Governor promises to sign special session legislation

(AP) — Indiana lawmakers have concluded their one-day special session by sending a handful of bills to Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Holcomb has pledged to sign the bills into law, including a contentious measure that will further reduce the authority of the Gary school board while allowing Ball State University to take over Muncie schools.

Democrats say the session was an unnecessary face-saving move by majority Republicans who failed to pass several bills in the final moments of this year’s regular session in March.

Other proposals sent to Holcomb make some technical changes to the state’s tax code while also offering a tax break to the asphalt industry.  Another bill sought by Holcomb will make an additional $5 million available for school safety improvements.

The session ended before 3:40 p.m. Monday after the Senate gave final approval to the measures.