The Indiana House of Representatives advanced Republican State Representative Kendell Culp’s legislation, which he said supports and protects Hoosier teenagers who want hands-on experience in the workplace.
Continue readingGovernor Responds to Last Week’s House Debate over John Glenn School Annexation Bill
Last week’s heated debate over a bill that would let the John Glenn School Corporation try to annex territory from the South Bend Community School Corporation that began in Indiana House of Representatives and spilled out into the hallway has drawn a response from Governor Holcomb.
Continue readingGovernor Monitoring Wind, Solar Legislation Moving through General Assembly
A bill that would shift control of wind and solar farm development from counties to the state continues to move forward in the Indiana General Assembly. House Bill 1381 passed out of the House Wednesday by a vote of 58-to-38. It now goes to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.
Continue readingBill to Help Fund Pulaski County Courthouse Renovations Heads to Governor
A bill that would give Pulaski County a funding option for the renovation of the courthouse and expansion of the Justice Center now heads to the governor for final approval. The Indiana Senate passed House Bill 1052 on third reading Tuesday by a vote of 41-to-nine.
Continue readingBill Outlining Rights of Full-Time Firefighters Heads to Indiana Senate
A bill that aims to strengthen the rights of professional firefighters was advanced Monday by the Indiana House of Representatives. House Bill 1015 would extend to full-time firefighters the same protections that the General Assembly put in place for police officers last year, according to the bill’s author, Representative Jim Pressel.
Continue readingBill to Help Fund Pulaski County Courthouse Renovations Heads to Senate
A bill that would raise funds for the renovation of the Pulaski County Courthouse and the expansion of the Justice Center now heads to the Indiana Senate. The House of Representatives Thursday passed House Bill 1052 by a vote of 88 to four.
Continue readingBill to Study Elimination of License Plate Stickers Heads to Indiana Senate
License plate stickers may soon be a thing of the past, under a bill advanced Tuesday by the Indiana House of Representatives. The bill’s author, Representative Doug Gutwein, says the state spends over $6 million a year to make and send out the decals but only collected $450,000 last year in fines for expired plates.
Continue readingKankakee River Basin Commission Restructuring Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature
A bill to restructure the Kankakee River Basin Commission is headed to the governor for final approval. House Enrolled Act 1270 would cut the number of members from 24 down to nine, but it would also impose a funding mechanism to pay for the new entity.
Continue readingProposed Updates to Voting Machine Standards Could Impact Pulaski County Election Board’s Budget
Adding a “voter verifiable paper audit trail” to Pulaski County’s voting machines could cost $45,000, according to Clerk JoLynn Behny. She discussed Indiana Senate Bill 570 with the rest of the county election board Thursday.
Continue readingBill to Reduce Size of Kankakee River Basin Commission Advances to State Senate
A bill to restructure the Kankakee River Basin Commission is advancing in the Indiana General Assembly. House Bill 1270 authored by State Representative Doug Gutwein of Francesville would cut the number of members from 24 down to nine.
Continue readingTownship Consolidation Bill Advanced by House Committee, Local Officials Express Concerns
A bill that aims to reduce the number of townships in the state will soon be considered by the full Indiana House of Representatives. Under House Bill 1005, townships with a population of less than 1,200 would be required to merge with other townships by 2023. That would impact townships in Marshall, Starke, and Pulaski counties.
Pressel, Indiana House Republicans Seek Interns for 2018 Legislative Session
Pressel-Authored Bill Would Mean Changes for Some INDOT Properties
A bill that aims to better cover replacement costs for damaged state highway property has unanimously passed the Indiana House of Representatives. The measure was authored by Rolling Prairie Republican Jim Pressel. Continue reading
Pressel Transportation Bill Receives Unanimous House Support
A measure sponsored by Rep. Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie would provide more transportation options for Hoosier students with developmental disabilities. Continue reading
Culver School Board Approves Rainy Day Fund Transfer
The Culver Community Schools Corporation is adding some money into its Rainy Day Fund, but hopes for a longer-term funding solution from state lawmakers. Continue reading
State Lawmakers Looking to Bring Back Small School Grant
Several local school corporations would stand to benefit from a bill introduced last week in the Indiana House of Representatives. Francesville Republican Doug Gutwein has co-authored a bill that would reestablish a small school grant for 2017 through 2019. Continue reading
House OK’s Measure to Allow Guns on School Grounds
Controversial legislation that would allow guns in vehicles on school grounds passed the Indiana House late Monday. It’s currently a felony to bring a gun onto school property, but Senate Bill 229 would allow those with proper carry permits to keep firearms out of sight in vehicles on school grounds. Nicki McNally with the Indiana Chapter of Moms Demand Action on Gun Violence says she’s disappointed and hopes some of the issues can be clarified in conference committee.
Bill Would “Dismantle” Energy Efficiency In Indiana
Proposed legislation being reviewed at the Statehouse could dismantle Indiana’s energy-efficiency programs. The Demand Side Management program relies on both large and small users of electricity, but Senate Bill 340 would allow the large industrial users to opt out. The measure was written by Republican state Senator James Merritt and passed out of the Senate Utilities Committee last week.
Indiana House Accepting Intern Applications
The Indiana House of Representatives is now accepting applications to intern during the 2014 legislative session.
This is a paid internship and it is an opportunity for college graduates and recent graduates to be part of the legislative process. Interns will issue press releases, handle constituent work or work in the IT department.
Professor Questions Constitutionality of Ag-Gag Bill
The so-called Ag-Gag bill moving through the Indiana House won’t pass constitutional muster, according to an Indiana University law professor. Supporters say it will protect farmers from exploitation by activist groups. Senate Bill 373 cleared the House last week with an amendment that makes it a Class A misdemeanor to photograph at a farm or business without the owner’s written permission. IU law professor Seth Lahn believes the bill violates the First Amendment.