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SOS debate pits election security fears vs. confidence in GOP-less event
The two candidates who participated in an Indiana Secretary of State debate Monday night — Democrat Destiny Wells and Libertarian Jeff Maurer — differed sharply on election security, with divergent viewpoints that led to disparate signature policy stances. Maurer repeatedly highlighted proposals to print “receipts” for voters and conduct pre-certification audits for all 92 Hoosier […]
More often candidates are sitting out debates, leaving their future unknown
Debates between candidates for public office, particularly non-national races, don’t rake in viewers. Those that watch are unlikely to be swayed in their votes. And now, as candidates increasingly choose to sit them out, what’s the point? Republican nominee for Secretary of State Diego Morales has declined. Numerous candidates in other congressional or statewide races […]
Energy committee ends with no recommendations
An energy-focused state legislative study committee ended its first and last meeting Thursday with no bill recommendations, but its leader indicated there’s more to come from a separate, related group. The Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications heard a series of reports on broadband grants; the energy, communications, water and wastewater industries; utility […]
Lawmakers recommend agency rule-making overhaul, with some misgivings
A group of Indiana lawmakers on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly to recommend two sets of changes to state agencies’ rule-making powers – one with more controversy than the other. No agencies testified specifically on those powers and the impact of the proposals, leading some task force members to express discomfort with the vote. “The impetus of […]
Lawmakers recommend lessening HIV criminal penalties
A group of lawmakers on Tuesday recommended that the Indiana General Assembly develop legislation lessening criminal penalties specific to the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, as well as to help psychiatric patients ready for release. But they left unresolved a half-dozen issues considered earlier, including proposed no-civilian police buffer zones. The thirteen lawmakers on the […]
Could Morales allegations tilt Secretary of State’s race?
Republican Secretary of State candidate Diego Morales has fielded controversy since his first unsuccessful bid for public office in 2018, but could a pair of sexual misconduct allegations less than a month before Election Day endanger his latest campaign? Two longtime former Republicans divulged decade-old allegations of sexual assaults in interview transcripts published this week […]
State task force seeks balance, “do no harm” in boosting affordable housing supply
Indiana housing providers, financers and consumer advocates on Thursday outlined the scope of the state’s affordable housing shortage and proposed solutions to specific challenges. But they also sought to balance potential state action with builder budgets, resident pocketbooks, local government control, and unintended consequences. “This particular issue is the foundation of all our communities, and […]
Indiana well-positioned to legalize iGaming, state study says
Should Indiana legalize internet casino gaming, better known as iGaming, its introduction would be a “relatively smooth process,” bringing hundreds of millions in tax revenue, according to a 103-page Indiana Gaming Commission report released Tuesday. That’s because Indiana already broke the digital gaming barrier three years ago, when it introduced online sports betting. The study […]
Indiana takes on high turnover with pro-employee policies
The state of Indiana shed hundreds of employees throughout the pandemic — and hired hundreds more since — in a turnover struggle that peaked in early 2022, according to data from the Indiana State Personnel Department. Agency leaders say new employee-friendly policies from Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb are already helping, with more to come possibly […]
Agencies largely mum as committee seeks to reshape their powers
Multiple industry groups testified Thursday before an interim Indiana legislative study committee laying the groundwork to curb state agencies’ rulemaking powers — but just one agency showed up. “I can’t require them to come in,” said Administrative Rules Review Task Force Chair Rep. Steve Bartels, R-Eckerty. “I’ve asked several to come in,” he added. “… […]
Driving cards for unauthorized immigrants back on legislative agenda
The concept earned bipartisan interest and support from lawmakers on an interim study committee, as well as an eclectic array of speakers.
Holcomb joins Midwest hydrogen coalition
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Monday joined the governors of six other Midwestern states in a coalition aimed at boosting hydrogen energy. “Strong partnerships and collaborations with our neighbors will foster a robust hydrogen ecosystem that will spur future growth in Indiana,” Holcomb said in a news release. “The Regional Hydrogen Coalition represents an opportunity […]