Additional options for spending work-based learning funds approved by Indiana lawmakers
The final draft allows students to use up to $625 from annual CSA grants to pay for training for a driver’s license with an employer match.
State Government
Articles
Here are the education bills approved by the 2024 Indiana legislature
Stricter rules on school attendance, reading proficiency, and cellphone use in the classroom will affect Indiana students and schools beginning next year under legislation passed in the General Assembly’s 2024 session.
Indiana lawmakers pass bill defining antisemitism, with compromises
The final version accepted by both the House and Senate chambers made concessions in language that was opposed by critics of Israel.
Indiana lawmakers pass bill without controversial ‘forever chemicals’ definition
Proponents of the PFAS proposal, which included many in the chemical manufacturing industry, said the definition change is needed to preserve uses of PFAS in “essential” items like lithium batteries, laptop computers, semiconductors, pacemakers and defibrillators.
Fund helps Hoosier employers expand child care options for employees
More employers are taking it upon themselves to help workers find child care, a costly service that can be elusive for working Hoosier parents. A new state fund might be able to help.
Editorial: Stripping access counselor’s authority harms public as well as press
The public access counselor’s goal is to make sure government is open to its constituents—the people who pay for it to exist and the people it’s set up to serve.
Legislature sends new rules for Indy downtown tax district to governor
The bill, now headed to Gov. Eric Holcomb for consideration, would let some property owners opt out of paying the tax and cap the revenue but let the city expand the district.
Indiana legislators send bill addressing child care costs to governor
Indiana is among a growing number of Republican-led states proposing legislative solutions to tackle the availability and affordability of child care.
Controversial ‘forever chemicals’ legislation could be resurrected in Indiana
Abandoned by the Senate Environmental Affairs Committee earlier this session, language that would change the definition of toxic PFAS chemicals could be inserted into another bill.
Contentious antisemitism bill passes Indiana Senate, heads for further negotiations in House
In contention has been a definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which was included in the original version of House Bill 1002 but removed by the Senate education committee last month.
Indiana lawmakers aim to adjourn session early. Here’s what’s left.
Indiana lawmakers are making good on their promise to keep this year’s legislative session short, with leaders saying they plan to wrap by the end of this week.
Senate moves foreign ownership of farmland bill over economic development concerns
Senate sponsors on Monday pushed back against exemptions for a specific agricultural project in northern Indiana, noting that 11 Chinese companies are currently seeking projects within Indiana.
Holcomb signs controversial bill that ends local bans on retail pet sales
The law overturns 21 ordinances passed by local governments, including Indianapolis, Carmel and Bloomington, that banned pet stores from selling puppies from breeding operations. The local measures were designed with the intent of limiting puppy mills.
Lawmakers enter last week of session with some issues still hanging
Indiana’s lawmakers have just days to finalize legislation in key areas like health and education—from literacy and antisemitism to ambulances and a Medicaid shortfall.
State’s effort to attract data centers starting to pay off
At least seven projects have been announced around since the Legislature in 2019 passed an economic development aimed specifically at data centers, which house computers, servers, and related hardware and equipment.
Editorial: Retention isn’t ideal, but it’s a tool to attack reading problem
State data shows that nearly 1 in 5 third-graders doesn’t pass the state’s reading exam.
Indiana Senate approves child care proposal as House punts on health care merger oversight
Senate Republicans on Monday pushed the Legislature’s latest effort to improve child care access for Hoosier families closer to the finish line. But Democrats say the bill loosens regulations for providers and could put children at risk.
Bills, bills, bills. What could still pass—and what might die—in Indiana’s 2024 session
Among the measures awaiting further action are those dealing with property taxes, 13th checks, foreign ownership of agricultural land, limits to the governor’s executive powers and expanded firearm carry rights in the state capitol complex.
Lawmakers likely to study state takeover of Washington, Meridian streets in Indianapolis
The discussion comes amid a debate over plans by IndyGo—the city’s public transportation agency—to create bus-only lanes on Washington Street (previously U.S. 40) as part of its planned Blue Line rapid-transit service.
Indiana lawmakers vote to lift state ban on happy hours
State Sen. Kyle Walker, the bill’s sponsor, told lawmakers Tuesday that the tourism and restaurant industries want the legislation in order to attract more patrons and increase food sales.