Coronavirus looms as Indiana lawmakers return to Statehouse

(photo supplied / Indiana Statehouse)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Republican legislative leaders say Indiana lawmakers won’t be taking quick action to undercut public health orders that Gov. Eric Holcomb has issued over the past nine months of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Republican governor’s use of executive orders have faced complaints from many conservatives. Two Republican House members didn’t wear masks during the Legislature’s largely ceremonial Organization Day session.

Republican Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said he expected lawmakers to debate changes to the governor’s emergency powers once the full legislative session begins in January, but he did not expect specific changes to Holcomb’s executive orders.