Bills aimed at increasing police accountability and ensuring Indiana’s public schools receive full funding for all students during the coronavirus pandemic were among 19 measures signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday.
The move comes as the state gets a larger allotment of doses from the federal government and seeks to expand vaccination sites beyond hospitals, pharmacies and health centers.
The final version of House Bill 1123, which would create what would be called an “emergency session,” could pass out of both chambers as early as Thursday.
The Indiana Senate has passed legislation that would give lawmakers the power to convene at any time during a statewide public emergency and more oversight over federal stimulus dollars.
Senate Bill 245 would double the prize limits for certain pull-tab games and allow the 1,242 bars and taverns with Type II gaming licenses to offer sports-themed pull-tab games and tip boards.
The state’s unemployment rate has been doggedly retracing its steps over the last year from its latest spike, falling from 16.9% in April to 4% in February.
A day after the governor announced plans to relax precautions meant to stem COVID-19 spread, the state’s top health official cautioned Hoosiers that it’s still too early to return to “normal” life.
In a statewide address Tuesday evening, Gov. Eric Holcomb said he will also let statewide capacity restrictions expire.
In addition to giving taxpayers more time to file their state taxes, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s executive order also extends the temporary licensing of health care workers.
The legislation, authored by Rep. Shane Lindauer, R-Jasper, would provide grants of $10,000 per month, with a maximum award amount of $50,000.
The fine represents the third time since 2017 that NIPSCO has received a substantial fine for similar violations. The money the utility will pay for the fine will go into Indiana’s general fund.
The Indiana House on Thursday voted 83-6 to approve Senate Bill 385, which adds two years to a 2019 bill that had called for a new special tax district—known as a professional sports development area, or PSDA—to be established in Marion County by mid-2022.
Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration oversaw and directed the spending of the $2.4 billion CARES Act money Indiana received last year, but this time around, it seems more likely that state lawmakers will be involved in spending decisions.
The attorneys general list over a dozen instances of states currently considering new tax credits or cuts that they believe could be jeopardized simply because of the relief funds.
The bill redefines what constitutes a “virtual student” and ensures schools receive full funding for all students, regardless of whether they are receiving instruction virtually or in the classroom due to the coronavirus pandemic.
House Bill 1006, which would largely ban the use of chokeholds, penalize police officers for intentionally turning off body and vehicle cameras, and make it easier for the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board to decertify bad-acting officers.
Manufacturers and trucking groups are supportive of the legislation, but opponents, including law enforcement agencies, have raised concerns about possible damage to state infrastructure and safety on the roads.
The task force would expand on a partnership between the Fishers Police Department and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that officials say has already helped reduce crime in the area.
Sullivan will replace outgoing Secretary of State Connie Lawson, who announced in February that she would be retiring after 32 years in public service.
Gov. Eric Holcomb is not having much luck getting what he wants from the General Assembly this year, even though both chambers are overwhelmingly dominated by his Republican Party.
