The original bill's author says the move is a "backup plan." House Bill 1071 allows people protected by restraining orders to carry handguns without a license for up to 60 days. The controversial measure passed the House last month and is awaiting a hearing in the Senate.

Supporters says a bill that creates the opportunity for businesses and non-profits to establish healthy food access needs state money to get started.

Gov. Eric Holcomb argues for Indiana's Medicaid expansion funding, the Senate holds its road funding hearing and a committee advances the Airbnb bill.

Support for the GOP's federal health care reform bill isn't universal among Indiana congressional Republicans.

Some local communities regulate or prohibit short-term rentals. But the proposed legislation would bar them from that, while establishing some guidelines.

Senate Bill 438 passed out of committee on a vote of 6-3 last month, but its sponsor, Republican Sen. Sue Glick pulled it from consideration on the Senate floor after conservative lawmakers introduced an amendment that she said would have gutted the bill's intent.

The federal government-which pays for SNAP benefits, sometimes called food stamps-says such assistance can only go to households that have less than $2,250 in assets, but states can opt out of that requirement.

The vote, 88-11, on Wednesday all but ensures former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats will be confirmed as the national intelligence director by the Senate.

The bill expands the list of those allowed to carry inside the state's capitol building, as judges, police and legislators are already able to do.

Members of the public - mostly lobbyists and trade organizations - testified before Senate lawmakers on the comprehensive road funding bill.