Southwest Indiana Chamber Bill Report Prepared by: Sally Rideout Report created on January 10, 2021

HB1002 CIVIL IMMUNITY RELATED TO COVID-19 (TORR J) Protects health care providers from professional discipline for certain acts or omissions related to the provision of health care services during a state disaster emergency. Provides that the protection applies to the provision of health care services after February 29, 2020, and before April 1, 2022. Provides that a health care provider is not protected from professional discipline if the health care provider's action, omission, decision, or compliance constitutes gross negligence or willful misconduct. Provides that a health care provider is not protected from professional discipline for actions that are outside the skills, education, and training of the health care provider, unless the health care provider's actions are undertaken in good faith and in response to a lack of resources caused by a state disaster emergency. Specifies that orders and recommendations issued by local, state, and federal government agencies and officials during a state disaster emergency do not create new causes of action or new legal duties…MORE Current Status: 1/12/2021 - House Judiciary, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing)

State Bill Page: HB1002

HB1003 TUITION SUPPORT (SLAGER H) Establishes a definition of "virtual instruction" for purposes of determining a school corporation's basic tuition support using the average daily membership (ADM). Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Committee Report do pass, adopted; Yeas 24, Nays 0

State Bill Page: HB1003

HB1011 EQUAL PAY; WAGE DISCLOSURE PROTECTION (JACKSON C) Provides that it is an unlawful employment practice to: (1) pay wages that discriminate based on sex for substantially similar work; (2) discharge, discipline, discriminate against, coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any employee or other person because the employee inquired about, disclosed, compared, or otherwise discussed the employee's wages; (3) require as a condition of employment nondisclosure by an employee of the employee's wages; or (4) require an employee to sign a waiver or other document that purports to deny the employee the right to disclose the employee's wage information. Provides that the civil rights commission has jurisdiction for the investigation and resolution of complaints of these employment actions. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to House Employment, Labor and Pensions

State Bill Page: HB1011

HB1013 RAILROAD CROSSINGS (JACKSON C) Requires a railroad corporation to inform the local law enforcement authority of a blocked railroad-highway grade crossing in certain instances. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to House Roads and Transportation

State Bill Page: HB1013

HB1025 ENTERPRISE ZONE RENEWALS (PRESSEL J) Provides that an enterprise zone may be renewed for an additional five year period if the fiscal body of the municipality in which the enterprise zone is located adopts a resolution to renew the enterprise zone. Provides that a zone business located in the renewed enterprise zone may only access the property tax deduction incentive. Current Status: 1/4/2021 Referred to House Commerce, Small Business & Economic Development

State Bill Page: HB1025

HB1026 MEDICAL MARIJUANA (LUCAS J) Permits the use of medical marijuana by persons with serious medical conditions as determined by their physician. Establishes a medical marijuana program to permit the cultivation, processing, testing, transportation, and dispensing of medical marijuana by holders of a valid permit. Requires the state department of health (state department) to implement and enforce the medical marijuana program. Requires that permit holders undertake steps to prevent diversion of medical marijuana to unauthorized persons…MORE Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to House Public Health

State Bill Page: HB1026

HB1028 MARIJUANA (LUCAS J) Decriminalizes the possession of: (1) 30 grams or less of marijuana; or (2) five grams or less of hash oil or hashish; by making the violation a Class D infraction. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally possesses an instrument, a device, or another object that the person intends to use for introducing marijuana into the person's body commits a Class D infraction. Establishes a per se intoxication level of 10 nanograms of THC per milliliter of whole blood for purposes of operating while intoxicated laws, and requires that the analysis of controlled substances in a person's blood measure only the controlled substance and not the metabolites of the controlled substance. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code

State Bill Page: HB1028

HB1029 ELIMINATION OF LOWER SPEED LIMIT FOR TRUCKS (AYLESWORTH M) Provides that the maximum speed limit for a vehicle having a declared gross weight greater than 26,000 pounds operated on a highway that is: (1) on the national system of interstate and defense highways located outside an urbanized area with a population of at least 50,000; or (2) the responsibility of the Indiana finance authority; is 70 miles per hour. (Current law provides that the maximum speed limit for those vehicles (other than a bus) is 65 miles per hour.) Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to House Roads and Transportation

State Bill Page: HB1029

HB1031 RESIDENTIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (MOED J) Defines "residential housing" as housing or workforce housing that consists of single family dwelling units sufficient to secure quality housing in reasonable proximity to employment. Revises the requirements an allocation area must meet for the redevelopment commission to establish a program for housing. Allows the redevelopment commission of a consolidated city (commission) to establish a program for residential housing development and a tax increment funding allocation area for the program if the average of new, residential houses constructed in the consolidated city in each of the preceding three years is less than 1% of the total number of residential houses located in the consolidated city…MORE Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to House Ways and Means

State Bill Page: HB1031

HB1036 HOUSING TAX CREDITS (NEGELE S) Provides an affordable and workforce housing state tax credit against state tax liability to a taxpayer for each taxable year in the state tax credit period of a qualified project in an aggregate amount that does not exceed the product of a percentage between 40% and 100% and the amount of the taxpayer's aggregate federal tax credit for the qualified project. Provides that an eligible applicant must apply to the Indiana housing and community development authority for an award of an affordable and workforce housing state tax credit. Provides that a holder of an affordable and workforce housing state tax credit may transfer, sell, or assign all or part of the holder's right to claim the state tax credit for a taxable year. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to House Ways and Means

State Bill Page: HB1036

HB1046 HEMP FLOWER (LUCAS J) Removes smokable hemp as a crime. Legalizes all parts of the hemp plant for the purposes of agricultural production. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code

State Bill Page: HB1046

HB1047 EDUCATION MATTERS (LUCAS J) Provides that any statute or rule establishing requirements regarding teacher salary, evaluations, or curriculum or any other requirement regarding the employment of teachers other than teacher licensing requirements is, as applicable, repealed or voided. Establishes the education options account program (program). Requires the treasurer of state to administer the program. Establishes: (1) the education options account fund; and (2) requirements and conditions for the program. Requires the treasurer of state to: (1) annually request a parent of an eligible student who is participating in the program to complete a written survey; and (2) annually provide a summary of the survey to the governor and the legislative council. Continuously appropriates money from the education options account fund and the accounts established within the fund for the purposes of the program. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to House Education

State Bill Page: HB1047

HB1055 WATERSHED DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS (AYLESWORTH M) Provides that the executives of one or more counties may adopt ordinances designating their counties as members of a proposed watershed development commission and that the watershed development commission is established as a legal entity with the counties as its members if it is recognized by the natural resources commission. Requires the natural resources commission, in deciding whether to recognize a proposed watershed development commission, to answer certain questions. Provides that a county may become a member of an established watershed development commission if its membership is accepted by the member counties and recognized by the natural resources commission. Sets forth certain flood control and drainage purposes for which a watershed development commission may be established…MORE Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to House Natural Resources

State Bill Page: HB1055

HB1072 PERSONAL DELIVERY DEVICES (SULLIVAN H) Provides for a personal delivery device to operate in Indiana under certain circumstances. Requires a personal delivery device operator to maintain certain levels of insurance coverage. Provides that a personal delivery device is exempt from motor vehicle licensing and registration requirements. Provides that a political subdivision may participate in the regulation of personal delivery devices. Provides that a political subdivision may not enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution relating to: (1) the design, manufacture, maintenance, certification, licensing, registration, taxation, assessment, or insurance of a personal delivery device; or (2) the types of property that may be transported by a personal delivery device. Current Status: 1/12/2021 - House Roads and Transportation, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing)

State Bill Page: HB1072

HB1075 ANNUAL REVIEW OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS FOR BIAS (JACKSON C) Provides that the chief executive officer of a law enforcement department or agency in Indiana (chief executive officer) shall be the officer in charge of an investigation when there is: (1) a complaint made against; or (2) an internal investigation of; a law enforcement officer involving bias or prejudice. Provides that if the chief executive officer concludes that a law enforcement officer's actions were a result of bias or prejudice, the chief executive officer shall include the incident in a written report submitted to the executive director of the law enforcement training board and to the legislative council not later than March 31 of each year. Provides that the written report detailing a law enforcement officer's actions involving bias or prejudice shall also include the following, if applicable: (1) Each arrest. (2) Each search warrant or arrest warrant that was executed. (3) Each incident involving the use of force. (4) Each incident involving the use of force causing death. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety

State Bill Page: HB1075

HB1080 LOCAL INCOME TAXES (THOMPSON J) Phases in a new distribution formula for certain local income tax (LIT) revenue using a weighted combination of property tax levies and residential assessed value for taxing units receiving this LIT revenue. Phases in the weights over five years beginning in 2023. Amends provisions that provide for a distribution of LIT revenue to schools in counties that imposed a rate under the prior county adjusted gross income tax (CAGIT) before its repeal to apply to all schools in counties that impose a LIT under current law regardless of whether the county imposed a rate under the prior CAGIT. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to House Ways and Means

State Bill Page: HB1080

HB1101 DAYCARE LICENSURE EXEMPTION IN DECLARED EMERGENCY (DAVISSON S) Exempts from day care licensure requirements a child care program that: (1) is operated by a public or private organization: (A) during a declared disaster emergency; and (B) under a contract with a public or private school; and (2) serves children who are: (A) enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12, or in a preschool program offered by the public or private school; and (B) attending school through remote or e-learning due to the disaster emergency. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Family, Children and Human Affairs

State Bill Page: HB1101

HB1121 STATE OF DISASTER EMERGENCIES (LUCAS J) Provides that a state of disaster emergency (emergency) may not continue for longer than: (1) 14 days after the date of the governor's executive order, if the executive order is not renewed; or (2) 28 days after the date of the governor's executive order, if the executive order is renewed for an additional 14 days. Provides that the governor: (1) may renew a state of disaster emergency only once for a period of not more than 14 days if it is based on the same or substantially similar underlying set of facts as the original state of disaster emergency; and (2) shall notify the general assembly at least six days prior to the expiration of the original state of disaster emergency if the governor intends to renew the state of disaster emergency. Provides that the general assembly, by concurrent resolution, may do the following at its discretion when addressing the state of disaster emergency: (1) Extend the state of disaster emergency and state how long the state of disaster emergency will be extended. (2) Approve a new state of disaster emergency if requested by the governor. (3) Limit or expand the scope of the governor's powers…MORE Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Rules and Legislative Procedures

State Bill Page: HB1121

HB1123 STATE OF DISASTER EMERGENCIES (LEHMAN M) Provides that a state of disaster emergency may not continue for longer than 30 days unless the state of disaster emergency is renewed for an additional 30 days by the governor and the general assembly is in session or the governor has called for a special session under Article 4, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana. Provides that, after the initial 30 day renewal of the state of disaster emergency, any subsequent renewal or revision of the state of disaster emergency may be renewed or revised by the governor every 30 days. Provides that the state of disaster emergency is terminated if, during any 60 day period while the state of disaster emergency is in effect, the general assembly has not been in session or the governor has not called for a special session under Article 4, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana. Provides that a special session of the general assembly may convene at any time during the 30 days after which the governor issues a proclamation that calls for a special session of the general assembly. Current Status: 1/12/2021 - House Rules and Legislative Procedures, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing)

State Bill Page: HB1123

HB1131 BIAS MOTIVATED CRIMES (BOY P) Establishes a sentencing procedure that requires a court, when sentencing an individual who has committed a crime that is motivated by a bias against another individual's actual or perceived age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity, military service, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation to impose an additional fixed term of imprisonment not to exceed five years, if the offense is a felony, or three years, if the offense is a misdemeanor. Requires law enforcement agencies to report bias motivated crimes to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code

State Bill Page: HB1131

HB1136 PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM (CAMPBELL C) Requires the department of workforce development to establish a paid family and medical leave program to provide payments for employees who take family and medical leave. Establishes the family and medical leave fund to be funded with appropriations from the general assembly and payroll contributions. Specifies requirements for administration of the paid family and medical leave program. Provides for the department of workforce development to approve an employer's use of a private plan to meet the paid family and medical leave program obligations. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Employment, Labor and Pensions

State Bill Page: HB1136

HB1146 HEALTHY FOOD INCUBATOR PROGRAM (SHACKLEFORD R) Establishes the healthy food incubator program fund (fund) and healthy food incubator program (program) under the administration of the Indiana housing and community development authority (IHCDA). Provides that the purpose of the fund is to provide financing in the form of loans or grants for projects that increase the availability of fresh and nutritious food in underserved communities. Defines an "underserved community" as a census tract determined to be an area with low supermarket access: (1) by the United States Department of Agriculture; or (2) as identified through a methodology used by another healthy food initiative. Provides that the IHCDA may contract with one or more nonprofit organizations or community development financial institutions to administer the program through a public-private partnership. Provides that an applicant for a grant or a loan must demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the project and the ability to repay the loan. Provides that an applicant for a grant or a loan must agree to satisfy certain conditions. Requires the IHCDA to monitor projects receiving financing and submit a report annually to the legislative council that includes the number and types of jobs created, and the health initiatives associated with the program. Continuously appropriates money in the fund. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Family, Children and Human Affairs

State Bill Page: HB1146

HB1152 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (LEONARD D) Clarifies provisions concerning the overpayment of unemployment benefits resulting from fraud or failure to disclose wages and the forfeiture of benefits or wage credits. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Employment, Labor and Pensions

State Bill Page: HB1152

HB1153 MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION MATTERS (SHACKLEFORD R) Specifies that an individual's incarceration, hospitalization, or other temporary cessation in substance or chemical use may not be used as a factor in determining the individual's eligibility for coverage in: (1) a state employee health care plan; (2) Medicaid; (3) the healthy Indiana plan; (4) a policy of accident and sickness insurance; or (5) a health maintenance health care contract. Requires an opioid treatment program to: (1) provide a patient of the facility referral for continuing care before releasing the patient from care by the facility; and (2) counsel female patients concerning the effects of the program treatment if the female is or becomes pregnant and provide to the patient birth control if requested by the patient. Requires the division of mental health and addiction to annually perform an audit of 20% of an opioid treatment program facility's patient plans to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Requires the division of mental health and addiction to establish a mental health and addiction program to reduce the stigma of mental illness and addiction. Requires hospitals to establish emergency room treatment protocols concerning treatment of a patient who is overdosing, has been provided an overdose intervention drug, or is otherwise identified as having a substance use disorder. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Public Health

State Bill Page: HB1153

HB1156 PROHIBITION ON MICROCHIPPING EMPLOYEES (MORRISON A) Provides that the definition of an "employer" subject to the prohibition against requiring the implantation of devices includes the state or any individual, partnership, association, limited liability company, corporation, business trust, or other governmental entity or political subdivision that has one or more employees. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Employment, Labor and Pensions

State Bill Page: HB1156

HB1164 VARIOUS UTILITY MATTERS (MANNING E) Exempts a contract for the lease of state property under which no state expenditures are required from provisions: (1) requiring certain disclosures and certifications by a prospective state contractor regarding violations of Indiana telephone solicitation and automated calling statutes; (2) regarding cancellation of public purchasing contracts due to lack of funds; (3) regarding state contractor use of the E-Verify program; and (4) prohibiting state contractor employment of unauthorized aliens. Provides that a permit authority may not impose: (1) a restriction on maximum height of a wireless support structure; or (2) a requirement regarding minimum separation distance between wireless support structures. Specifies that providers of cable service are communications service providers regulated under certificates of territorial authority issued by the IURC. Provides that a tariff filed with the IURC by a communications service provider is effective upon filing. Provides that a video service provider is not required to provide the IURC with information describing the provider's service, including the provider's channel lineups or channel guides…MORE Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications

State Bill Page: HB1164

HB1183 HOLD HARMLESS PAYMENTS (MORRISON A) Provides that a hold harmless agreement or an agreement to offset a financial loss between a casino, riverboat, or unit of government and another unit of government concerning potential losses of revenue by the other unit of government is prohibited and unenforceable. Repeals the requirement that the licensed owner of a riverboat operating in Vigo County pay certain payments to the city of Evansville. Repeals language concerning a supplemental payment to East Chicago, Hammond, and Michigan City under certain circumstances. Repeals the historic hotel district community support fee. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Ways and Means

State Bill Page: HB1183

HB1187 TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (CHERRY R) Requires one member of a municipal or county redevelopment commission (commission) appointed by the executive of the municipality or county after December 31, 2021, to be an individual nominated by the governing body of the school corporation within the territory. Effective January 1, 2022, eliminates the appointment of and term of office of a nonvoting adviser to the commission. Requires a redevelopment commission to provide notice of an annual meeting to the: (1) president of the governing body; and (2) superintendent; of each school corporation that is wholly or partly located within the allocation area established by the commission. Requires a redevelopment commission to provide notice of an adopted resolution that designates or amends an allocation area to the: (1) president of the governing body; and (2) superintendent; of each school corporation that is wholly or partly located within the allocation area established by the commission…MORE Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Local Government

State Bill Page: HB1187

HB1193 FILM AND MEDIA PRODUCTION TAX CREDIT (COOK A) Establishes the Indiana film and media production expenditure tax credit. Provides a refundable tax credit to qualified applicants that make certain qualified production expenditures for a qualified media production in Indiana. Provides that the tax credit may be granted only if qualified production expenditures meet certain thresholds. Provides that the amount of the credit equals the qualified production expenditures multiplied by a percentage determined by the Indiana destination development corporation (corporation). Provides that the qualified applicant must, before incurring or making the qualified production expenditures, apply to the corporation for approval of the tax credit. Provides certain requirements that must be included in a tax credit agreement. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Ways and Means

State Bill Page: HB1193

HB1197 HOOSIER SPIRIT II DESIGNATED STATE AIRCRAFT (MCNAMARA W) Specifies that the P-47 Thunderbolt known as the Hoosier Spirit II is designated as the official state aircraft of Indiana. (Current law designates the P-47 Thunderbolt as the official state aircraft of Indiana.) Current Status: 1/12/2021 - House Roads and Transportation, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing)

State Bill Page: HB1197

HB1204 REHABILITATION CENTER FUNDING (MCNAMARA W) Establishes the long term recovery group for Southwest Indiana program (program) and the long term recovery group for Southwest Indiana fund. Makes an appropriation for the development of the program for the state fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 20, 2022. Makes annual appropriations for the operation of the program beginning with the state fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, and ending June 30, 2023. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to House Public Health

State Bill Page: HB1204

HB1205 RIOTING (MCNAMARA W) Removes immunity under the Indiana tort claims act for the failure to enforce a law if the failure to enforce the law: (1) occurs in connection with an unlawful assembly; and (2) constitutes gross negligence. Requires a person convicted of a battery against a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical services provider to: (1) serve a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 or 90 days, depending on the severity of the injury; and (2) make restitution to the victim. Defines "tumultuous conduct" and "unlawful assembly" for purposes of the rioting statute, and requires a person convicted of rioting to: (1) serve a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 days; and (2) make restitution to the victim. Defines "camp" and "state capitol and related property", and makes unlawful camping on state capitol and related property a Class A misdemeanor. Allows for the civil forfeiture of property that is used by a person to finance a crime committed by a person while a (lawful or unlawful) protest was taking place. Adds enhanced penalties to the crimes of: (1) rioting; (2) criminal mischief; (3) intimidation; and (4) disorderly conduct. Adds a sentence enhancement to battery committed while a (lawful or unlawful) protest was taking place. Defines "defunding law enforcement" and allows a person to bring an action to enjoin a local unit from defunding law enforcement. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Wendy McNamara

State Bill Page: HB1205

HB1209 BIAS MOTIVATED CRIMES (PORTER G) Provides that a bias motivated crime is a crime in which the person who commits the crime knowingly or intentionally selects: (1) the individual against whom the crime was committed; or (2) any property damaged or otherwise affected by the crime; in whole or in part because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or disability of the individual or a group of individuals, whether or not the person's belief or perception was correct. Amends the law that requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report information concerning bias motivated crimes. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Gregory Porter

State Bill Page: HB1209

HB1218 CERTIFIED TECHNOLOGY PARKS (HEINE D) Increases, from $100,000 to $250,000, the annual additional incremental income tax deposit amount that a certified technology park captures once it has reached its limit on deposits. Clarifies the calculation of the additional incremental income tax deposit amount in the year in which a certified technology park reaches its limit on deposits. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By

State Bill Page: HB1218

HB1220 21ST CENTURY ENERGY POLICY DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE (SOLIDAY E) Reestablishes the 21st century energy policy development task force (task force), following its expiration on December 2, 2020. Provides that the task force consists of 15 members as follows: (1) Six members of the house of representatives, with four of those members appointed by the speaker, and two appointed by the minority leader. (2) Six members of the senate, with four of those members appointed by the president pro tempore, and two appointed by the minority leader. (3) Three members appointed by the governor, each of whom must have specified experience with respect to energy. Provides that: (1) one of the members appointed by the speaker; and (2) one of the members appointed by the president pro tempore; shall serve as co-chairs of the task force. Provides that an individual appointed to serve on the task force at any time before December 2, 2020, under the expired statute governing the task force may be appointed to serve on the task force after December 1, 2020, under these new provisions, at the discretion of the appointing authority. Provides that: (1) all meetings of the task force shall be open to the public in accordance with the state's open door law; and (2) all records of the task force are subject to the requirements of the state's public records law. Sets forth specific issues that the task force must study not later than November 1, 2022. Requires the task force to: (1) develop recommendations for the general assembly and the governor concerning these issues; (2) issue a report setting forth the recommendations developed; and (3) not later than November 1, 2022, submit the report to the executive director of the legislative services agency, the governor, the chair of the utility regulatory commission, and the utility consumer counselor. Provides that these provisions expire July 2, 2023. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By

State Bill Page: HB1220

HB1224 CRAFT HEMP FLOWER AND HEMP PRODUCTION (EBERHART S) Requires a modified retail merchant's certificate for a merchant that sells craft hemp flower. Provides that the information on a modified retail merchant's certificate application submitted under this section is confidential and is not subject to public inspection or copying. Excludes craft hemp flower from the definition of "hemp product". Removes references to smokable hemp. Provides that the state seed commissioner may not adopt or enforce a rule that is more strict than required under federal law or regulation. Repeals a law that requires that a hemp bud or a hemp flower be sold only to a processor licensed in Indiana. Exempts a person who knowingly or intentionally grows or handles craft hemp flower without a license from the penalty of growing or handling hemp without a license. Provides that a food is not considered adulterated for containing low THC hemp extract or craft hemp flower. Creates contaminant testing and packaging requirements for the distribution and sale of craft hemp flower…MORE Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By

State Bill Page: HB1224

HB1225 OPIOID TREATMENT PROGRAMS (VERMILION A) Requires an opioid treatment program to obtain prior authorization from the division of mental health and addiction (division) for patients receiving more than 14 days of opioid treatment medication from an opioid treatment program unless otherwise prescribed by the division. Allows the state opioid treatment authority (authority) to: (1) take certain remedial actions; and (2) impose a civil penalty of up to $10,000; in response to certain violations concerning the operation of an opioid treatment program. Specifies that the authority may issue a civil penalty for each violation found by the authority. Requires the division to report certain findings to the general assembly not later than April 1 of each year. Requires certain information to be provided to the division for the purpose of completing specified reporting requirements. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Ann Vermilion Recent Status:

State Bill Page: HB1225

HB1234 FAIR AND OPEN COMPETITION FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS (TORR J) Provides that a public agency may not do any of the following: (1) Impose by rule, ordinance, or other action, or in the bid specifications or contract documents for a public works project, a requirement inconsistent with, in addition to, or more stringent or restrictive than certain statutory prequalification or any other requirement of an applicable public works statute. (2) Award a public works contract to a contractor under a contract award standard other than the contract award standard of the applicable public works statute. (3) Require a potential bidder on a public works project to provide any information other than the applicable financial information required by the prequalification statutes or as prescribed by the state board of accounts under the applicable public works statute. (4) By rule, ordinance, or any other action relating to contracts for public works projects, create or impose any prequalification processes that are additional to or inconsistent with those established by the prequalification statute or impose any requirements that directly or indirectly restrict potential bidders or proposers to any predetermined class of bidders defined by labor affiliation or membership or minimum training requirements inconsistent with, or more restrictive than, those required by certain public works statutes. (5) Take certain actions based on a bidder's, offeror's, or contractor's entering into, refusing to enter into, adhering to, or refusing to adhere to an agreement with a labor organization. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By

State Bill Page: HB1234

HB1235 WORK SHARING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS PROGRAM (TORR J) Establishes a work sharing unemployment insurance program (program). Requires an employer that desires to participate in the program to submit a work sharing plan for approval by the commissioner of the department of workforce development. Establishes the work sharing benefit as equal to an affected employee's unemployment benefit reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage of the employee's normal weekly work hours that the employee works under the approved work sharing plan. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Jerry Torr

State Bill Page: HB1235

HB1244 STATE DISASTER EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS (CLERE E) Provides that during a disaster or emergency beyond local control, any order, rule, or regulation made, amended, or rescinded by the governor limiting the operation of a business or industry shall comply with the following: (1) The limit of the sale of items, the hours of operation, or the manner of operation of a business or industry shall be applied equally to any business or industry. (2) If a limit allows a business or industry the sale of specified items or categories of items, then any business or industry may sell those specified items or categories of items. (3) If a limit allows a business or industry the sale of specified items or categories of items, and as a result, the business or industry is allowed to sell other items not mentioned in the governor's order, rule, or regulation, then any business or industry may sell those other items or continue to sell those other items. (4) The operation of a business or industry may be limited if the limitation is based on a percentage of occupancy of the business or industry determined by the governor that is in compliance with the occupancy classifications described in the Indiana building code adopted by the fire prevention and building safety commission; however, any limitation shall be applied equally to a business or industry having the same building code occupancy classification…MORE Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By

State Bill Page: HB1244

HB1245 PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH DISCRIMINATION (BAUER M) Prohibits an employer from discriminating against a pregnant job applicant or employee. Requires an employer to provide reasonable employment accommodations for a pregnant employee. Requires the civil rights commission to investigate complaints and attempt to resolve complaints. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Maureen Bauer

State Bill Page: HB1245

HB1249 TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (CLERE E) Provides that if a redevelopment commission outside Marion County wishes to establish a TIF area after June 30, 2021, a school corporation that is located wholly or partly within the proposed TIF area may elect whether to participate in the TIF area. Provides that for TIF areas established after June 30, 2021, a school corporation that elects to participate in a proposed TIF is bound by the terms of the TIF area until the TIF area expires. Provides that except for property tax proceeds transferred to a school corporation, a public school, including a charter school, or a nonpublic school, allocated property tax proceeds may be expended for projects located outside an allocation area only if the redevelopment commission adopts a declaratory resolution that finds that the expenditures: (1) will directly benefit the allocation area; or (2) will result in the creation or retention of jobs in the private sector. Adds various requirements related to expenditures under contracts between redevelopment commissions and providers of educational and training programs to establish programs designed to prepare individuals to participate in the competitive and global economy. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Edward Clere

State Bill Page: HB1249

HB1250 STATE DISASTER EMERGENCIES (GOODRICH C) Provides that a state of disaster emergency may not continue for longer than 30 days unless the state of disaster emergency is renewed for an additional 30 days by the governor and the general assembly is in session or the governor has called for a special session under Article 4, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana. Provides that, after the initial 30 day renewal of the state of disaster emergency, any subsequent renewal or revision of the state of disaster emergency may be renewed or revised by the governor every 30 days. Provides that the state of disaster emergency is terminated if, during any 60 day period while the state of disaster emergency is in effect, the general assembly has not been in session or the governor has not called for a special session under Article 4, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana. Provides that a special session of the general assembly may convene at any time during the 30 days after which the governor issues a proclamation that calls for a special session of the general assembly. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Chuck Goodrich

State Bill Page: HB1250

HB1258 CIVIL IMMUNITY RELATED TO COVID-19 (YOUNG J) Provides that a person or the person's agent who conducts business in Indiana is not liable in a civil action claiming an injury from exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19 if the act or omission alleged to violate a duty of care of the person or agent was committed or omitted in compliance with or was consistent with any of the following applicable at the time of the alleged exposure: (1) Federal or state regulations. (2) An executive order issued by the president of the United States or the governor. (3) Guidance. Defines guidance as written guidelines related to COVID-19 issued by any of the following: (1) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor. (3) The Indiana state department of health. (4) Any other agency, board, or commission of the state of Indiana. Specifies that the limited liability for alleged COVID-19 exposures does not apply to a cause of action for medical malpractice. Provides that immunity from civil liability is not granted to a person whose actions or omissions constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By John Young

State Bill Page: HB1258

HB1272 STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT POWERS (LAUER R) Removes the authority for the state department of health and local health officers to close schools and churches during an epidemic. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Ryan Lauer

State Bill Page: HB1272

HB1274 TRAILS FUNDING (HAMILTON C) Makes appropriations from the state general fund to the department of natural resources for the recreational trail maintenance fund to be used for the next level trails program for fiscal years beginning July 1, 2021, and July 1, 2022. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By

State Bill Page: HB1274

HB1275 OVERTIME COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES (HATFIELD R) Provides that, after December 31, 2021, certain employees must be paid compensation for employment in certain circumstances at a rate not less than 1.5 times the regular rate at which the employee is employed and, under certain circumstances, not less than two times the regular rate at which the employee is employed. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By

State Bill Page: HB1275

HB1277 WORK SHARING UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM (HATFIELD R) Establishes a work sharing unemployment insurance program. Requires an employer to submit a work sharing plan for approval by the commissioner of the department of workforce development. Establishes the work sharing benefit as equal to an employee's unemployment benefit reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage of the employee's normal weekly work hours that the employee works under the approved work sharing plan. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Ryan Hatfield

State Bill Page: HB1277

HB1278 EDUCATION MATTERS (JUDY C) Provides that, for each school year, a school corporation shall conduct at least: (1) 900 hours of instructional time for students in grades 1 through 6; and (2) 1,080 hours of instructional time for students in grades 7 through 12. (Current law requires the following: (1) That a school corporation conducts at least 180 student instructional days. (2) That a student instructional day in grades 1 through 6 consists of at least five hours of instructional time and a student instructional day in grades 7 through 12 consists of at least six hours of instructional time.) Defines "instructional day". Simplifies and makes corresponding changes to reducing tuition support if a school corporation fails to conduct the minimum number of instructional hours during a school year. Repeals a provision that requires a qualified district or qualified high school to provide 64,800 minutes of instruction and learning for grades 9 through 12. Makes corresponding changes, including corresponding changes to the school flex program and to the calculation for determining full-time equivalency for average daily membership…MORE Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Chris Judy

State Bill Page: HB1278

HB1280 CORE 40 (JORDAN J) Provides that a high school may replace certain high school courses on the high school transcript with alternative courses in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) in order to satisfy an Indiana diploma with a Core 40 with academic honors designation or another designation requirement. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By Jack Jordan

State Bill Page: HB1280

HB1287 WATER OR WASTEWATER SERVICE FOR UNDERSERVED AREAS (PRESSEL J) Allows a water or wastewater utility to extend service to a developed but underserved area without a deposit from customers if the extension of service will result in a positive contribution to the utility's overall cost of service over a 20 year period. Defines "developed but underserved area" as an area in which prospective service would be provided predominantly to existing and occupied structures that receive water from private wells or from which wastewater is disposed of through onsite private systems such as septic tanks. Provides that a water or wastewater utility's extension of service to a developed but underserved area will be considered as resulting in a positive contribution to the utility's overall cost of service over a 20 year period to the extent that rates to be paid by at least one-half of the customers who could be served by the extension of service would enable the utility to fully recover the cost of serving those customers, including the utility's pretax return. Provides that if a water or wastewater utility determines that an extension of service to a developed but underserved area will not result in a positive contribution to the utility's overall cost of service over a 20 year period, the utility may require a deposit or other adequate assurance of performance from the customers to be served by the extension of service. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By

State Bill Page: HB1287

HB1296 STATE DISASTER EMERGENCIES (PRESCOTT J) Provides that the renewal of the state of disaster emergency does not become effective unless it is approved by the general assembly. Provides that if the governor calls a special session for the purpose of renewing the state of disaster emergency, the: (1) governor shall notify the general assembly 10 days prior to the governor's intention to renew the state of disaster emergency; and (2) renewal shall be based on the same or substantially similar underlying set of facts as the original state of disaster emergency. Provides that the governor may not issue a new executive order to circumvent the renewal limitations in the case of a state of disaster emergency based on the same or substantially similar underlying set of facts as the original state of disaster emergency. Provides that any order, rule, or regulation limiting the operation of a business or industry shall be applied equally to all other businesses and industries. Provides, however, that the uniform treatment of all other businesses and industries does not apply to isolated events that include an act of God, such as a fire, an earthquake, a hurricane, a storm, or a similar natural disaster phenomenon. Current Status: 1/14/2021 - Authored By J.D. Prescott

State Bill Page: HB1296

SB1 CIVIL IMMUNITY RELATED TO COVID-19 (MESSMER M) Provides civil immunity for damages resulting from exposure of an individual to COVID-19 on the premises owned or operated by a person, on any premises on which the person or an employee or agent of the person provided property or services to the individual, or during an activity managed, organized, or sponsored by the person. Current Status: 1/13/2021 - Senate Judiciary, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing)

State Bill Page: SB1

SB2 FUNDING FOR VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (RAATZ J) Establishes a definition of "virtual instruction" for purposes of determining a school corporation's basic tuition support using the 2021 spring count of average daily membership (ADM). Current Status: 1/13/2021 - Senate Education and Career Development, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing)

State Bill Page: SB2

SB3 TELEHEALTH MATTERS (CHARBONNEAU E) Prohibits the Medicaid program from specifying originating sites and distant sites for purposes of Medicaid reimbursement and voids administrative rules with these requirements. Changes the use of the term "telemedicine" to "telehealth". Specifies certain activities that are considered to be health care services for purposes of the telehealth laws. Expands the application of the telehealth statute to additional licensed practitioners instead of applying only to prescribers. Amends the definition of "telehealth". Requires that the telehealth medical records be created and maintained under the same standards of appropriate practice for medical records for patients in an in-person setting. Specifies that a patient waives confidentiality of medical information concerning individuals in the vicinity when the patient is using telehealth. Prohibits certain insurance policies and individual and group contracts from mandating the use of certain technology applications in the provision of telehealth services. Current Status: 1/13/2021 - Senate Health and Provider Services, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing)

State Bill Page: SB3

SB4 HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IMMUNITY (CHARBONNEAU E) Adds: (1) admissions to health facilities or housing with services establishments; and (2) services provided by additional health care professionals; to the definition of "health care services" for purposes of immunity for providing services during a declared disaster emergency. Provides civil immunity for the provision of certain services by persons during an event that is declared a disaster emergency. Removes the immunity requirement that the health care service be provided by a person who has an Indiana license to provide the health care service and that the service is within the scope of practice of the license. Specifies instances that do not constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of immunity. Specifies information that must be included in a cause of action. Specifies that health care immunity provisions during a disaster emergency do not modify specified statutes. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to Senate Health and Provider Services

State Bill Page: SB4

SB5 APPEAL OF LOCAL HEALTH ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS (GARTEN C) Establishes an appeals process before legislative bodies of enforcement actions taken by local boards of health and local health officers. Current Status: 1/20/2021 - Senate Public Policy, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing)

State Bill Page: SB5

SB20 REGULATION OF MICRO MARKET FOOD SALES (FORD J) Specifies that "micro market display" includes a hot beverage brewer. Specifies that a "vending machine" includes a self-service device that can be activated by the use of a software application on a smartphone. Provides that a micro market can sell hot beverages. (Under current law, a micro market cannot sell hot beverages.) Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to Senate Health and Provider Services

State Bill Page: SB20

SB33 EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION OFFICERS (FORD J) Provides that each school corporation, charter school, and state accredited nonpublic school shall maintain at least one equity, diversity, and inclusion officer. Establishes duties for the equity, diversity, and inclusion officer. Requires the department of education (department) to provide certain information and resources for an equity, diversity, and inclusion officer. Provides that the department, with the approval of the state board of education, may assign additional duties to an equity, diversity, and inclusion officer to: (1) improve comprehensive strategy fostering equitable, diverse, and inclusive training; and (2) provide and promote education to cultivate an awareness and understanding of the various federal, state, and local laws and policies regarding nondiscrimination. Requires an equity, diversity, and inclusion officer to meet certain annual professional development requirements. Requires each school corporation, charter school, and state accredited nonpublic school to submit a report to the department. Requires that the school's annual performance report include the number of times an equity, diversity, and inclusion officer responds to referrals by the governing body or school administrative staff. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to Senate Education and Career Development

State Bill Page: SB33

SB34 UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY (TOMES J) Provides that a person convicted of rioting is not eligible: (1) for employment by the state or a local unit of government; and (2) to receive certain state and local benefits. Removes immunity under the Indiana tort claims act for the failure to enforce a law if the failure to enforce the law: (1) occurs in connection with an unlawful assembly; and (2) constitutes gross negligence. Allows for the civil forfeiture of property that is used by a person to finance a crime committed by a person who is a member of an unlawful assembly. Prohibits a person from being released on bail without a hearing in open court, establishes a rebuttable presumption that money bail shall be required, and requires a court to consider whether bail conditions more stringent than the local guidelines should be imposed. Adds enhanced penalties to the crimes of: (1) rioting; (2) obstruction of traffic; (3) criminal mischief; and (4) disorderly conduct. Adds a sentence enhancement to battery committed by a member of an unlawful assembly. Defines "defunding law enforcement" and allows a person to bring an action to enjoin a local unit from defunding law enforcement. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to Senate Corrections and Criminal Law

State Bill Page: SB34

SB36 PSYCHOLOGY INTERJURISDICTIONAL COMPACT (BECKER V) Establishes the psychology interjurisdictional compact concerning interjurisdictional telepsychology and the temporary authorization to practice psychology in another compact state. Sets forth requirements of a compact state. Sets forth the duties of the psychology interjurisdictional compact commission. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to Senate Health and Provider Services

State Bill Page: SB36

SB40 WEIGHT LIMIT FOR TRANSPORT OF COMMODITIES (FORD J) Provides that an "overweight divisible load" includes a tractor-semitrailer and load that has a gross vehicle weight of more than 80,000 pounds but a gross vehicle weight of not more than 120,000 pounds if it is hauling certain commodities, has a certain maximum equivalent single-axle load, and is granted a permit for transporting overweight divisible loads. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to Senate Homeland Security and Transportation

State Bill Page: SB40

SB44 WORK SHARING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS PROGRAM (BASSLER E) Establishes a work sharing unemployment insurance program (program). Requires an employer that desires to participate in the program to submit a work sharing plan for approval by the commissioner of the department of workforce development. Establishes the work sharing benefit as equal to an affected employee's unemployment benefit reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage of the employee's normal weekly work hours that the employee works under the approved work sharing plan. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - added as third author Senator Niezgodski

State Bill Page: SB44

SB50 VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT (ZAY A) Provides that debt from qualified investment capital must be for a repayment term of at least 12 months. Clarifies that the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) shall certify businesses that are engaged in sectors not excluded by the statute from eligibility and that are determined by the IEDC to have the significant potential to meet the listed statutory criteria. Removes limitations on retail businesses for the qualified Indiana business certification by the IEDC. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy

State Bill Page: SB50

SB54 FAFSA REQUIREMENT (LEISING J) Requires all students, except students at certain nonpublic schools, in their senior year to complete and submit the FAFSA unless: (1) a parent of a student or a student, if the student is an emancipated minor, signs a waiver that the student understands what the FAFSA is and declines to complete it; or (2) the principal of the student's high school waives the requirement due to extenuating circumstances. Requires that the: (1) model notice prepared by the commission for higher education; and (2) notice that each school corporation is required to send; regarding the FAFSA include information regarding the requirements and exceptions for completing the FAFSA. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to Senate Education and Career Development

State Bill Page: SB54

SB67 CALL CENTER WORKER AND CONSUMER PROTECTION (NIEZGODSKI D) Requires the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) to compile a list of all employers that relocate a call center to a foreign country and to disqualify employers on that list from state grants, loans, and tax credits. Requires an employer receiving a state grant, loan, or tax credit to notify the IEDC if the employer intends to relocate a call center. Imposes a civil penalty on an employer that does not notify the IEDC. Current Status: 1/4/2021 - Referred to Senate Pensions and Labor

State Bill Page: SB67

SB74 WORKPLACE IMMUNIZATION PROHIBITION (KRUSE D) Prohibits an employer from requiring, as a condition of employment, an employee or prospective employee to receive any immunization if the immunization is medically contraindicated for the employee or receiving the immunization is against the employee's religious beliefs or conscience. Allows for a civil action against an employer for a violation. Current Status: 1/13/2021 - Senate Pensions and Labor, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing)

State Bill Page: SB74

SB119 PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION IN CIVIL RIGHTS STATUTES (LANANE T) Extends certain antidiscrimination and civil rights statutes to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Provides that every discriminatory practice relating to the acquisition or sale of real estate, education, public accommodations, employment, or the extending of credit is considered unlawful unless it is specifically exempted. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to Senate Judiciary

State Bill Page: SB119

SB121 STUDY OF LOW-CARBON AND GREEN INDUSTRIES (LANANE T) Requires the Indiana University Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs to: (1) assess the potential for the development of low-carbon and green industries in Indiana and the job creation, economic growth, and wealth generation that could result for Indiana communities from the development of these industries; and (2) report the results of its assessment to the legislative council in an electronic format. Current Status: 1/5/2021 - Referred to Senate Environmental Affairs

State Bill Page: SB121

SB129 WHISTLEBLOWER REPORTS (SANDLIN J) Allows an employee who is reporting misconduct concerning the execution of a public contract to make an oral report or a report by electronic mail. Current Status: 1/13/2021 - Senate Pensions and Labor, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing)

State Bill Page: SB129

SB139 ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLANS (ZAY A) Permits the formation of association health plans that: (1) offer coverage to "working owners", including self-employed individuals; and (2) are offered by a "sponsoring association" that: (A) has at least one substantial business purpose other than providing health plans or other employee benefits to its employer members; and (B) is made up of employer members that share a common trade, industry, line of business, or profession or have a principal place of business within the state or in a metropolitan area encompassing part of the state. Current Status: 1/5/2021 - Referred to Senate Health and Provider Services

State Bill Page: SB139

SB170 FOOD DESERT GRANT PROGRAM (FORD J) Establishes the food desert grant program within the state department of health (ISDH) to assist new and existing retail businesses in offering fresh and unprocessed foods within a "food desert" (an underserved geographic area where, as determined by the ISDH, affordable fresh and healthy foods are difficult to obtain). Provides that a grant awarded under the program may be used to establish a new retail grocery store or to renovate, expand, or upgrade an existing retail business that will increase the availability and quality of fresh produce and other healthy foods. Requires the ISDH to consider certain criteria when determining whether to award a grant and requires the recipient of a grant to abide by certain terms and conditions…MORE Current Status: 1/5/2021 - Referred to Senate Health and Provider Services

State Bill Page: SB170

SB181 STATE DISASTER EMERGENCIES (GASKILL M) Establishes a procedure for the general assembly to call itself into session at times not specifically scheduled in statute. Provides that: (1) the initial state of disaster emergency may not continue longer than 30 days following the initial date of the declaration; and (2) a state of disaster emergency may not be renewed or extended by the governor without the approval of the general assembly. Provides that if the governor calls a special session, the special session shall be limited only to consideration of the purpose for which the initial state of disaster emergency was declared. Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to Senate Rules and Legislative Procedure

State Bill Page: SB181

SB213 CERTIFIED TECHNOLOGY PARKS (HOLDMAN T) Increases, from $100,000 to $250,000, the annual additional incremental income tax deposit amount that a certified technology park captures once it has reached its limit on deposits. Clarifies the calculation of the additional incremental income tax deposit amount in the year in which a certified technology park reaches its limit on deposits. Current Status: 1/11/2021 - Referred to Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy

State Bill Page: SB213

SB214 HOUSING TAX CREDITS (HOLDMAN T) Provides an affordable and workforce housing state tax credit against state tax liability to a taxpayer for each taxable year in the state tax credit period of a qualified project in an aggregate amount that does not exceed the product of a percentage between 40% and 100% and the amount of the taxpayer's aggregate federal tax credit for the qualified project. Provides that an eligible applicant must apply to the Indiana housing and community development authority for an award of an affordable and workforce housing state tax credit. Provides that a holder of an affordable and workforce housing state tax credit may transfer, sell, or assign all or part of the holder's right to claim the state tax credit for a taxable year. Current Status: 1/11/2021 - Referred to Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy

State Bill Page: SB214

SB215 REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (HOLDMAN T) Adds a statement of legislative intent regarding the redevelopment tax credit (tax credit). Requires the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) to maintain a web page for the redevelopment tax credit program on its Internet web site. Amends provisions of the tax credit to require the IEDC to accept and review all applications submitted to the IEDC and provide a written determination within 60 days of receipt. Removes language specifying that a taxpayer's qualified investment must be made during the taxable year for purposes of determining the amount of a credit the taxpayer may claim. Prohibits the IEDC from including a claim schedule in a credit award agreement that extends more than two years beyond the projected completion date of the project. Prohibits the IEDC from limiting, in the credit award agreement: (1) the certification amount of the taxpayer's qualified investments for a taxable year; or (2) the maximum amount of a credit awarded to the taxpayer that may be claimed during a taxable year; to less than 50% of the total tax credit awarded. Eliminates the requirement to include a repayment provision for the amount of any credit award that exceeds $7,000,000. Increases the cap on the redevelopment tax credit from $50,000,000 to $150,000,000 per state fiscal year. However, requires 50% of the total credits awarded in a state fiscal year to be awarded for qualified investments that result in an award of less than $10,000,000. Requires the IEDC to submit an annual report to the interim study committee on fiscal policy regarding the redevelopment tax credit program. Provides that the expiration date of an allocation area established by the redevelopment commission of a qualified city for the purpose of financing a mixed use development project only may not be more than 50 years. Authorizes a qualified city to enter into leases financed with incremental tax revenue from the allocation area for a term not to exceed 50 years for the purpose of financing a mixed use development project. Defines "qualified city" and "mixed use development project" for purposes of these provisions. Current Status: 1/11/2021 - Referred to Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy

State Bill Page: SB215

SB216 EDGE TAX CREDITS (HOLDMAN T) Amends the definition of "incremental income tax withholdings" for purposes of the economic development for a growing economy (EDGE) tax credit to accommodate nonresident employees. Provides that, for purposes of the EDGE tax credit, the term "new employee" includes a full-time employee who resides outside Indiana. Current Status: 1/11/2021 - Referred to Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy

State Bill Page: SB216

SB225 PERMITS FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES (FORD J) Amends the statute concerning the issuance of permits by local permit authorities to communications service providers for the construction and installation of wireless facilities and wireless support structures (including small cell facilities) as follows: (1) Allows a neighborhood association, a homeowners association, or an individual resident of the area over which a permit authority has jurisdiction to register with the permit authority to receive mailed notice of any permit application filed with the permit authority. (Current law allows only neighborhood associations and homeowners associations to register to receive notice, and only with respect to applications for new utility poles or new wireless support structures used to support small cell facilities.) (2) Provides that upon receiving a permit application after June 30, 2021, a permit authority shall provide notice of the application on: (A) the permit authority's Internet web site; or (B) if the permit authority does not maintain an Internet web site, the Internet web site of each affected local unit with respect to which the permit authority has jurisdiction…MORE Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to Senate Utilities

State Bill Page: SB225

SB238 DESIGNATED OUTDOOR REFRESHMENT AREAS (BROWN L) Allows a municipality to designate an area of the municipality as an outdoor refreshment area (refreshment area) with the approval of the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission). Provides that if a refreshment area is approved, the commission designates retailer permittees (designated permittees) located within the refreshment area. Allows a consumer to exit a designated permittee's premises with one open container of an alcoholic beverage at a time to consume within the refreshment area. Limits the volume of an open container (based upon the type of alcoholic beverage) that a designated permittee may sell or furnish to a consumer for a refreshment area. Requires a consumer to wear a wristband in order to exit a licensed premises into a refreshment area with an open container…MORE Current Status: 1/7/2021 - Referred to Senate Public Policy

State Bill Page: SB238

SB249 NET METERING FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION (ALTING R) Amends the statute concerning distributed electricity generation as follows: (1) Provides that an electricity supplier's net metering tariff must be made and remain available to customers until the earlier of: (A) January 1 of the first calendar year after the calendar year in which the aggregate amount of net metering facility nameplate capacity under the electricity supplier's net metering tariff equals at least 5% (versus 1.5% under current law) of the electricity supplier's most recent summer peak load; or (B) July 1, 2024 (versus July 1, 2022, under current law). (2) Provides that before July 1, 2021, each electricity supplier shall petition the utility regulatory commission (IURC) for approval of an amended or a new net metering tariff to do the following: (A) Establish as the allowed limit on the aggregate amount of net metering facility nameplate capacity under the net metering tariff an amount equal to at least 5% (versus 1.5% under current law) of the most recent summer peak load of the electricity supplier. (B) Establish a required reservation of capacity under the nameplate capacity limit to require the reservation of: (i) 30% (versus 40% under current law) of the capacity for participation by residential customers; and (ii) 5% (versus 15% under current law) of the capacity for participation by customers that install a net metering facility that uses organic waste biomass…MORE Current Status: 1/11/2021 - Referred to Senate Utilities

State Bill Page: SB249

SB256 EXECUTIVE ORDERS (FREEMAN A) Provides that, unless otherwise specifically provided by a statute to the contrary, an executive order issued by the governor expires seven calendar days after the executive order is issued. Provides that a state of disaster emergency declared by the governor may not continue for longer than seven days unless the state of disaster emergency is specifically renewed by a statute enacted by the general assembly. Provides that if the governor declares a disaster emergency the general assembly is required to convene in session not later than the sixth day after the governor declares the disaster emergency to consider whether the disaster emergency should be extended and if any other legislation relating to the disaster emergency is necessary. Provides that such a session is not required if the general assembly is already in session or if the governor notifies the legislative leadership that the disaster emergency will not extend beyond seven days…MORE Current Status: 1/11/2021 - Authored By Aaron Freeman

State Bill Page: SB256

SB264 BROADBAND CAPACITY INFRASTRUCTURE STUDY (KOCH E) Urges the legislative council to assign to the interim study committee on energy, utilities, and telecommunications (committee) the topic of the installation and leasing of broadband capacity infrastructure by investor owned electric utilities to broadband service providers for the provision of broadband Internet service to unserved and underserved areas in Indiana. Provides that if a study is assigned to the committee: (1) the committee must consider certain specified issues; and (2) an electric utility may submit to the committee, not later than July 1, 2021, a study concerning the feasibility of making available broadband capacity infrastructure for use by broadband service providers in providing broadband service in unserved or underserved areas in the electric utility's assigned service area. Current Status: 1/11/2021 - Authored By Eric Koch

State Bill Page: SB264