Indiana Statehouse

Every long Indiana legislative session revolves around writing the new, two-year state budget. But 2023’s session focused on it more than most. That’s because many of the top priorities this year centered not just on policy, but a dollar amount.

The ACLU of Indiana and other organizations for transgender rights called on Gov. Eric Holcomb to veto all the anti-LGBTQ bills moving toward his desk. Hundreds gathered at the Statehouse Saturday.

An expansion to the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, rejected changes to the ban on gender-affirming care for minors and legislation inviting a lawsuit.

Hoosiers gathered at the Statehouse Monday to protest bills targeting LGBTQ+ youth. None of the nearly two dozen bills identified have received hearings yet – but activists are worried.

A House committee advances legislation to bring down the cost of new housing. A Senate committee approves a ban on physician non-compete agreements. And a bill to better treat mental health in the criminal justice system takes its first step.

State leaders emphasized the importance of improving the state’s public health system during an event at Indiana’s Statehouse Thursday. Health advocates and various government officials say supporting this system will require increased funding and investment toward public health resources.

It appears for now employers are still posting more jobs than the state’s available job seekers can fill. Experts say one cause of that could be a lack of access to affordable child care in Indiana. A state Senate committee is considering funding a pilot program that would split costs between families, employers and the state to bring more parents back into the workforce.

Republicans push a constitutional amendment to keep more people in jail without bail. Lawmakers debate a step towards a universal school voucher program. And the state Supreme Court weighs the future of abortion rights.

Both bills passed unanimously and no one spoke in opposition.

Advocates for cannabis legalization are making a renewed push at the Statehouse in 2023. And for some, the goal is progress of any kind – even if incremental.