Indiana House panel endorses ban on drivers using handheld phones
A push to combat distracted driving with a ban on driver using handheld cellphones has cleared its first hurdle toward becoming the law in Indiana.
Indiana House of Representatives
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Bill would give undocumented Hoosiers ‘driving cards’
Under legislation introduced in the Indiana House, “driving cards” and driving card learner’s permits would be available to undocumented immigrants living in Indiana. The cards would be limited only to showing proof of driving qualifications and allowing a holder to obtain insurance.
Bill revamps advisory group for Indiana criminal justice reform
A bill that would remake a key component of Indiana’s criminal code overhaul sailed through the House of Representatives on Tuesday with the author saying the measure will improve the efficiency of “one of the best things” that was included in the reform of the state’s criminal and sentencing statutes.
Rush highlights problem-solving courts, pretrial reform in 2020 State of the Judiciary
The importance of community collaboration in the criminal justice system was the key message of Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush’s 2020 State of the Judiciary address.
Indiana House backs abolishing all township assessor offices
The Indiana House has voted to eliminate the last remaining township assessor offices around the state.
Indiana House backs no test scores in teacher evaluations
Schools would no longer be required to use student standardized test scores in teacher evaluations under a bill approved by the Indiana House.
Muncie mayor’s trial on federal charges delayed until May
A central Indiana mayor’s federal trial on charges of accepting a bribe has been pushed back for several months. Defense attorneys for Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler requested the delay on the trial that had been scheduled to start Jan. 21.
State expecting to bring in more revenue than previously estimated
The state is expecting an additional $531 million in revenue over the next biennium, according to a forecast released Friday. The revenue forecast shared with the State Budget Committee predicted an increase of $239 million and $292 million in 2020 and 2021, respectively, from the previous forecast released in April.
Vaping crisis could be impetus for Legislature to raise smoking age to 21
Time and again, legislation in Indiana to raise the age to possess or purchase tobacco to 21 has failed. But that could be about to change.
Ex-Evansville mayor enters Indiana attorney general race
A former mayor of Evansville is the second Democrat seeking to unseat embattled Republican Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, setting up potential convention fights for the nomination next year in both political parties.
Teacher pay, health care costs to feature in 2020 legislative debate
With the start of the 2020 legislative session about a month away, party leaders are formulating their plans for the short session, with teacher pay continuing to be a point of contention.
Republicans tap deputy speaker to replace departing Bosma
Indiana House Republicans selected Fishers Rep. Todd Huston on Monday as their choice to become speaker-elect and succeed Speaker Brian Bosma after he retires next year.
Huston elected Indiana House speaker successor
Republican legislators have selected State Rep. Todd Huston as their pick to become the next leader of the Indiana House. Huston won Monday’s private vote that was held two weeks after longtime House Speaker Brian Bosma announced he would retire after the 2020 legislative session.
Indiana lawmakers support raising legal age for tobacco use
Indiana lawmakers are voicing support for raising the state’s legal age to buy tobacco and vaping products. Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma said Monday that he supports raising the age from 18 to 21, along with the majority of the House Republican caucus.
Legislator for Greenwood area retiring from Statehouse after more than 30 years
A longtime Republican lawmaker who represents the Greenwood area won’t seek re-election next year. Rep. Woody Burton has served on the House Judiciary Committee along with several other committee assignments.
House Speaker Brian Bosma to retire from Legislature at end of 2020 session
House Speaker Brian Bosma announced Tuesday afternoon he’ll step down at the end of the 2020 legislative session — likely in March — and won’t seek re-election as he takes a new position in Republican politics.
FBI arrests Muncie mayor amid city investigation
A central Indiana mayor has been arrested by FBI agents amid an ongoing federal investigation that’s resulted in the city’s former building commissioner pleading guilty to money laundering and wire fraud. An FBI spokeswoman says Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler was arrested at his home Monday morning and was in custody.
Bosma, Long recall conversations with Hill about sexual misconduct allegations
House Speaker Brian Bosma recalled a May 2018 meeting with then-Senate President Pro Tempore David Long. In Long’s office, Bosma said he had something to tell him. Long stopped him – “Is it Curtis Hill?” Both Bosma and Long testified Tuesday afternoon in Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill’s disciplinary hearing.
School district sues Indiana over building transfer for $1
West Lafayette Community School Corp. is suing the state to protect a vacant elementary school building from being sold or leased to a charter school for $1. Charter schools can lease or buy the building for $1 if a school building is unused for two years. But the Department of Education must know beforehand, according to a 2011 law.
Study committee begins summer review of criminal justice reform initiatives
As criminal justice reform efforts continue across the state, members of the Indiana General Assembly are meeting this summer to discuss issues related to pre-trial release, indigency and sentencing, among others.