Indiana House Democrats proposed their own ideas for the new state budget Monday as lawmakers advanced the $43 billion spending bill to the full House.

A House panel approves new vote-by-mail rules. Expanded access to birth control nears passage by the House. And a bill to decriminalize simple possession of cannabis gets a historic hearing.

The one exception would be child care run by a church which was amended out of the bill by Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil). Kids with lead poisoning can have trouble learning, behavioral issues and poor kidney function.

House Republicans unveiled their proposed state budget Friday, one its architect said is focused on opportunity for students, families and taxpayers.

House Bill 1024 contains the sixth attempt since 2019 to take away the power counties, cities and other local units have to limit bids to employers who have a Project Labor Agreement.

Indiana lawmakers have filed a historic number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills this session. Advocates are raising concerns about what theyre calling a slate of hate targeting gender-affirming care bans for transgender youth, limits on classroom conversations and identification laws.

Indiana residents along the Ohio River worry toxic chemicals from the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio could pollute their drinking water. But water quality experts say the amount in the river has been low and is getting lower as it flows down the Ohio.

A Senate bill that targets discussion of race and gender in class curricula was removed from the Senate education committees agenda Wednesday. Even though the bills future is not certain, it can still come up in future committee meetings this session.

A bill to significantly improve Indianas public health system underwent a small but potentially vital change Thursday, aimed at easing concerns about the legislation.

A bill to give Indiana renters more options to deal with negligent landlords was gutted by a Senate committee Wednesday.