Week in Review at the Indiana General Assembly from Senate Democrats

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Legislators spent long hours this week working through major deadlines debating legislation which had already gained the approval of one chamber. Bills which have advanced without amendments proceed to the governor for final consideration and possible enactment. Legislation which has been amended, must return to its house of origin for approval of all changes. If amendments are not agreed to, the legislation advances to a joint House-Senate conference committee and members representing both chambers and both political parties work together to negotiate compromises. Final conference committee reports must then be approved by both chambers. Lawmakers must conclude business by the session's deadline of March 14^th. The following brief summary highlights some of this week's activities in the Senate.

Senate Democrats offer alternative tax relief plan

This week Senate Democrats proposed an alternative property tax relief plan providing greater relief to low-and middle-income taxpayers and those on fixed incomes. The proposed plan would shift the focus from a home’s value to a homeowner’s ability to pay. Calling attention to unfunded losses projected under Governor Daniels’ property tax relief plan, including an unfair burden on low-and middle-income taxpayers, school funding shortfalls and the threat of a state general fund deficit, Senate Democrats maintain that his plan is based upon a regressive tax policy which will hurt too many Hoosiers.

Under the “EZ Homestead Credit” plan, a homeowner’s net tax payment would be based on the assessed value of the property, the local tax rate and the owner’s adjusted gross income. The amount of homestead credits applied to a property tax bill would be determined by the owner’s income, providing a greater percentage of relief for lower income homeowners.

The proposal was offered as an amendment to House Bill 1001 earlier this week. Although it was defeated, the plan is eligible for consideration during conference committee negotiations. The Senate later approved House Bill 1001 by a vote of 34-14, and the legislation now heads to a bipartisan conference committee.

Bills gain Senate approval

Legislation which would limit total compensation paid to sheriffs to what county prosecutors earn beginning in 2011. House Bill 1108 would require that any additional compensation earned by sheriffs be redirected to counties to help pay for department pensions and other public safety costs.

Under House Bill 1153, co-sponsored by Errington, pull tabs, punchboards and tip board gaming will be allowed in bars and taverns. The proposal would also allow a qualified organization holding an annual raffle license to conduct raffles at any time during a period of one year.

House Bill 1185 would expand the state's program providing for indoor air quality inspections in schools to also include state agencies.

A concurrent enrollment partnership to coordinate dual credit programs among Indiana high schools and state educational institutions would be established under the passage of House Bill 1246. In addition, the legislation would create an interim study committee to undertake a review K-12 online learning programs.

House Bill 1290 provides that children who received foster care when they were less than 18 years old may choose to receive older youth foster care until the age of 21 if they are working or attending a vocational or educational program.

House Bill 1280, co-sponsored by Errington, would require new government and university buildings be designed to be more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly. The goal of this proposal is to ensure that any public works contracts entered into after December 31, 2008, achieve standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system or an equivalent system. Studies indicate that high performance building standards reduce energy and water consumption, improve indoor air quality and promote the use of sustainable building materials. In addition, worker productivity in buildings that meet LEED standards has proven to be higher due to improved indoor air quality and a greater reliance on natural lighting.

HEA 1249 provides that Indiana residents serving in the armed forces or the Indiana National Guard since September 10, 2001 who have received a Purple Heart decoration and satisfies other criteria will be exempt from tuition and fees at state universities.

Governor signs several bills into law

The governor has begun his review of bills already approved by both chambers. A few that have been signed into law include:

Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 210 provides that a member of the state Teachers' Retirement Fund may change the member's beneficiary designation if the member and the member's designated beneficiary are getting a divorce, regardless of what state they reside. (Current law only pertains to members who are involved in an Indiana action for dissolution of marriage.) Effective July 1, 2007 (retroactive).

SEA 219 provides aid to working mothers who return to work following maternity leave. The act requires businesses with 25 or more employees to provide paid breaks, a private place for the employee to express breast milk and some form of refrigeration to store the milk. Effective July 1, 2008.

House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1017 requires the Indiana Arts Commission to establish an arts and cultural district certification program to determine where these districts are located throughout the state and use that information for promotion and tourism opportunities. Effective upon passage.

HEA 1077 removes the limit on the amount a township, city, town, or county may appropriate to certain veterans' organizations to aid in defraying Memorial Day celebration expenses. Effective July 1, 2008.

Upcoming deadlines

Monday, March 3^rd - Conference committees begin

March 14^th - Lawmakers have until midnight to conclude business

To stay informed about legislation moving through the Indiana General Assembly, log on to www.in.gov/legislative/. From this site, you can research bills, review committee calendars and legislative floor calendars, view full bill texts and watch Senate and House sessions as well as some committee hearings which are broadcast live.

In addition, citizens can stay informed on bills scheduled for action in the House and Senate chambers through a free on line program available at www.BillWatch.in.gov/. This program allows you to track up to ten bills. Email notifications are sent once per day if action is taken on tracked bills and/or resolutions. If no action is taken, e-mail notifications will not be sent.

Feel free to contact Sue Errington with your comments and concerns regarding pending legislation or other matters pertaining to state government.

• send correspondence to: Statehouse, 200 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
• call toll-free 1-800-382-9467.
• send emails to www.S26@iga.in.gov or visit my web site at www.in.gov/S26

Source: Senate Democrats Press Release

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