Indiana House votes to delay bill allowing Ritz removal

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana House has voted to delay until July changing state law so that Democratic state schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz no longer would automatically chair the State Board of Education.

The Republican-dominated House voted along party lines Thursday to change a provision that would've allowed the board to elect any member as chairman as soon as the bill was signed into law.

House Majority Leader Jud McMillin of Brookville says the delay is intended to give Ritz and the other board members who are appointed by Republican Gov. Mike Pence more time to improve their working relationship.

Democrats maintain the bill is politically motivated and undermines the decision of voters who elected Ritz in 2012.

Republicans voted down Democratic proposals to protect Ritz's role.