With only three days left of the 2015 session, lawmakers spent this week haggling over the final details of dozens of pieces of legislation.
House Democrat Kills Proposal To Drug Test Welfare Recipients
Language amended into a healthcare bill last week would have created a drug testing program of welfare recipients.
But the House Democrat behind that effort this week changed his mind, calling for the drug testing language to be eliminated from the bill. Instead, Rep. Terry Goodin, D-Crothersville, says he wants to create a study committee this summer to examine drug abuse problems and solutions in hopes of crafting a broader bill for next year.
Pence Signs Bill Creating Fire Academy
Gov. Mike Pence this week signed into law a bill creating a centralized Indiana fire training academy.
The measure also creates a statewide curriculum so that firefighters at regional facilities receive the same training and testing.
INDOT Commission Browning Departs Suddenly
INDOT Commissioner Karl Browning abruptly stepped down Wednesday, sending his resignation via email to the governor that morning.
Neither Browning nor Pence offered an explanation for his sudden departure.
IEDC Makes Final Push For Regional Cities Funding Increase
And the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is putting on a full-court press, advocating for more money in the governor's Regional Cities Initiative.
IEDC's push includes a campaign-style website and gift bags for key lawmakers.
Legislative leaders say that effort won't influence final negotiations.