In the waning hours of the 2015 session of the Indiana General Assembly, lawmakers approved a balanced-budget amendment. It would enshrine in the state's constitution a prohibition on the legislature crafting a budget that spends more than the state collects in taxes.

The number of people infected with HIV continues to grow in Scott County. Earlier this week, more than 140 people had tested positive. To try and prevent similar outbreaks from occurring in other counties, the General Assembly took action Wednesday on a bill that would allow needle exchanges in some counties.

The final version of the budget has language authorizing INDOT to fund the rail line from the bigger pot if the Hoosier State Line goes forward.

Lawmakers adjourned for the year late Wednesday after passing a two-year, $31.3 billion budget that boosts funding for schools and leaves the state with slightly less money in reserves.

There is no guarantee that Gov. Mike Pence will sign the legislation. He's said throughout the session that he will not support an "expansion of gaming,"

Republican lawmakers pulled back slightly Wednesday from a last minute effort to shift more authority away from State Superintendent Glenda Ritz even as they let her remain the chair of the State Board of Education through the end of her current term.

Most charter schools would get additional money, teachers would get a $100 tax credit and the governor's regional cities initiative would be funded under a budget compromise the House and Senate reached Tuesday.

The initiative is aimed at fostering greater collaboration in economic development and community improvement around the state. Gov. Mike Pence asked for $84 million over the next two years.

Students in the immersion program would begin simultaneous instruction in two languages beginning in elementary school.

The Indiana Legislature's budget writers are nearing final decisions on the state's new two-year spending plan that will include a contentious plan for shifting money from many urban and rural school districts with shrinking enrollments.