Police reform bill unanimously endorsed by Senate committee
The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved a bill that would mandate law enforcement officers to take de-escalation training and implement other reform measures. House Bill 1006 passed by an 8-0 vote, reflecting its widespread bipartisan su “...”
Civics education bill clears Senate committee, is eligible for final vote
UPDATE: The Senate Education Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved House Bill 1384, which would require that civics education become a required class in Indiana middle schools. The vote by the committee, chaired by Sen. Jeff Raatz (above), R-Richmond, was 13-0. The committe “...”
Second ICRC meeting focuses on far-flung 5th Congressional District
The second virtual public hearing of the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission focused Wednesday evening on the state’s 5th Congressional District, a mix of rural, urban and suburban with communities and interests so diverse that some participants questioned how they al “...”
Senate committee begins review of civics education bill
UPDATE: The Indiana Senate on Wednesday began its review of a House-passed bill to require that civics education become a required class in middle schools. The Senate Education Committee chaired by Sen. Jeff Raatz (above), R-Richmond, heard about an hour of testimony on House Bil “...”
Black Legislative Caucus hosts Call to Action days
After some of its members became the targets of booing, jeering and altercations in the House session on Feb. 18, the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus is hosting call-to-action days at the Statehouse. The IBLC hopes those who were involved with the heckling and ignoring of Black “...”
First ICRC meeting centers on Marion County district lines
In its first public hearing on how best to redraw congressional and legislative district lines, the newly formed Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission heard Wednesday evening from a succession of Marion County residents who, in the words of one, “want to vote with peopl “...”
House passes constitutional carry; bill awaits Senate review
Update: A bill that would repeal Indiana’s requirement for a license to carry a handgun passed the Indiana House Feb. 22. Authored by Rep. Ben Smaltz (above), R-Auburn, HB 1369 was advanced to the Senate in a 65-31 vote. Before the vote, legislators spoke in support of and in o “...”
Budget bill passes House amid debate over education priorities
A Republican-authored proposal for a two-year, $36 million state budget is on its way to the Indiana Senate. House Bill 1001, authored by House Ways and Means Chairman Timothy Brown (above), R-Crawfordsville, passed the House Monday evening in a 65-30 vote. “Let us have a vis “...”
Senate passes bill giving legislature sole authority to reschedule elections, expand absentee voting
UPDATE: A bill to prohibit the Indiana Election Commission and the governor from altering the times and dates of elections passed the Senate Monday. Senate Bill 353, authored by Senator Erin Houchin (above), R-Salem, advanced to the House in a 34-15 vote. It would give only the “...”
IndyGo transit system sees future threatened in Senate
A bill that would limit funding for Indianapolis’ IndyGo transit system passed a Senate committee Thursday and will now go to the full Senate for further consideration. Senate Bill 141 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee in a 7-5 vote. The vote was originally tied, 6-6, “...”