Indiana House could start right-to-work debate

INDIANAPOLIS — The boycotting Indiana House Democrats could return to the House floor for a debate on their proposal for a statewide referendum on the right-to-work bill.

Democratic leader Patrick Bauer said Friday that his members would show up at “high noon” Monday to debate possible amendments to the bill, but left some doubt over whether the boycott would end with the scheduled Monday afternoon session.

Democrats are seeking a statewide voter referendum on November’s ballot that would decide the fate of the Republican-backed proposal to ban contracts between companies and labor unions that require nonmembers to pay representation fees that are lower than full union dues.

Republican leaders maintain that such a voter referendum isn’t allowed under the state constitution and that the Legislature must decide what becomes state law.