Governor Holcomb: Schools to Close until May 1, Economy and Unemployment Information Changes

Governor Eric Holcomb announced Thursday afternoon that all K-12 public schools will remain closed until May 1.  Additionally, all state-mandated assessments will be canceled for the current academic year.

Other changes include the announcement that state income tax payments are delayed from April 15 to July 15.  The U.S. Treasury extended the deadline to pay federal income tax by 90 days.  Penalties will be waived for 60 days for property tax paid after May 11.  The state will work with counties that may experience cash flow stress because of the delay.

Providers of essential utility services such as gas and electric, broadband, telecom, water and wastewater services are prohibited from discontinuing service to any customer during this public health emergency.

The State will interpret Indiana’s unemployment laws to the broadest extent possible to cover residents who are out of work because of COVID-19.  Job search requirements are waived for those applying for TANF benefits.

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will limit the number of in-branch transactions, late fees will be waived for several driver’s licenses and identifications card renewals, vehicle registrations, titles, and certain other transactions. 

Holcomb also adds that the Commissioners of the State Department of Insurance will request that insurers institute a 60-day moratorium on policy cancellations for non-payment of premiums. Health insurers will be asked to cover COVID-19 testing without requiring prior authorization and costs will not increase to cover that testing. 

Requirements have been relaxed for veterans to qualify for awards from the Military Family Relief Fund.