Legislative roundup: Here’s what IBJ is tracking as session picks back up
From utility rates to tenderloin sandwiches, here are some bills IBJ is following this legislative session.
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Bill from Indianapolis Republican seeks to ban lobbyists for public schools, universities
Rep. Andrew Ireland said he authored the bill because he’s concerned about school districts hiring lobbyists with money that could be going toward the classroom.
Indiana House Republicans count affordability in utilities, housing among legislative priorities
House Republicans are emphasizing affordability through deregulation in their legislative priorities. The measures center on local zoning laws for housing, new methods of utility ratemaking and cutting down on code in education.
Indiana wins national drone test site designation
Sen. Todd Young said the site will mean more training opportunities for the Indiana National Guard and other military who come here to train, plus spillover economic benefits to communities that host them.
Indiana House speaker ready to talk Chicago Bears, but not MLS, in 2026 session
House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, on Thursday told reporters that discussions involving the Bears need to happen quickly, after the team just last month publicly announced it was expanding its search for a stadium to Indiana.
Legislation seeks to close ‘loopholes’ in E-Verify requirements for public contractors
Public work project contracts entered into or renewed after June 30 would have to include a provision requiring the primary contractor and all tiers of subcontractors to enroll in E-Verify.
Redistricting foe Sen. Greg Walker changes mind, says he’ll seek reelection
Walker was a vocal Republican critic of the redistricting plan pushed by President Donald Trump—and was one of several lawmakers who faced swatting or other intimidation tactics ahead of the Senate’s vote last month against redrawing the congressional maps.
Citing mental health impacts, Indiana legislators seek to limit social media use by children
Separate proposals would also restrict phones in schools and allow parents to set stronger filters on school-issued devices.
Hogsett optimistic on pro soccer in Indy, but legislative leader says plans ‘not feasible’ so far
While Mayor Joe Hogsett remains optimistic at the prospect of bringing a professional soccer team to Indy, Senate Appropriations Committee chair Ryan Mishler told IBJ he’s less certain of a team’s long-term viability.
Trump officials loosening strings on federal education money for conservative states
Education Secretary Linda McMahon approved Iowa’s plan Wednesday. Indiana and Kansas have also applied to be exempted from certain parts of federal education law, and leaders of other states have expressed interest.
Indiana lawmakers consider anti-doxing bill following redistricting bomb, swatting threats
Indiana lawmakers hope to crack down on doxing after more than a dozen of their own became victims of threats amid a turbulent but unsuccessful redistricting campaign.
Indiana online lottery bill advances as ban eyed on other internet gambling
The House Public Policy Committee endorsed a bill on Tuesday allowing online lottery sales, a move sought for years by state lottery officials as a way to boost revenue.
Municipal groups welcome newly filed bills to adjust local income tax structures
After months of asking for relief from the new tax structure imposed by the General Assembly in 2025, local units of government could see some relief under proposed changes to the state’s income tax code this session.
Partnership between public affairs firms highlights growing Indiana-Ireland bond
A former Hoosier lawmaker and a former Irish government minister are linking their firms as Indiana’s ties to Ireland grow.
Senator seeks more policing, criminal prosecution from state in downtown Indianapolis
State Sen. Michael Young has introduced legislation that could lead to a state takeover of policing and criminal prosecution in downtown Indianapolis.
From cellphones to STEM: Education issues to watch in Indiana’s 2026 session
Multiple education bills have already moved, and one—a cellphone crackdown proposal—was heard in the Senate education committee in early December.
Gov. Mike Braun reinstates workforce development board previously dissolved by Legislature
The Governor’s Office said Tuesday that the new board will act as “a central coordinating body to align employers, education and training providers, and state agencies around measurable workforce outcomes.”
Without pennies, should retailers round up or down? States offer their 2 cents.
While the question revolves around only a few cents per transaction, it raises important consumer protection and legal questions for states to consider.
Trump rural health grants come with clawback threat to states
Indiana was awarded $206.9 million for fiscal 2026 from the rural health care fund. States will be forced to undergo a re-scoring process every year with the Office of Rural Health Transformation.
The last holdout: Why Vernon is Indiana’s only town still governed by an 1851 charter
The charter serves as a local constitution, spelling out everything from elections and offices to fines, taxes and the powers of town leaders.