Lawmakers lay groundwork for electric-vehicle infrastructure
House Bill 1221 outlines parameters for utility regulators to use when considering utilities’ proposals for constructing charging stations and setting consumer rates for their use.
State Government
Articles
Legislation attempts to ban sale of ‘weed light’ in Indiana
Delta-8 THC, called “weed light” by some, essentially gives a weaker high than marijuana. A derivative of the compound has been selling briskly at hemp and CBD shops around the state in the form of gummies, candy and wax concentrate, thanks to a legal gray area in current state and federal law.
McGuinness stepping down as chief of Indiana Department of Transportation
Mike Smith, deputy commissioner and chief financial officer for INDOT, will succeed Joe McGuinness.
Crackdown on incentives proposed after Indiana virtual school controversy
Indiana lawmakers want to tighten restrictions on schools offering incentives to attract students, after an unusual virtual program advertised a $1,700 stipend for school supplies, music lessons and Netflix subscriptions.
Huston exits College Board job as controversy brews over education bill
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston said he left the job to focus on his responsibilities at the Legislature. His office said his departure was unrelated to pending legislation.
IBJ Podcast: Is nuclear power headed to Indiana?
IBJ reporter John Russell joins the podcast to talk about why the Indiana Legislature is consider a proposal that could help clear a path for smaller, modular nuclear reactors to be located in Indiana.
Nuclear power could get a second chance in Indiana
Some once-leery states, including Indiana, are taking a new look at nuclear power as a way to preserve jobs and help decarbonize the electric grid.
Educated workforce, clean energy, hefty incentives keys to megadeals
Despite Indiana’s economic development successes, industry experts say the state must do more to attract multibillion-dollar megadeals like ones other states have recently landed.
‘Innovation districts’ could attract high-tech projects
Senate Bill 361 would make it possible for the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to create districts across the state to capture sites for large-scale economic development projects.
House, Senate remain at odds over tax, vaccine legislation at session’s halfway point
Lawmakers are also debating bills about teaching race and gender issues in schools, energy issues and economic development incentives.
Holcomb extends state’s COVID-19 emergency amid debate
It’s the 23rd monthlong extension that Holcomb has issued for the public health emergency, which has been a persistent target of criticism among conservative state legislators.
Indiana House backs bill tightening mail-in voting rules
The Republican-backed proposal would require voters who request mail-in ballots to swear under possible penalty of perjury that they won’t be able to vote in person at any time before Election Day.
State commerce chief wants to draw more high-paying jobs
IBJ asked Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers to explain how the Indiana Economic Development Corp. will implement his themes of Environment, Economy of the Future, Entrepreneurship, Energy and External Engagement.
Bid fund could strengthen Indiana’s hand in securing events
The Legislature is considering a bill that could give tourism groups statewide another tool in trying to lure dozens of additional events every year.
GOP Indiana legislator quits to focus on congressional race
A campaign spokesman confirmed Sen. Erin Houchin of Salem was stepping down to focus on her bid for the GOP nomination in the May 3 primary to replace Rep. Trey Hollingsworth, who isn’t seeking reelection this year.
Legislation aims to force two Indy adult boutiques to relocate
Two adult boutiques that faced community backlash and legal battles with the city of Indianapolis have prompted state lawmakers to propose legislation that would create statewide restrictions on where sexually-oriented businesses can locate.
Ban on transgender athletes advances in Indiana Legislature
The bill would prohibit students who were born male but identify as female from participating in a sport or on an athletic team that is designated for women or girls.
Indiana Senate backs narrow bill to end health emergency
The Indiana Senate has approved a bill taking administrative steps that Gov. Eric Holcomb has said are needed in order for him to end the statewide COVID-19 public health emergency.
Bill would give Beech Grove, Lawrence, Southport and Speedway more say in development
Sen. R. Michael Young, R-Indianapolis, is pushing a bill that would require the Metropolitan Development Commission to notify Marion County’s independent cities and towns before it considers tax abatements for development projects in each city.
Crime bill package passes Indiana Senate
A package of five bills focused on reducing violent crime, particularly in Marion County, all will move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration.