INDIANAPOLIS — Two controversial pieces of proposed legislation have advanced in the Indiana Senate this week.
House Bill 1041 and House Bill 1134 both advanced in their respective committees, bringing them one step closer to becoming state law.
In the case of HB 1134, which seeks to restrict what Indiana teachers can and cannot say about race, history and politics in classrooms, an amendment was adopted that significantly watered down much of what was originally in the bill.
It came after public outrage and criticism from educators across the state.
MORE | Indiana lawmakers endorse easing rules on nursing schools
A Senate education committee on the bill wrapped up around 6:35 p.m. Wednesday while educators, students and concerned Hoosiers waited outside the Senate chambers to testify.
The amendment to the bill will be brought back up by the committee next Wednesday.
As for HB 1041, it will now move to the Senate for a full vote.
The bill would prohibit transgender girls from participating on sports teams at K-12 public schools designated for girls. The bill would also establish a civil action for violations and schools wouldn't be subject to civil, administrative, disciplinary or criminal liability for complying with it.
A rally against the bill was held Wednesday afternoon before the committee met.
MORE | Former Pike Township superintendent gets $223K severance payout
In one of the few true acts of bipartisanship this legislative session, the Indiana House gave final approval this week to more money in Hoosiers' pockets.
Senate Bill one expands the number of Hoosiers eligible for the state's automatic tax refund.
This is also an instance of Republicans in Indiana taking advantage of something that they opposed.
The refund is triggered by the state's budget surplus, which jumped this year thanks largely to President Biden's American Rescue Plan.
MORE | Indiana University to make masks optional at all campuses
Every Indiana Republican in Congress voted against the funding, but now legislative republicans have okay-ed using that money to give more Hoosiers a $125 tax refund this spring, even if they don't make enough money to file a tax return.
Also this week, the state Senate this week gave final approval to make the mastodon the official Indiana state fossil.
Until recently, Indiana was one of only five states without one.
-
“I hurt somebody”: Body camera reveals moments after deadly drunk driving crash
Newly obtained body camera footage is shedding light on how police officers handled a 2022 crash that left one man dead and injured several people.Environmental groups call for public input on state's environmental regulations
Environmental advocates are calling on Hoosiers to express their concerns to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.Judge upholds security presence at Lugar Tower after resident concerns
A judge has ruled that security must remain in place at Lugar Tower, following concerns from residents over crime, including drug activity, assaults, and robberies.Children's Museum dinos ready to slam dunk All-Star Weekend in new WNBA gear
🦖 The iconic outdoor dinosaurs at The Children's Museum are now decked out in WNBA All-Star gear. Check out their vibrant new look as we gear up for the big weekend.