None of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Democratic members were present when roll call was taken on Senate Bill 101. Chairman Brent Steele says he had stressed to the committee's members that the hearing would begin at 8:30 a.m.

The legislation would require the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to develop and promote urban farming programs, food cooperatives and farmers' markets.

The bill seeks to help Hoosiers who risk losing their child care vouchers when their incomes rise just beyond the eligibility limit but not high enough to provide wiggle room to budget for the full cost of daycare.

The House unanimously passed legislation Tuesday it hopes will help reduce Indiana's infant mortality rate, one of the worst in the country.

The legislation, authored by Speaker Brian Bosma and House Minority Leader Scott Pelath, creates a study committee that will spend two years reviewing redistricting procedures in other states and recommend a system for Indiana.

Teachers would receive a $200 tax credit toward the purchase of supplies for their classrooms under legislation the Indiana House approved Tuesday.

Supporters of the bill say the common construction wage inhibits competition and artificially inflates wages. Opponents of the bill say the common construction wage provides middle class Hoosiers a living wage while ensuring a higher level of quality, training and safety.

The House Education Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to advance a bill permitting some steps that state schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz proposed last week to shave at least three hours from the ISTEP+ exam.

The Indiana Housed passed ethics legislation Monday that would require lawmakers to be more transparent about their finances and strengthen laws meant to keep elected officials from using state resources for political gain.

House Republican budget architect Tim Brown says his caucus' proposed budget, unveiled Monday, will include more money spent on education than ever before in state history.