Indiana lawmakers could end school takeovers for test performance
A proposal winning early support in the House would eliminate many of the consequences for poor test performance that typically loom over Indiana public schools.
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Indiana Senate votes to override Holcomb’s veto of landlord-tenant bill
If it becomes law, Senate Enrolled Act 148 would prevent all local governments from regulating any aspect of landlord-tenant relationships and would block tenant protections that the city of Indianapolis had put in place last spring.
Project to place overdose antidote kits in every Indiana county
Overdose Lifeline intends to purchase and place 215 NaloxBox units across the state. The $58,000 cost of the NaloxBox units and shipping will be paid for through a federal grant to the state.
Indiana lawmakers propose using cigarette tax for Medicaid
A House committee made significant changes Thursday to the way Indiana would spend proceeds from a proposal to hike the state’s cigarette tax for the first time in more than a decade and impose a new state tax on vaping liquids.
State lawmakers consider new emergency session rules
The House Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee on Thursday amended a bill to create what would be called an “emergency session,” which would allow lawmakers to convene at any time during a statewide emergency.
Indiana holding firm to vaccination by age group, not occupation
Pressure has been mounting to offer vaccines to teachers and other essential workers, but the state has been offering vaccines to people by age group, in descending order, with the goal of vaccinating the most elderly and vulnerable first.
Indiana officials plan to send more masks to schools, businesses
On Wednesday, Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box announced that the state would be opening a portal for “critical infrastructure businesses” to request masks and hand sanitizer, and also would be shipping more supplies to schools.
Indiana to air commercial during Super Bowl to promote COVID-19 vaccine
The TV spot, which will be broadcast in six markets throughout the state, will feature the family of an Indiana athletic director who died of COVID-19.
Indiana lawmakers consider grant program to attract remote workers
House Bill 1416 would establish a remote worker grant program that would offer out-of-state individuals as much as $8,500 to relocate to Indiana.
Lawmakers consider eliminating requirement to publish public notices in newspapers
House Bill 1498 would allow local governments and other public bodies, such as school boards, airport authorities and local commissions, to publish legal notices online instead of in local newspapers, which is currently required by law.
Indiana Senate backs bill to ban renaming of Indianapolis
A proposal to ban Indianapolis and more than 100 other Indiana cities from ever changing their names has been approved by the state Senate.
Indiana House approves COVID-19 liability protection bill
The House voted 76-20 to approve the bill on Monday. Two Republicans—Reps. John Jacob of Indianapolis and Curt Nisly of Milford—joined 18 Democrats in voting against it.
Indiana Senate approves bill to deregulate wetlands
Wetlands would still be regulated by the federal government under the Clean Water Act, but that oversight would only apply to about 20% of the remaining wetlands.
Indiana lawmakers discuss doubling cigarette tax rate
House Bill 1485, authored by Republican Rep. Julie Olthoff of Hebron, would increase the cigarette tax by $1 per pack and tax e-cigarettes and e-liquids.
Legislation seeks to keep pregnant women on the job
Gov. Eric Holcomb and a group of lawmakers and family advocates are pushing for legislation that would require companies to offer more breaks or modify schedules and tasks for pregnant women—if they need them.
Lesley Weidenbener: Legislative efforts to strip power from governor could mean headaches for lawmakers
Lawmakers seeking to curb gubernatorial power in emergencies might want to think twice about whether they are prepared for the aftermath.
Census delay points to special session for Indiana lawmakers
State lawmakers face the once-a-decade task of drawing new districts for congressional seats, along with the 100 Indiana House and 50 state Senate districts, based on population shifts.
Senate committee advances bill to give Indy Eleven more time on stadium project
Senate Bill 385, authored by Republican Sen. Jack Sandlin of Indianapolis, would add two years to a 2019 bill that had called for a new special tax district—known as a professional sports development area—to be established in Marion County by mid-2022.
House committee advances bills to create small business, learning loss grant programs
The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday unanimously voted to approve pandemic-related bills that would allocate $30 million to help small businesses and $150 million to help students struggling from learning loss.
State lawmakers add $70M to bill to upgrade police training academy
The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday amended House Bill 1006 to add the funding to the legislation before unanimously voting to send it to the full House for consideration.