Committee approves three bills on livestreams, blockchain and vehicle purchases; two measures held for more work

The Indiana House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee on Oct. 27 passed three amended bills and took no final action on two others after extended debate.

The committee approved an amendment and passage for the executive‑session/livestreaming measure, voted to approve language on blockchain technology and limited Bitcoin exchange‑traded fund exposure, and approved a bill limiting luxury vehicle purchases for state entities. Separately, members heard student presentations on a bill to designate the persimmon as Indiana’s state fruit and extensive public testimony on a narrowed proposal to prohibit street camping; both of those items were held for further consideration.

Why it matters: The bills the committee approved move to the next legislative steps and reflect policy choices about transparency, technology policy, retirement fund exposure and state procurement. The measures the committee held generated public interest and will return for additional work.

Votes at a glance

- House Bill 1134 (executive sessions / live streaming amendment): The committee took and passed an amendment that sets a three‑business‑day deadline for petitions alleging a public meeting was not…