Gov. Mike Braun unveiled a state budget proposal Thursday that provides nearly $700 million in tax relief, inflationary funding increases for K-12 schools and enough money to eliminate child care waitlists.

Companies creating long haul water pipelines would have to get a certificate from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. And if a big water transfer happens between two different water basins — they’d also have to get a permit from the Department of Natural Resources.

Cosmetology educators and students told lawmakers this week they don’t want the number of hours required to get a cosmetology license reduced.

Advocates gathered at the Indiana Statehouse Wednesday to rally support for a group of harm reduction bills. One of their priorities — this year's testing strips bill — was heard in a House committee.

Indiana lawmakers are considering a wide-reaching bill that aims to free schools from what they consider irrelevant or excessive regulatory burdens. Many people who testified on the proposal at the House Education Committee Wednesday expressed support for the spirit of the bill. However, some lawmakers and state education leaders want to remove parts of the bill they say go too far.

Indiana law requires licensed practical nursing programs to only accept people who have completed their high school diploma — but lawmakers say removing that requirement could address nursing shortages in the state. A Senate committee moved a bill forward to make it easier for high school students to enroll in those programs.

The measure would codify that governmental entities “may not substantially burden a parent’s fundamental right” to direct the upbringing, religious instruction, education or health care of a child unless it has a compelling interest.

Gov. Mike Braun signed a series of executive orders this week that begin to remake the administrative side of state government.

A cannabis legalization coalition says moving Indiana directly to full adult legal use is the best way to ensure a regulated market that also addresses public safety concerns.

A Republican precinct committee caucus selected Vermillion County Commissioners President Tim Yocum as the newest state lawmaker Tuesday.