Committee Schedule Update

House Committees

02/06/2008

3:30 PM

 Public Health

Room: House Chamber Note: Joint Health Committee meeting with the Senate for an informational

update on HEA 1678

Senate Committees

02/05/2008

9:00 AM

 Tax and Fiscal Policy

Room: 431 Note: Public Testimony. Committee will recess at noon, and return 30 minutes after session is adjourned.

HB1001 Property tax relief. (Crawford, Kenley)

02/06/2008

9:00 AM

 Pensions and Labor

Room: 233

HB1019 Public employee retirement. (Avery, R. Meeks)

HB1065 PERF retirement matters. (Saunders, Kruse)

HB1213 Occupational health and safety training. (Bartlett, Kruse)

10:00 AM

 Judiciary

Room: 431

HB1096 Various provisions concerning courts. (Hoy, Bray)

HB1122 Juvenile offenders and detention facilities. (Reske, Bray)

HB1137 Technical corrections bill. (GiaQuinta, Landske)

HB1179 Recovery for restraint of trade. (Moses, Bray)

1:30 PM

 Education and Career Development

Room: 431 Note: Overview by Midwestern Higher Education Compact.

HB1051 School corporation donations to foundations. (Crooks, Lubbers)

HB1049 Time limit for use of higher education grants. (Porter, Lubbers)

HB1232 Criminal history checks. (Hoy, Bray)

 Local Government and Elections

Room: 130

HB1071 Funding for voting machine replacement. (Grubb, Lawson)

HB1077 Funding for local Memorial Day celebrations. (Niezgodski, Broden)

HB1114 Police officer and firefighter residency. (Dembowski, Lawson)

HB1111 Requirements for recording documents and copies. (Foley, Lawson)

Samuel R. Turpin

1/31 News

Senate fiscal leaders Bob Meeks(R) and Luke Kenley (R) file for re-election.

Marvin Riegsecker  (R) to become ther third veteran GOP senator to opt against a re-election following Robert Jackman (R) and  Tom Weatherwax (R). A fourth incumbent (and the first Democrat of the cycle) opts against seeking a new term, is Sen. Sam Smith (D).

Samuel R. Turpin

2/4 Convening Time

	House	Senate
Convening Time:	Monday Febuary 4, 1:30 p.m.	Monday, February 4, 1:30 p.m.
Status:	Adjourned	Adjourned

Samuel R. Turpin

1/29 News

 Deadline day for lawmakers

Indiana lawmakers face a key deadline in their legislative session this week: Wednesday is the last day for the Senate and House to approve bills that originated in their respective chambers. Next week, lawmakers will consider bills that originated in the opposite chamber.

http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080128/EDIT07/801280372/-1/EDIT

Health Matters: Be a part of Cancer Society’s Lobby Day

Do legislators listen when you talk? They sure do – especially when there’s a lot people all saying the same thing. You can be a part of “a lot of people all saying the same thing” on Feb. 5, during the American Cancer Society’s Lobby Day in Indianapolis. This year’s message will focus on making all of Indiana’s workplaces smoke-free.

http://www.tribstar.com/features/local_story_023211045.html

House tax reform proposal’s 10 steps

The three top issues for the General Assembly this session are property taxes, property taxes, property taxes. We must end Band-Aid fixes to Indiana’s outdated system, and House Republicans have endorsed a bold plan for immediate relief and permanent tax reform. Our 10 “Standards for Success” should be included in any plan adopted this session.

http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080123/EDIT05/801230369/-1/EDIT

Senate tackling taxes, annexation
This week, members of the Indiana General Assembly held two joint sessions in the House Chamber to hear the Governor’s annual State of the State address Tuesday evening followed on Wednesday by the State of the Judiciary. During a second fast-paced week, committee hearings dominated activities as more bills moved through the committee process and advanced to the floor of each chamber to be considered by the full body. The following brief summary highlights some of this week’s legislative activities.
http://www.tristate-media.com/articles/2008/01/28/warricknews/editorial/05senate.txt

Legislative session is off and running

The legislative session has resumed, and this year’s main focus is finding immediate and permanent property tax relief for Hoosier homeowners. The entire General Assembly recognizes we are in a property tax crisis, and the House Ways and Means Committee began a series of hearings around the state in December to gather public testimony on House Bill 1001.

http://kpcnews.com/articles/2008/01/27/features/columnists/local_columnists/doc479604b878ed1349976542.txt

 Samuel R. Turpin

1/28 Floor Schedule

 House

01/28/2008

9:00 am

Second Reading – HB1013 Military service credit for teachers’ retirement fund members. (Kersey)

Second Reading – HB1017 Arts and cultural districts. (Koch)

Second Reading – HB1020 Umbilical cord blood bank. (Welch)

Second Reading – HB1036 Proof of motor vehicle financial responsibility. (Ulmer)

Second Reading – HB1042 Intent to sell sexually explicit products. (Goodin)

Second Reading – HB1047 Local time zone public question. (Dembowski)

Second Reading – HB1051 School corporation donations to foundations. (Crooks)

Second Reading – HB1052 Motorist duties at accident scenes. (Neese)

Second Reading – HB1055 Assignment of benefits. (C. Brown)

Second Reading – HB1061 Application of landlord-tenant statutes. (Day)

Second Reading – HB1065 PERF beneficiary change after divorce. (Saunders)

Second Reading – HB1071 Funding for voting machine replacement. (Grubb)

Second Reading – HB1076 Bias crimes. (Porter)

Second Reading – HB1083 Hoosier Inland Port study. (Kersey)

Second Reading – HB1090 Climate registry. (Dvorak)

Second Reading – HB1097 Third party rights under health care contracts. (Hoy)

Second Reading – HB1101 Utility receipts tax. (Crooks)

Second Reading – HB1105 Transfer of property to fire departments. (Tincher)

Second Reading – HB1107 Cultural competency. (Porter)

Second Reading – HB1111 Requirements for recording documents and copies. (Foley)

Second Reading – HB1112 Learner’s permits and driver’s licenses. (Micon)

Second Reading – HB1113 Birth certificate fraud. (Dembowski)

Second Reading – HB1114 Town police officer residency. (Dembowski)

Second Reading – HB1117 Coal gasification and substitute natural gas. (Stilwell)

Second Reading – HB1119 Public safety retiree reemployment. (Austin)

Second Reading – HB1124 Sheriffs’ and deputies’ surviving spouse pension. (Goodin)

Second Reading – HB1129 Archeology. (Pierce)

Second Reading – HB1134 Sex offender Internet offense. (VanDenburgh)

Second Reading – HB1137 Technical corrections bill. (GiaQuinta)

Second Reading – HB1140 Coverage for prosthetic devices. (Murphy)

Second Reading – HB1144 Failure to report a dead body. (Pelath)

Second Reading – HB1153 Gaming in bars. (Tyler)

Second Reading – HB1156 Police and firefighter death benefits. (Tyler)

Second Reading – HB1159 Media production tax credit. (Welch)

Second Reading – HB1162 City council youth adviser. (Bell)

Second Reading – HB1164 Property tax deduction for model residences. (Herrell)

Second Reading – HB1165 Homelessness, foster youth, and education. (Avery)

Second Reading – HB1169 Cosmetology and estheticians. (Orentlicher)

Second Reading – HB1170 Civil rights commission proceedings. (Orentlicher)

Second Reading – HB1172 Various professions and occupations. (Welch)

Second Reading – HB1174 Military leave for state employees. (Duncan)

Second Reading – HB1183 Historic rehabilitation income tax credit. (Dvorak)

Second Reading – HB1184 Scholarships for teachers. (V. Smith)

Second Reading – HB1187 Nonprofit corporations. (L. Lawson)

Second Reading – HB1189 Uniform county innkeeper’s tax. (Dembowski)

Second Reading – HB1193 Funding for adult education. (Simms)

Second Reading – HB1196 Various election law matters. (Pierce)

Second Reading – HB1203 Registration of certain school buses. (Pflum)

Second Reading – HB1204 Emergency alert system advisory committee. (Crooks)

Second Reading - HB1209 Review of sentences of certain habitual offenders. (V. Smith)

Second Reading – HB1210 Teacher certification. (V. Smith)

Second Reading – HB1211 Various home loan matters. (Murphy)

Second Reading – HB1213 Occupational health and safety training. (Bartlett)

Second Reading – HB1214 Vehicle protection products. (GiaQuinta)

Second Reading – HB1219 Unemployment insurance. (Tyler)

Second Reading – HB1220 Transportation tax area. (Dobis)

Second Reading – HB1224 Transfer fees. (VanHaaften)

Second Reading – HB1226 State licensure of towing services. (E. Harris)

Second Reading – HB1234 School attendance records and enforcement. (Blanton)

Second Reading – HB1244 Common school fund; certification fee. (Reardon)

Second Reading – HB1245 Transit districts. (Austin)

Second Reading – HB1246 Student graduation plan and online learning. (Austin)

Second Reading – HB1249 Tuition exemption for Purple Heart recipients. (Klinker)

Second Reading – HB1253 Manual on uniform traffic control devices. (Saunders)

Second Reading – HB1259 Child safety and CHINS. (VanDenburgh)

Second Reading – HB1266 Eligibility criteria for Medicaid waiver. (Klinker)

Second Reading – HB1269 Employee classification. (Niezgodski)

Second Reading – HB1271 Inmate credit time. (Stemler)

Second Reading – HB1273 Compensation for emergency or disaster training. (Tincher)

Second Reading – HB1275 Local government copying fees. (Stemler)

Second Reading – HB1276 Bail. (Pflum)

Second Reading – HB1277 State economic development incentives. (Herrell)

Second Reading – HB1280 Energy efficient buildings. (Pierce)

Second Reading – HB1284 Group insurance. (Fry)

Second Reading – HB1286 Library services authorities. (Blanton)

Second Reading – HB1288 Certification for behavior analysts. (Summers)

Second Reading – HB1290 Older youth foster care. (Avery)

Second Reading – HB1292 Flags on public buildings to be made in USA. (Bartlett)

Second Reading – HB1293 Homestead deduction application. (GiaQuinta)

Second Reading – HB1297 Publication of notices. (Hinkle)

Second Reading – HB1300 Labeling standards for milk. (Friend)

Second Reading – HB1310 Faculty member on university boards of trustees. (V. Smith)

Second Reading – HB1318 Funding for spinal cord and brain injury research. (Mays)

Second Reading – HB1319 Assessment of forest land for taxation purposes. (Grubb)

Second Reading – HB1323 Dialysis treatment coverage. (Fry)

Second Reading – HB1329 Sex offenses and children. (Reske)

Second Reading – HB1331 Expense advances to driver employees. (Oxley)

Second Reading – HB1340 Privatization review committee. (Micon)

Second Reading – HB1341 Ports of Indiana. (Stemler)

Second Reading – HB1359 Various financial institutions matters. (Bardon)

Second Reading – HB1360 Mortgage lending issues. (Bardon)

Second Reading – HB1379 Viatical settlements. (Ripley)

Second Reading – HJR0001 Circuit breaker. (Crawford)

Third Reading – HB1016 Unclaimed money. (VanDenburgh)

Third Reading – HB1019 Public pensions. (Avery)

Third Reading – HB1034 Age discrimination. (V. Smith)

Third Reading – HB1045 Courthouse preservation advisory commission. (Bischoff)

Third Reading – HB1049 Time limit for use of higher education grants. (Porter)

Third Reading – HB1062 Architectural salvage material and valuable metal dealers. (Day)

Third Reading – HB1067 United States flag protocol for Indiana soldiers. (Herrell)

Third Reading – HB1074 Disarming a law enforcement officer. (Day)

Third Reading – HB1077 Funding for local Memorial Day celebrations. (Niezgodski)

Third Reading – HB1089 Fire sprinkler contractors and installers. (Niezgodski)

Third Reading – HB1096 Various provisions concerning courts. (Hoy)

Third Reading – HB1108 Sheriff’s compensation. (Buell)

Third Reading – HB1118 Alcoholic beverages. (VanHaaften)

Third Reading – HB1120 Prohibitions on certain detergents. (Dembowski)

Third Reading – HB1122 Juvenile offenders and detention facilities. (Reske)

Third Reading – HB1125 Update of references to the Internal Revenue Code. (Goodin)

Third Reading – HB1145 Tax delinquent properties. (Pelath)

Third Reading – HB1146 Bankruptcy and motor vehicle accident judgments. (GiaQuinta)

Third Reading – HB1171 Autism training for EMS personnel. (Summers)

Third Reading – HB1179 Recovery for restraint of trade. (Moses)

Third Reading – HB1185 Indoor air quality. (L. Lawson)

Third Reading – HB1197 Data breaches. (Pierce)

Third Reading – HB1227 Shoreline development commission. (E. Harris)

Third Reading – HB1250 State park development and funding for the NAIAC. (Klinker)

 = Bill Exists in a Bill Track

Senate

01/28/2008

1:30

Second Reading – SJR0001 Circuit breakers and other property tax matters. (Kenley, Rogers)

Second Reading – SJR0007 Definition of marriage. (Bray, Hershman, Boots)

Second Reading – SJR0010 Constitutional right to hunt and fish. (Steele)

Second Reading – SB0004 Reduction of credit time for sex offenders. (Drozda)

Second Reading – SB0012 Credit for excessive property taxes. (Kenley)

Second Reading – SB0013 Standardized public school building plans. (Hershman)

Second Reading – SB0016 Property tax assessing duties. (Lawson)

Second Reading – SB0019 Income tax withholding. (Kenley)

Second Reading – SB0020 Eliminate certain levy limit exclusions. (Kenley, Landske)

Second Reading – SB0026 Smoke detectors in rental properties. (Jackman)

Second Reading – SB0027 Cooling off period for domestic battery. (Arnold)

Second Reading – SB0028 Fire safe cigarettes. (Drozda)

Second Reading – SB0031 State highway rights-of-way. (Landske, Zakas, Broden)

Second Reading – SB0072 PERF annuity savings accounts. (Kruse)

Second Reading – SB0081 Transfer on death conveyances. (Kruse)

Second Reading – SB0085 Ballistic knives. (Steele)

Second Reading – SB0086 Sex and violent offender registry. (Steele)

Second Reading – SB0090 Operating while intoxicated offenses and procedures. (Alting, Arnold)

Second Reading – SB0091 Foster care sibling visitation. (Becker, Howard, Delph)

Second Reading – SB0093 Definition of “public utility”. (Riegsecker)

Second Reading – SB0100 Committee to study taxation of homestead property. (Merritt, Long)

Second Reading – SB0104 Reconstruction in floodway. (Hershman)

Second Reading – SB0105 Paternity and child support. (Steele)

Second Reading – SB0107 Wine sales. (Becker, Riegsecker)

Second Reading – SB0111 Graduation rate formula. (Lubbers)

Second Reading – SB0121 Donations by local units to community foundations. (Riegsecker)

Second Reading – SB0123 Grading and certification of meat products. (Jackman)

Second Reading – SB0133 PERF COLA and thirteenth check. (R. Meeks)

Second Reading – SB0137 Public safety employees. (M. Young)

Second Reading – SB0143 Childhood lead poisoning prevention. (Gard)

Second Reading – SB0150 Physical therapists. (Miller)

Second Reading – SB0152 Automated external defibrillators in health clubs. (Miller)

Second Reading – SB0157 Opioid treatment programs. (Miller)

Second Reading – SB0159 Third party health service agreements. (Gard)

Second Reading – SB0166 Mandated benefit task force. (Miller)

Second Reading – SB0169 Health insurance reports. (Dillon)

Second Reading – SB0171 Crimes against persons with a disability. (Lanane)

Second Reading – SB0178 Underground storage tank corrective actions. (Gard)

Second Reading – SB0180 Child abduction and seduction. (Lubbers)

Second Reading – SB0187 Fetal development curriculum. (Drozda)

Second Reading – SB0188 Recovery for restraint of trade. (Ford)

Second Reading – SB0189 Various issues concerning agriculture and animals. (Ford, Landske, Arnold)

Second Reading – SB0190 Title 15 recodification. (Ford, Landske, Arnold)

Second Reading – SB0192 Truth in music advertising. (Becker, Deig)

Second Reading – SB0195 Motorists and insurance. (M. Young)

Second Reading – SB0197 Minority and women businesses. (Ford)

Second Reading – SB0208 Deduction of tax payments from checking account. (Tallian)

Second Reading – SB0212 Expense advances to driver employees. (Bray)

Second Reading – SB0213 Regional sewer districts. (R. Young)

Second Reading – SB0215 Various election law matters. (Landske)

Second Reading – SB0219 Lactation support in the workplace. (Simpson)

Second Reading – SB0224 Various utility matters. (Hershman)

Second Reading – SB0226 Disposal of municipal utility property. (Hershman)

Second Reading – SB0230 Riverboat admissions tax for mental health. (Becker)

Second Reading – SB0235 Vote centers. (Landske)

Second Reading – SB0247 Home medical equipment licensing. (Dillon)

Second Reading – SB0248 Scholarship granting organization tax credit. (Drozda)

Second Reading – SB0251 Local unit contracts for imported drugs. (Riegsecker)

Second Reading – SB0255 Incentive payment reporting. (Steele)

Second Reading – SB0258 Discharge of long term inmates. (Waterman)

Second Reading – SB0263 Property tax deduction for the blind and disabled. (Becker, Landske, Waterman)

Second Reading – SB0267 Income tax deduction or credit for property tax. (Charbonneau)

Second Reading – SB0268 Disposal of state owned real estate. (Charbonneau)

Second Reading – SB0269 Coverage for prosthetic devices. (Dillon)

Second Reading – SB0280 Marion County government. (Merritt)

Second Reading – SB0281 Convictions and elections. (Mrvan, Drozda)

Second Reading – SB0283 Online or mail renewal of driver’s license. (Rogers, Wyss)

Second Reading – SB0297 Local government matters. (Delph)

Second Reading – SB0302 Professional and occupational licensing. (Mishler)

Second Reading – SB0305 Controlled substances. (Steele)

Second Reading – SB0307 Various business matters. (Bray)

Second Reading – SB0312 County executives. (Boots)

Second Reading – SB0314 Department of agriculture. (Ford)

Second Reading – SB0315 Long term care screening and counseling. (Dillon)

Second Reading – SB0316 Practice of veterinary medicine. (Dillon)

Second Reading – SB0317 Bail. (Waterman)

Second Reading – SB0329 Judges’ pensions. (Kruse)

Second Reading – SB0330 Eligibility for long term care policy deduction. (Mishler)

Second Reading – SB0331 Health coverage for dependents. (Mishler)

Second Reading – SB0334 Severe weather warning sirens. (Waltz)

Second Reading – SB0335 Illegal alien matters. (Kruse, Delph, Boots)

Second Reading – SB0336 Stroke prevention task force. (Charbonneau)

Second Reading – SB0338 Electronic registration and titling of vehicles. (Merritt)

Second Reading – SB0339 Various motor vehicle matters. (Merritt)

Second Reading – SB0343 Theft of copper and other valuable metals. (Tallian)

Second Reading – SB0345 Collection of unemployment contributions. (Weatherwax)

Second Reading – SB0350 Funding for community mental health centers. (Lawson)

Second Reading – SB0352 Various financial institutions matters. (Paul)

Second Reading – SB0356 Possession of handguns on public property. (Nugent)

Second Reading – SB0359 Enhanced 911 systems. (Hershman)

Second Reading – SB0360 E85 fueling station grants. (Hershman)

Second Reading – SB0363 Uniform emergency health practitioners act. (Simpson)

Third Reading – SB0002 School board elections at general election time. (Becker, Lubbers, Merritt)

Third Reading – SB0003 Dispensing of drugs by pharmacists. (Drozda)

Third Reading – SB0042 Select joint commission on Medicaid oversight. (Miller)

Third Reading – SB0043 Environmental matters. (Gard)

Third Reading – SB0056 Flag protocol for combat deaths. (Waltz)

Third Reading – SB0114 Annexation. (Drozda)

Third Reading – SB0117 Parole issues. (Charbonneau)

Third Reading – SB0118 DOC superintendent qualifications. (Boots)

Third Reading – SB0124 Child seduction. (Delph)

Third Reading – SB0130 Conversion by failure to return rented property. (Arnold)

Third Reading – SB0134 Consolidation of certain environmental and natural resources proceedings. (R. Meeks)

Third Reading – SB0146 Information preceding an abortion. (Miller, Drozda)

Third Reading – SB0149 Coroner and deputy coroner training. (Merritt, Miller)

Third Reading – SB0160 Environmental legal actions. (Gard)

Third Reading – SB0163 Civil penalties for littering. (Rogers, Wyss)

Third Reading – SB0164 Medicaid claim payments. (Miller)

Third Reading – SB0175 INDOT bidding procedures. (Merritt)

Third Reading – SB0176 Courthouse preservation advisory commission. (Merritt)

Third Reading – SB0184 Use of DNA evidence. (Zakas)

Third Reading – SB0198 Towing and storage of abandoned vehicles. (Paul)

Third Reading – SB0199 Environmental crimes. (Bray, Gard)

Third Reading – SB0200 Department of environmental management matters. (Gard)

Third Reading – SB0207 Public records and criminal offenders. (Walker)

Third Reading – SB0210 Teachers’ retirement fund issues. (Sipes, Tallian)

Third Reading – SB0221 Warning to pregnant women of tobacco use. (Simpson)

Third Reading – SB0223 Coal gasification and substitute natural gas. (Hershman)

Third Reading – SB0227 Sexual assault victim advocate standards board. (Becker)

Third Reading – SB0231 Oversight of public money. (Mrvan)

Third Reading – SB0233 Streamlined sales tax conformity. (Kenley)

Third Reading – SB0241 Department of homeland security funds. (Wyss, Arnold)

Third Reading – SB0249 Emergency medical services commission. (Wyss, Broden)

Third Reading – SB0250 Indiana Veterans’ Home. (Rogers, Wyss)

Third Reading – SB0262 Student attendance in former school corporation. (Hume)

Third Reading – SB0303 Native American Indian affairs commission. (Waterman)

Third Reading - SB0304 Arrest records. (Steele)

Samuel R. Turpin

1/28 Convening Time

	House	Senate
Convening Time:	Monday January 28, 9:00 a.m.	Monday January 28, 1:30 p.m.

Samuel R. Turpin

1/25 News

  Kernan pitches governmental reforms
(Elkhart Truth © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 06:39:36 (Article ID 174797435)

ELKHART — Calling attention to what the report from the Commission on Local Government Reform does not recommend, former Gov. Joe Kernan promoted making a series of changes to city, town and county governments across Indiana Thursday night. Kernan was the keynote speaker at the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce 2008 annual dinner at the Matterhorn Conference Center. During his remarks, the cro

Plan gets House OK
(Elkhart Truth © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 06:39:36 (Article ID 174797425)

INDIANAPOLIS — The House approved a modified version of Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels’ property tax relief and restructuring plan Thursday with near unanimous support and lots of accolades for working with a spirit of bipartisanship. The Democrat-controlled chamber voted 93-1 for the sweeping, 935-page bill and sent it to the Republican-ruled Senate, which has passed some varied parts of Daniels

House approves tax plan
(Evansville Courier Press © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 03:02:03 (Article ID 174797872)

INDIANAPOLIS — Both Democratic and Republican leaders of the Indiana House were all smiles Thursday after they passed a modified version of Gov. Mitch Daniels’ property-tax plan. The governor has said it has the potential to cut residential property taxes by about one-third. But a showdown is looming over a part of the bill that calls for voter referendums on public-construction projects.

Panel OKs same-sex marriage bill
(Evansville Courier Press © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 03:02:03 (Article ID 174797876)

A constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Indiana was approved by a state Senate committee Thursday, though the proposal appears unlikely to get very far in the Indiana House. The proposed amendment, known as SJR 7, would define marriage in the state constitution as being between a man and a woman. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved SJR 7 on Thursday on a 5-4 party-line vote. Now

The referendum debate
(Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 08:12:51 (Article ID 174843837)

If angry taxpayers are unlikely to see Indiana’s property tax system repealed, they are at least likely to end up with greater control over it in terms of approving or rejecting building projects at the ballot box. But lawmakers establishing a referendum process need to be aware that the mix of fixes they are weighing could turn a referendum into a dangerous tax-shift tool. The consequences

Tax reforms pass 93-1; now it’s up to senators
(Indianapolis Star © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 04:13:25 (Article ID 174807746)

Indiana senators now will have their turn to change Gov. Mitch Daniels’ property tax reform package after the House on Thursday overwhelmingly passed the plan with its modifications. Among the issues likely to be addressed in the Senate: voter referendums on building projects and income tax breaks for the working poor.The House endorsed the plan 93-1 before sending it to the Senate.”This

Buyer backs governor’s request for flood aid
(Lafayette The Courier-Journal © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 03:02:03 (Article ID 174798305)

U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Monticello, is backing Gov. Mitch Daniels’ request for a disaster declaration from President Bush in the flooding that ravaged much of the area earlier this month. “As someone who grew up along the Tippecanoe River I know the devastating harm that water can cause when you have a historic flood like the one that swallowed the Tippecanoe and Kankakee Rivers along with the o

Lawmakers Vote on Abortion, Same-Sex Marriage Bills
(MSNBC WISE Fort Wayne © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 07:49:55 (Article ID 174844724)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – A state Senate committee has approved legislation to amend Indiana’s constitution to ban same-sex marriage, although the legislative effort appears to be dead this year. On a party line vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a resolution to begin the process of amending the state constitution to ban gay marriage. Republican Senator Brandt Hershman of Wheatfield sponsored

Legislature Kills Cell Phone, Smoking Ban Proposals
(MSNBC WISE Fort Wayne © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 02:35:40 (Article ID 174788195)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Indiana lawmakers voted on several bills Wednesday, this time not involving property taxes. In the House, a bill that would impose a statewide smoking ban in most public places in Indiana has died. The House Public Policy Committee heard only brief testimony on the bill before chairman Rep. Trent Van Haaften of Mount Vernon said there was no more time to consider it. The deadli

Same-sex marriage amendment is dead
(Muncie Star Press © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 04:13:25 (Article ID 174810328)

The same-sex marriage amendment is effectively dead in the Indiana General Assembly. It should never be resurrected. The amendment, which first passed in 2005 when Republicans controlled both chambers, had to be approved again in 2007 or 2008 in order to be placed on the ballot. It failed last year, primarily due to objections from companies like Eli Lilly and Emmis Communications, whose official

High-speed rail tough sale in Indiana
(NWI Times.com © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 03:02:03 (Article ID 174794453)

MUNSTER || An executive for the world’s largest high-speed train maker showed 30 people Thursday how to get to Indianapolis in less time than it takes to get to downtown Chicago — without ever leaving the ground.”If it happens in the rest of the world, it can happen here,” said Charles Wochele, vice president for business development at Alstom’s U.S. transport division.Wochele had just shown tho

Our open-minded Constitution
(South Bend Tribune © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 08:12:51 (Article ID 174843753)

Local government in Indiana was created to accommodate Hoosiers 150 years ago. Local government needs reform. What has changed since the 1850s? Just about everything. The most profound changes have been in areas of transportation and communication. Indiana’s founders wisely made the state Constitution a flexible framework that most often does not bind either state or local government to specific o

Legislative session is off and running
(Steuben County Herald-Republican © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 04:13:25 (Article ID 174809781)

The legislative session has resumed, and this year’s main focus is finding immediate and permanent property tax relief for Hoosier homeowners. The entire General Assembly recognizes we are in a property tax crisis, and the House Ways and Means Committee began a series of hearings around the state in December to gather public testimony on House Bill 1001.HB 1001, which is based on Gov. Mitch Daniel

Sen. Meeks makes savvy move
(Steuben County Herald-Republican © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 04:13:25 (Article ID 174809792)

We have always been impressed with the way Sen. Robert Meeks has been able to read the mood of the Legislature, whether it has been with spending issues, in which he holds a leadership role, or dealing with natural lakes, which are predominantly situated in northeast Indiana.The handwriting was on the wall with the legislation Meeks has proposed that would move a riverboat casino license to Steube

Hoosier property tax repeal unlikely
(WAVE 3 NBC-Louisville, KY © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 08:12:51 (Article ID 174840865)

JEFFERSONVILLE — Indiana governor Mitch Daniels says a repeal of the property tax is a possibility — just not right now. He took questions from a room full of southern Indiana business leaders hell-bent on doing away with property taxes, who all but begged him to reconsider. WAVE 3’s Mark Schnyder reports on Daniels’ visit to Jeffersonville. Not much is blooming this time of year, b

Ind. Governor Answers Tough Tax Questions
(WLKY 32 CBS-Louisville, KY © 01/25/2008)
Indexed 2008-01-25 02:35:40 (Article ID 174779186)

JEFFERSONVILLE — Indiana’s governor answered tough questions Thursday at a Jeffersonville forum on state property taxes. Many in the audience want to get rid of property taxes altogether, but Gov. Mitch Daniels said he still hasn’t seen a plan that will work. Daniels said he wants to focus on his short-term plan that would cap property tax bills and impose tougher spending controls on loc

Samuel R. Turpin

1/24 Floor Calendar

 01/24/2008

1:30 PM

Eligible for Adoption – SCR0018 Urging U.S. Congress. (Nugent, Paul)

Third Reading – SJR0003 Limits on school property tax levies. (Lubbers)

Third Reading – SJR0005 Next generation trust fund. (Bray, Delph)

Second Reading – SB0019 Income tax withholding. (Kenley)

Second Reading – SB0028 Fire safe cigarettes. (Drozda)

Second Reading – SB0042 Select joint commission on Medicaid oversight. (Miller)

Second Reading – SB0043 Environmental matters. (Gard)

Second Reading – SB0056 Flag protocol for combat deaths. (Waltz)

Second Reading – SB0114 Annexation. (Drozda)

Second Reading – SB0121 Donations by local units to community foundations. (Riegsecker)

Second Reading – SB0160 Environmental legal actions. (Gard)

Second Reading – SB0176 Courthouse preservation advisory commission. (Merritt)

Second Reading – SB0178 Underground storage tank corrective actions. (Gard)

Second Reading – SB0198 Towing and storage of abandoned vehicles. (Paul)

Second Reading - SB0199 Environmental crimes. (Bray, Gard)

Second Reading – SB0200 Department of environmental management matters. (Gard)

Second Reading – SB0208 Deduction of tax payments from checking account. (Tallian)

Second Reading – SB0215 Various election law matters. (Landske)

Second Reading – SB0235 Vote centers. (Landske)

Second Reading – SB0248 Scholarship granting organization tax credit. (Drozda)

Second Reading – SB0262 Student attendance in former school corporation. (Hume)

Second Reading – SB0303 Native American Indian affairs commission. (Waterman)

Third Reading – SB0002 School board elections at general election time. (Becker, Lubbers, Merritt)

Third Reading – SB0003 Dispensing of drugs by pharmacists. (Drozda)

Third Reading – SB0010 Inmate fraud. (Steele)

Third Reading – SB0014 Elimination of state property tax levies. (Lawson, Boots)

Third Reading – SB0015 Property tax credit and deduction filing deadlines. (R. Meeks)

Third Reading – SB0016 Property tax assessing duties. (Lawson)

Third Reading – SB0033 State police supplemental benefit. (M. Young)

Third Reading – SB0046 Environmental restrictive covenants. (Gard)

Third Reading – SB0051 Reemployment of retired teachers. (Landske, Weatherwax)

Third Reading – SB0078 Probate and trust matters. (Zakas)

Third Reading – SB0083 Motor vehicle violations report. (Wyss, Arnold)

Third Reading – SB0084 Sex offender notification. (Steele)

Third Reading – SB0089 Regulation of loan brokers. (Lawson)

Third Reading – SB0117 Parole issues. (Charbonneau)

Third Reading – SB0118 DOC superintendent qualifications. (Boots)

Third Reading – SB0124 Child seduction. (Delph)

Third Reading – SB0130 Conversion by failure to return rented property. (Arnold)

Third Reading – SB0134 Consolidation of certain environmental and natural resources proceedings. (R. Meeks)

Third Reading – SB0146 Information preceding an abortion. (Miller, Drozda)

Third Reading – SB0149 Coroner and deputy coroner training. (Miller)

Third Reading – SB0163 Civil penalties for littering. (Rogers, Wyss)

Third Reading – SB0164 Medicaid claim payments. (Miller)

Third Reading – SB0175 INDOT bidding procedures. (Merritt)

Third Reading – SB0184 Use of DNA evidence. (Zakas)

Third Reading – SB0207 Public records and criminal offenders. (Walker)

Third Reading – SB0210 Teachers’ retirement fund issues. (Tallian)

Third Reading – SB0221 Warning to pregnant women of tobacco use. (Simpson)

Third Reading – SB0223 Coal gasification and substitute natural gas. (Hershman)

Third Reading – SB0227 Sexual assault victim advocate standards board. (Becker)

Third Reading – SB0231 Oversight of public money. (Mrvan)

Third Reading – SB0233 Streamlined sales tax conformity. (Kenley)

Third Reading – SB0241 Department of homeland security funds. (Wyss, Arnold)

Third Reading – SB0249 Emergency medical services commission. (Wyss, Broden)

Third Reading – SB0250 Indiana Veterans’ Home. (Rogers, Wyss)

Third Reading – SB0280 Marion County government. (Merritt)

Third Reading – SB0304 Arrest records. (Steele)

Samuel R. Turpin

State Lawmaker Critically Ill

01/22/2008

State Senator David Ford (R-Hartford City) is battling a very serious, unspecified health issue. The 58-year-old serves as assistant majority floor leader and chairs the Technology Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Technology.

Samuel R. Turpin

1/23 Committee Schedule

 House Committees January 23, 2008

8:30 AM

 Education

Room: 156C

HB1088 Student mobility rates. (Porter)

HB1107 Cultural competency. (Porter)

HB1234 School attendance records and enforcement. (Blanton)

HB1246 Student graduation plan and online learning. (Austin)

8:30 a.m.

 Labor and Employment

Room: 156A

HB1277 State economic development incentives. (Herrell)

9:00 AM

 Public Policy

Room: 156B Note: 1167 – Ammend and vote

1127 – Has been withdrawn

HB1057 Smoking ban in certain public places. (C. Brown)

HB1167 Hand held mobile telephone use. (Summers)

10:30 AM

 Environmental Affairs

Room: 156C

HB1090 Climate registry. (Dvorak)

HB1280 Energy efficient buildings. (Pierce)

HB1289 Electronic waste. (Avery)

HB1217 Biomonitoring program. (Dvorak)

 Family, Children, and Human Affairs

Room: 156A Note: Note addition of 1205,

Note addition of 1259 – for ammend and vote only.

HB1205 Joint legal custody. (Pond)

HB1165 Homelessness, foster youth, and education. (Avery)

HB1259 Child safety and CHINS. (VanDenburgh)

HB1288 Certification for behavior analysts. (Summers)

HB1290 Older youth foster care. (Avery)

10:30

 Insurance

Room: 156B Note: 1323 – Vote only

HB1046 Apprentice hunting licenses. (Bischoff)

HB1323 Dialysis treatment coverage. (Fry)

HB1343 Health insurance coverage for children under age 24. (Ripley)

HB1379 Viatical settlements. (Ripley)

10:30 AM

 Roads and Transportation

Room: 156D

HB1083 Hoosier Inland Port study. (Kersey)

HB1226 State licensure of towing services. (E. Harris)

HB1253 Manual on uniform traffic control devices. (Saunders)

HB1318 Funding for spinal cord and brain injury research. (Mays)

HB1331 Expense advances to driver employees. (Oxley)

HB1341 Ports of Indiana. (Stemler)

1:30 PM

 Small Business and Economic Development

Room: 156D Note: 1159 – is a strip and insert

HB1136 Tourism. (Cochran)

HB1159 Media production tax credit. (Welch)

HB1169 Cosmetology and estheticians. (Orentlicher)

HB1242 Business tax matters (Pelath)

HB1286 Library services authorities. (Blanton)

3:30 PM

 Education

Room: 156D

HB1210 Teacher certification. (V. Smith)

HB1239 School improvement progress and awards. (T. Harris)

HB1308 College readiness program. (Porter)

HB1365 High school athlete steroid testing. (Turner)

 Elections and Apportionment

Room: 156A

HB1196 Various election law matters. (Pierce)

 Interstate and International Cooperation

Room: 156C

HB1047 Local time zone public question. (Dembowski)

HB1085 Whistle stop signs. (Kersey)

HB1340 Privatization review committee. (Micon)

 Public Health

Room: House Chamber Note: 1055,1072 – ammend and vote only

HB1055 Assignment of benefits. (C. Brown)

HB1172 Various professions and occupations. (Welch)

HB1020 Umbilical cord blood bank. (Welch)

HB1097 Third party rights under health care contracts. (Hoy)

HB1266 Eligibility criteria for Medicaid waiver. (Klinker)

HB1287 Home health agency expenditures. (Orentlicher)

HB1362 Nonprofit and county hospitals. (C. Brown)

HB1387 Personal needs allowance. (Borders)

Senate Committees 1/23

8:00 AM

 Agriculture and Small Business

Room: 431 Note: SJR 10 – Added

SJR0010 Constitutional right to hunt and fish. (Steele)

SB0123 Grading and certification of meat products. (Jackman)

SB0189 Various issues concerning agriculture and animals. (Ford, Landske, Arnold)

SB0190 Title 15 recodification. (Ford, Landske, Arnold)

SB0314 Department of agriculture. (Ford)

SB0316 Practice of veterinary medicine. (Dillon)

9:00 AM

 Health and Provider Services

Room: 233

SB0152 Automated external defibrillators in health clubs. (Miller)

SB0157 Opioid treatment programs. (Miller)

SB0166 Mandated benefit task force. (Miller)

SB0143 Childhood lead poisoning prevention. (Gard)

SB0269 Coverage for prosthetic devices. (Dillon)

SB0336 Stroke prevention task force. (Charbonneau)

SB0363 Uniform emergency health practitioners act. (Simpson)

 Judiciary

Room: 130 Note: SB 81 – No more public testimony

SB0091 Foster care sibling visitation. (Becker, Howard, Delph)

SB0081 Transfer on death conveyances. (Kruse)

SB0027 Cooling off period for domestic battery. (Arnold)

SB0147 Abandoned embryo adoption. (Miller)

SB0172 Covenant marriage. (Kruse)

SB0188 Recovery for restraint of trade. (Ford)

SB0281 Convictions and elections. (Mrvan)

SB0307 Various business matters. (Bray)

 Pensions and Labor

Room: Senate Chamber

SB0072 PERF annuity savings accounts. (Kruse)

SB0137 Public safety employees. (M. Young)

SB0197 Minority and women businesses. (Ford)

SB0212 Expense advances to driver employees. (Bray)

SB0219 Lactation support in the workplace. (Simpson)

SB0274 Renames the department of workforce development. (Kruse)

SB0323 Retirement benefit adjustment. (Becker)

SB0335 Illegal alien matters. (Kruse, Delph, Boots)

SB0345 Collection of unemployment contributions. (Weatherwax)

1:00 PM

 Local Government and Elections

Room: Senate Chamber Note: Committee moved from room #130 to Senate Chamber

SB0029 Shooting ranges and discharging a firearm. (Drozda)

SB0297 Local government matters. (Delph)

SB0312 County executives. (Boots)

SB0334 Severe weather warning sirens. (Waltz)

1:30 PM

 Commerce, Public Policy & Interstate Cooperation

Room: 233 Note: SB 324 – Added to schedule

SB0107 Wine sales. (Riegsecker)

SB0230 Riverboat admissions tax for mental health. (Becker)

SB0237 Automobile franchise practices. (Weatherwax)

SB0255 Incentive payment reporting. (Steele)

SB0268 Disposal of state owned real estate. (Charbonneau)

SB0275 Mortgage lending issues. (Lawson)

SB0302 Professional and occupational licensing. (Mishler)

SB0324  (Mrvan)

 Education and Career Development

Room: 431 Note: SB 238 – No public testimony

SB0111 Graduation rate formula. (Lubbers)

SB0238 Education service centers. (Weatherwax)

5:00 PM

 Energy and Environmental Affairs

Room: Senate Chamber

SB0360 E85 fueling station grants. (Hershman)

Samuel R. Turpin