Indiana legislators on 'super' break

INDIANAPOLIS | After enacting one of the most controversial laws in state history, the Indiana General Assembly did not meet Thursday and is taking Friday off, too.

But unlike much from the first half of the 2012 session, this break from normal legislative routines can't be blamed on right-to-work.

Instead, the two session days were canceled for a more practical reason — lawmakers can't afford to stay in Indianapolis hotels while the Super Bowl is in town.

State legislators receive $155 for daily expenses meant to cover their hotel and food costs when the General Assembly is in session.

Many downtown Indianapolis hotel rooms have sold for at least 10 times that amount for the nights leading up to Sunday's football championship game, and every room is booked.

The Indiana Senate will reconvene Monday afternoon, and the Indiana House is scheduled to return Tuesday.

Next month the Senate will review House-approved bills, while the House reviews Senate-approved bills. Legislation must be approved separately by the House and Senate before it can go to the governor.

Proposals that did not win approval by Wednesday in either the Senate or House are dead for the year, unless supporters can tack them on to another measure moving through the General Assembly.

The Legislature is required by state law to adjourn no later than March 14.