Page 46 - Mark Messmer News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

A bill that would have eliminated the state’s law regulating wetlands was amended Wednesday morning to tackle the issue of wetlands regulation surgically, rather than with a “meat cleaver.” The bill, which has been the subject of heated debate, initially proposed repealing the state’s environmental program protecting wetlands, which would have left more than 80% of the state’s wetlands unprotected. Authors claimed the program created unnecessary red tape and was costly for landowners.  Environmentalists and good government experts alike staunchly opposed the legislation, pointing ...

Apr 5, 2021 A bill carried by a pair of southern Indiana Senators to provide a liability shield for organizations and businesses has been signed into law. Senate Enrolled Act 1 was among the first 17 bills Governor Eric Holcomb signed late last week. The COVID shield law was authored by State Senator Mark Messmer of Jasper and among its sponsors was Senator Eric Bassler of Washington. “This bill provides protection for businesses, government offices, schools, churches, not-for-profits and just about anyone from being sued if someone contracts COVID during an event or operation at their faci...

Indiana lawmakers amend environment bills as deadlines near By CASEY SMITHApril 4, 2021 GMT INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Dozens of amendments to bills affecting Indiana environmental policy have sparked debate among lawmakers as the Legislature enters its final stretch of the session. The proposed changes arrive as members of the General Assembly decide whether the state should adopt greener initiatives or scale back current policy protecting water, energy and other resources. One bill under consideration by the full House would create a state-sponsored carbon market in Indiana that allows companies...

A bill that would have overridden local ordinances that restrict or prohibit wind power in Indiana has taken a “180 degree turn” after pushback from local officials. HB 1381 would establish statewide standards for how close wind and solar projects can be to other properties. But a new amendment would allow county and local governments to maintain restrictive ordinances, while also offering a hefty incentive for abandoning them. The bill was amended in the Senate Utilities hearing Thursday morning to include the option for counties to adopt “renewable energy districts.” Essentially, ...

The right-to-carry revolution continues.