaders in the Senate. It will get a hearing this year, Sen. David Long said.
New Fort Wayne-Lafayette highway could be done early
Indiana highway officials say construction of the $500 million Hoosier-Heartland Corridor connecting Fort Wayne and Lafayette is ahead of schedule and under budget.
Bill would allow state takeover of troubled cities
Local governments in Indiana could ask for a state takeover to fix financial troubles instead of declaring bankruptcy under a bill advancing in the Legislature.
Scholarship bill raises questions about minors on campus
As Indiana lawmakers ponder a bill that would give high school students an incentive to graduate early, state university leaders are bracing for the possible impact—an influx of minors onto their campuses.
Bill advances to set 40 as Indiana’s alcohol ID age
The bill would change a much-ridiculed law that took effect last summer requiring everyone — regardless of age — to be carded for carryout alcohol.
State senator: Should Indiana legalize marijuana?
Sen. Karen Tallian, D- Portage, is sponsoring a bill that would direct the criminal law and sentencing study committee to examine Indiana's marijuana laws next summer and come up with recommendations.
Illinois governor responds as states try to poach jobs
Gov. Pat Quinn has a message for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and officials from other states trying to lure jobs from Illinois: Back off.
Indiana House OKs bill to ban texting while driving
Indiana drivers would not be allowed to send or read text messages on mobile phones under legislation that cleared the Indiana House on Tuesday.
House panel backs cuts to jobless benefits
An Indiana House committee split along party lines to approve a bill that would cut jobless benefits for some people starting next year as the state tries to fix its insolvent unemployment insurance system.