Short session was packed with activity
Indiana lawmakers were only at the Statehouse for 10 weeks, but they debated plenty of topics.
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EDITORIAL: In the pandemic, a history lesson reminds us how far we’ve come
When this time of social and economic uncertainty passes—and it will—let’s rededicate ourselves to the city’s upward trajectory.
Unemployment claims explode in Indiana as businesses retrench during pandemic
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday said the state has received 22,500 unemployment claims in a three-day period this week compared with only 3,100 during the same week a year ago.
Holcomb signs bills related to health care, distracted driving
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed 84 bills on Wednesday, but has not made decisions yet on several pieces of controversial legislation.
Effects of pandemic will slam state, local tax receipts
A former Senate budget writer said the hit to the state budget could be bigger than during the Great Recession, when state revenue dropped 15% over two years.
Coronavirus layoffs spark surge in states’ jobless claims
The growing number of people filing for unemployment checks raises fresh questions about whether states have stockpiled enough money since the last recession to tide over idled workers until the crisis ends.
Holcomb aims to calm Indiana, get Hoosiers behind his plan to fight COVID-19
Under the hot glare of television lights, before dozens of reporters and spectators at the Indiana Statehouse on Monday afternoon, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb began talking of war, combat and a long, hard, struggle ahead.
Indiana school closures remain optional as other states order students home
More than 200 of Indiana’s nearly 300 districts have closed after consultations with local health officials. But, in at least 21 states, officials have ordered closures to try to stop spread of COVID-19.
Ed Feigenbaum: How would General Assembly meet during times of crisis?
It was a fortuitous decision by legislative leaders heading into January to seek adjournment sine die by March 11 or 12.
Holcomb suspends commercial driver rule, acts to help low-income Hoosiers keep services
Holcomb signed an executive order meant to speed up deliveries to retailers, which are running short of supplies, by lifting regulations on the number of hours that commercial drivers can work.
Democratic, Republican chairmen call for more flexibility in primary voting
The party leaders did not suggest any delay in the May 5 primary itself.
Indiana officials say virus cases undercounted because of test shortage
State Health Commissioner Kristina Box said Indiana has more coronavirus cases than the 12 that have been confirmed, but she doesn’t believe the virus has become a widespread problem yet because hospital systems aren’t overwhelmed with cases.
Gov. Holcomb bans gatherings of 250 or more, makes it easier for schools to close
“This is a time when we must do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect our most vulnerable populations and reduce their potential to acquire or spread this virus,” Holcomb said in a statement. “While some actions are drastic, now, not later, is the time to act.”
Democrats raise questions about how Holcomb is handling coronavirus outbreak
Top Democratic lawmakers want Gov. Eric Holcomb to provide more information on what the state is doing to respond to the coronavirus threat, but Republican leaders say they trust the governor to handle the situation appropriately.
Legislation aimed at reducing health care costs passes, but impact could be weak
Despite lengthy debates on reducing health care costs this year, Indiana lawmakers completely eliminated the provision that business leaders said was likely to have the most impact.
Bill that outlined requirement for ousting AG dies in last night of session
Despite a push from Indiana House lawmakers to clarify in state code whether Attorney General Curtis Hill could remain in office if his law license is suspended, state legislators failed to pass a bill before adjourning this year’s session Wednesday night.
Indiana House kills bill that would have jeopardized IndyGo funding
After the Indiana Senate passed a compromise on the IndyGo funding feud Wednesday night, the Indiana House killed the measure by not voting on it before adjourning for the year.
Indiana set to raise smoking age, impose harsher penalties for selling tobacco to minors
The House and Senate on Wednesday both passed Senate Bill 1, which increases the legal tobacco age and doubles the fines stores could face for selling smoking or vaping products to anyone younger than 21.
Legislature passes controversial bill to block new Indy landlord-tenant rules
The provision emerged at the Statehouse last month as a last-minute attempt to block the Indianapolis City-County Council from implementing two ordinances designed to protect tenants from predatory landlords.
Bill to expand panhandling definition passes both chambers
The Indiana House and Senate both passed a measure Tuesday night that would make panhandling illegal within 50 feet of any ATM; entrance or exit of a bank, business or restaurant; public monument; or place where any “financial transaction” occurs.