Prepared by: Terry Spradlin
E-mail: tspradlin@isba-ind.org
Report created on March 28, 2024
 
HB1001STATE BUDGET. (BROWN T) Appropriates money for capital expenditures, the operation of the state, K-12 and higher education, the delivery of Medicaid and other services, and various other distributions and purposes. Specifies that the deadline for adjourning sine die for the 2021 session of the general assembly is November 15, 2021, and that the current deadline of April 29 remains in place for future long sessions. Provides that the regular technical session statute does not apply in calendar year 2021. Specifies the deadlines for signing enrolled acts and presenting them to the governor for bills passed after April 19, 2021, and before May 1, 2021. Specifies the following: (1) That the 2021 interim is the period beginning May 1, 2021, and ending November 15, 2021. (2) That for 2021, the prohibited period concerning fundraising activities is through April 29, 2021, rather than the date on which the general assembly adjourns sine die. (3) That the budget committee is required to meet at least once between April 30, 2021, and July 1, 2021. (Current law requires the budget committee to meet at least once in the two months following the general assembly adjournment sine die.) Provides that a redistricting commission is established to determine congressional districts if the general assembly adjourns sine die before November 15, 2021, without having enacted a law establishing congressional districts. (Current law refers to the adjournment of the general assembly without specifying an adjournment sine die or a particular date.) Provides provisions for opioid litigation and settlements, including opt out provisions for political subdivisions. Specifies distributions and uses of funds received from opioid litigation settlements that resolve existing state and political subdivision litigation lawsuits as of January 1, 2021. Establishes the Pokagon Band Tribal-state compact fund and specifies the purposes for the fund. Transfers the operations of the Indiana department of gaming research into a newly established gaming research division of the Indiana gaming commission. Repeals the exoneration fund. Removes the annual appropriation provision for the examinations fund of the state board of accounts. Establishes the Indiana career accelerator fund (fund) to be administered by the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC). Provides that the IEDC may award financial assistance awards from the fund to assist individuals in obtaining credentials from qualified education programs. Defines "qualified education program" for purposes of an award. Repeals the Indiana regional cities development fund. Establishes the regional economic acceleration and development initiative (READI) fund to provide grants and loans to support economic development and regional economic acceleration and development. Provides that the IEDC shall administer the fund. Requires the IEDC to establish a policy for the regional economic acceleration and development initiative. Replaces the state superintendent of public instruction with the secretary of education or the secretary's designee as a member of the distressed unit appeal board. Specifies the provisions that apply when the distressed unit appeal board suspends payments on loans or advances from the common school fund. Provides certain add backs and subtraction used in determining Indiana adjusted gross income. Changes the definition of "Internal Revenue Code" in the adjusted gross income tax law to mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended and in effect on March 31, 2021. Makes changes to the state income tax deduction for unemployment compensation. Amends the venture capital investment tax credit to apply to taxpayers that provide qualified investment capital to certain qualified Indiana investment funds (qualified fund). Provides that the IEDC may only certify a fund as a qualified fund if the fund meets the definition of a venture capital fund under federal regulations and the fund makes investments according to specified policy requirements and priorities. Provides that a taxpayer may not claim a credit certified with regard to a qualified fund before July 1, 2023. Specifies the maximum available tax credits in a calendar year with regard to a qualified fund. Increases the maximum available tax credits in a calendar year with regard to qualified Indiana businesses under current law, including an additional increase in the maximum amount if the qualified Indiana business is a minority business enterprise or a women's business enterprise. Caps the total amount of credits that the IEDC may award in a calendar year at $20,000,000, provided that not more than $7,500,000 is awarded for proposed investments in a qualified fund. Increases the tax credit that a taxpayer can claim for contributions made to a scholarship granting organization for state fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Provides a tax credit against adjusted gross income tax and financial institutions tax liability for monetary contributions to a qualifying foster care organization equal to 50% of the amount of the contribution, but not to exceed $10,000 for a taxable year. Defines a "qualifying foster care organization". Caps the total amount of the tax credits allowed in any state fiscal year to $2,000,000. Sunsets the tax credit on July 1, 2025. Adds certain procedural, accounting, and reporting requirements regarding the local income tax. Increases the special purpose local income tax rate that may be imposed in a county that is a member of a regional development authority. Imposes an excise tax, known as the electronic cigarette tax, on the retail sale of vapor products and consumable material in Indiana (does not include closed system cartridges). Imposes a tax on the distribution of closed system cartridges. Extends the expiration date of the Nashville food and beverage tax. Repeals the deposit of a part of the wine excise tax rate collected on each gallon of wine in the wine grape market development fund and requires the department of state revenue to instead deposit that part of the wine excise tax in the state general fund. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2021, all aviation fuel excise tax revenue is transferred to the airport development grant fund. (Under current law, 50% of the aviation fuel excise tax revenue is transferred to the general fund and 50% is transferred to the airport development grant fund.) Removes annual budget committee review of the distribution formula established by Indiana department of transportation for the public mass transportation fund. Requires budget committee review before any money may be transferred from the local road and bridge matching grant fund. Establishes the Internet crimes against children fund to be administered by the state police department. Specifies the uses of the fund. Requires an authorized service provider to use at least 85% (instead of 75%) of the reimbursement rate increase to pay payroll tax liabilities and to increase wages and benefits paid to direct care staff. Makes a conforming change to a provision for annual transfers to the Marion County health and hospitals corporation. Provides that the office of the secretary of family and social services shall apply to the United States Department of Health and Human Services regarding a waiver to implement the mobile integrated healthcare program and to receive funding through Section 9813 of the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 165
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1002CIVIL IMMUNITY RELATED TO COVID-19. (TORR J) Protects health care providers from professional discipline for certain acts or omissions arising from a disaster emergency unless the act or omission constitutes gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or intentional misrepresentation. 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 certain circumstances apply. 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. Specifies that the orders and recommendations are presumed irrelevant to the issue of the existence of a duty or breach of a duty. Prohibits filing a class action lawsuit against a defendant in a civil action allowed by the statute. Specifies that a governmental entity or employee is not liable if a loss results from an act or omission arising from COVID-19 unless the act or omission constitutes gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or intentional misrepresentation. Provides that a person is not liable to a claimant for loss, damage, injury, or death arising from COVID-19 unless the claimant proves that the person caused the loss, damage, injury, or death by an act or omission constituting gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or intentional misrepresentation. Provides immunity from civil liability to certain persons, entities, and facilities providing health care and other services for certain acts or omissions related to the provision of health care services and other services during a state disaster emergency. Extends COVID-19 health care immunity during periods of disaster emergency after February 29, 2020, and before April 1, 2022. Resolves conflicts between SEA 1 and HB 1002.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 166
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1008STUDENT LEARNING RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM. (CARBAUGH M) Establishes the: (1) student learning recovery grant program; and (2) student learning recovery grant program fund (fund). Provides that, to be eligible to receive a grant, an eligible entity must develop and submit a student learning acceleration plan (plan). Establishes requirements for a plan and certain information reporting requirements for those eligible entities that are awarded a grant. Requires, before November 1, 2021, and November 1, 2022, the department of education to prepare and submit a report to the interim committee on education. Appropriates to the fund from the state general fund for the purposes of the program $150,000,000 for the 2021 state fiscal year.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 167
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1009TANF PROGRAM. (GOODRICH C) Increases the state earned income tax credit to an amount equal to 10% (instead of 9%) of the federal earned income tax credit that an individual claimed for a taxable year. Provides that for purposes of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, income earned by a certain individual in the household who is participating in or pursuing a postsecondary degree, a workforce certificate, a pre-apprenticeship, or an apprenticeship may not disqualify an eligible household from receiving benefits, and may not be considered in determining the amount of assistance.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 168
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1040SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST OF STUDENTS. (PRESSEL J) Provides that sudden cardiac arrest information sheets currently required to be provided by each school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school to a parent of an applicable student must include: (1) the nature and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest; and (2) information about electrocardiogram testing. Adds definition of "applicable student". Makes changes to the definition of "athletic activity". Provides that the department of education (department) must maintain guidelines, information sheets, or forms on the department's Internet web site. Provides that, if an applicable student is suspected, as determined by a game official, coach from the student athlete's team, certified athletic trainer, marching band leader, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, licensed physician, or other official designated by the student athlete's school entity, of experiencing a symptom of sudden cardiac arrest in a practice for an athletic activity or in an athletic activity, the applicable student shall be removed from practice or play at the time that the symptom is identified. (Current law provides that, if a student athlete is suspected of experiencing a symptom of sudden cardiac arrest in a practice for an athletic activity or in an athletic activity, the student athlete shall be removed from practice or play at the time that the symptom is identified.) Allows a licensed athletic trainer, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse to evaluate whether an applicable student is experiencing a symptom of sudden cardiac arrest. Requires that an applicable student may not return to practice or play until the coach, marching band leader, or other official designated by the applicable student's school entity has: (1) provided information to the applicable student's parent about sudden cardiac arrest; and (2) received verbal permission from a parent of the applicable student that the applicable student may return to practice and play. Requires a coach, marching band leader, or certain other leaders, in a manner and frequency determined by the state board of education, to complete the sudden cardiac arrest training course offered by a provider approved by the department. Provides that a coach, marching band leader, and certain other extracurricular activity leader who completes the course and provides coaching or other leadership services in good faith is not personally liable for damages in a civil action as a result of a sudden cardiac arrest incurred by an applicable student participating in an athletic activity for which the coach, marching band leader, or other leader provided coaching or leadership services, except for an act or omission by the coach, marching band leader, or other extracurricular activity leader that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. Makes technical corrections (a legal guardian is included in the definition of a parent in IC 20).
 Current Status:   4/15/2021 - Public Law 56
 Recent Status:   4/15/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/14/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1119FOOD PURCHASES FROM AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS. (DAVISSON S) Provides that a public school or school corporation may purchase up to $7,500 of food per fiscal year from a youth agricultural education program, subject to certain restrictions and documentation requirements. Provides that the public school or school corporation is not prohibited from purchasing food from a youth agricultural education program under any other procurement requirements.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 175
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1266SCHOOL EFFICIENCY. (CLERE E) Provides that, not later than October 1, 2021, the department of education (department) shall issue a request for information for the purposes of exploring potential opportunities to improve the efficiency of noninstructional school services. Provides that the deadline for submission of responses to the request for information may not be later than February 1, 2022. Provides that, not later than March 1, 2022, the department shall prepare a report based on the responses.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 186
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1270DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. (FRYE R) Amends the administrative orders and procedures act to allow for an initial notice of determination to be served by electronic mail or any other method approved by the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure. (Under current law, the initial notice of determination may be served only by United States mail or personal service.) Repeals provisions concerning the division of planning and assessment, division of preparedness and training, division of emergency response and recovery, and division of fire and building safety (divisions). Assigns all duties of the divisions to the executive director of the department of homeland security (department) or the department generally. Establishes a fire chief executive training program (executive training program). Provides that after January 1, 2022, a newly appointed fire chief of a political subdivision must successfully complete the executive training program within one year of appointment. Provides that a volunteer fire chief is not required to complete the executive training program. Provides that the department of homeland security may allow any of the following individuals to enroll in the executive training program if there is available space in the course: (1) A chief officer. (2) Management level personnel. (3) A volunteer fire chief. (4) A volunteer chief officer. (5) Volunteer management level personnel. Provides that an applicable high school shall comply with all rules of the fire prevention and building safety commission applicable to the primary use of the building. Provides that schools with one or more employees shall create an emergency operations plan regarding unplanned fire alarm activations.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 187
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1271DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE. (LEONARD D) Provides under multiple remonstrance provisions that the department of local government finance (DLGF) may either hold a hearing in the affected county or through electronic means. Provides that the state board of accounts is accountable to the legislative council. Defines the term "nonconforming" for certain property tax purposes. Provides that consent to receive notice of a personal property tax assessment via electronic mail remains in effect unless revoked during the preceding year. Replaces the term "railroad car company" with the term "railcar company" for property tax purposes. Provides that the DLGF may amend certain public utility assessment administrative rules to reflect statutory changes. Provides that the fiscal officer of a political subdivision shall provide the DLGF with a report of any annexations that took place within the county during the preceding year. Provides rules and procedures for school corporation budget adoption meetings and hearings. Provides that for certain actions taken by the DLGF on tax levies and budgets of a political subdivision, the DLGF shall certify its action to the: (1) state board of accounts; (2) auditor of state; and (3) department of state revenue; if the budget and levy of the political subdivision are being continued. Provides that 25 taxpayers of a political subdivision must sign a written request for certain public hearings on budgets, tax rates, or tax levies. Provides that a political subdivision shall include an appropriation for bond proceeds in its budget for the ensuing year. Provides procedures for the Goshen public library. Requires the county auditor of the county in which a political subdivision or school corporation proposes to impose property taxes to determine the: (1) estimated average percentage of property tax increase on a homestead to be paid to the political subdivision or school corporation; and (2) estimated average percentage of property tax increase on a business property to be paid to the political subdivision or school corporation. Provides a formula for making the estimated average percentage of property tax increase determinations. Provides that the DLGF may establish fair and reasonable fees for level three assessor-appraiser examinations and certifications. Provides that a parcel of land may not be included in more than one allocation area under several provisions going forward. Provides that a district that does not impose a levy under certain circumstances shall give notice of the hearing on the proposed budget and submit the adopted budget in the manner prescribed by the DLGF. Provides that the budget of a district that does not impose a levy may not be considered subject to review by the DLGF. Provides that for cumulative fund tax levy procedure purposes, if a cumulative fund that has been established in a prior year is not reestablished and the tax rate is not properly certified, the political subdivision may not increase a tax rate for the cumulative fund for the ensuing year. Provides that a political subdivision that decides to establish a cumulative fund must give notice in the form required by the DLGF. Provides that the DLGF is not required to hold a cumulative fund tax levy public hearing unless the petition expressly alleges that the political subdivision failed to comply with certain procedural requirements. Provides that after a political subdivision complies with the cumulative fund tax levy procedural rules, a property tax may be levied annually at the rate adopted by the political subdivision and certified by the DLGF. Provides that distributions from the financial institutions tax fund may be used for any legal purpose. Provides that a county's distribution of the commercial vehicle excise tax may be used for any legal purpose. Amends review procedures for conservancy district budgets. Provides that for education emergency loans and anticipatory warrants, a governing body may not increase the debt service fund levy to pay for the interest on the loans or warrants unless the loans or warrants have been issued, and the school corporation has received the proceeds from the loans or warrants. Provides that a governing body may not authorize an education emergency loan for the purpose of increasing the school corporation's property tax rate for the ensuing budget year. Provides that for temporary education loans, a board of school trustees, including an Indianapolis public school board, may not impose a levy to pay for the interest on the loans from a debt service fund unless the loan has been issued, and the school town or school city has received the loan proceeds. Provides that a board of school trustees may not authorize a temporary loan for the purpose of increasing the school town or school city's property tax rate for the ensuing budget year. Provides that a county auditor shall forward a list of disannexed lots or lands, as well as a copy of any annexation ordinance, to the DLGF not later than August 1. Provides for uses of revenue from the Henry County food and beverage tax. Extends the sunset date for provisions that permit certain political subdivisions to sell bonds at a negotiated sale from July 1, 2021, to July 1, 2023, and includes all counties, townships, cities, towns, and school corporations under those provisions. Provides that if a remonstrance or objection is filed or raised by an aggrieved person and the: (1) lands of the aggrieved person do not abut any other public way other than the public way to which a vacation petition applies; or (2) vacation of the public way would cause the lands of the aggrieved person to become landlocked with no other convenient or reasonable means of ingress or egress via another public way; the appropriate legislative body shall deny the petition to vacate the public way. Authorizes the town of Winfield and the town of LaGrange to petition the department of local government finance to increase its maximum permissible ad valorem property tax levy in 2022. Provides that if a substantial amount of real and personal property in a township has been physically destroyed as a result of a disaster, the county assessor shall order a reassessment of the destroyed property if a petition for reassessment is filed. Provides that a sale of aviation fuel is exempt from the aviation fuel excise tax if the aviation fuel is dispensed into an aircraft owned by a certified aerial applicator performing agricultural operations. Provides that money accumulated from the Marshall County additional tax rate for criminal justice facilities, after the tax imposed is terminated, shall be transferred to the county jail fund to be established by the county auditor. Provides that funds accumulated from the Perry County additional rate for county jail and related buildings after: (1) the redemption of bonds issued; or (2) the final payment of lease rentals due; shall be transferred to the county jail operations fund to be used for financing the maintenance and operations of the Perry County detention center. Provides that $2 from each marriage certificate fee collected shall be deposited in the clerk's record perpetuation fund. Increases the: (1) bailiff's service of process by registered or certified mail fee; and (2) cost for the personal service of process by the bailiff or other process server; from $13 to $15. Increases the amount that a political subdivision may transfer into its rainy day fund from 10% to 15% during calendar years 2021 th
 Current Status:   4/8/2021 - Public Law 38
 Recent Status:   4/8/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/8/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1313STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. (CLERE E) Requires the Indiana management performance hub to: (1) use its data resources and technology to cross-reference with data bases of certain state agencies to identify certain former students with disabilities (eligible individuals); (2) coordinate with the state department of health to determine whether identified eligible individuals are deceased; and (3) provide the information concerning eligible individuals to the department of workforce development (DWD). Requires the state department of health to, not later than November 1, 2021, coordinate with the Indiana management performance hub. Requires the DWD to: (1) communicate with identified eligible individuals; and (2) provide to the eligible individuals a copy of a resource list concerning training and education opportunities and employment services resources. Requires the state advisory council on the education of children with disabilities (council) to annually update and submit the resource list to the department of education and the DWD. Requires the department of education and DWD to post a copy of the most recently updated resource list on the department's and DWD's Internet web sites. Requires the DWD, in consultation with the department of education, to prepare and submit an annual report to the general assembly and the council. Requires the state board of education to, not later than December 1, 2021, adopt rules to create an alternate diploma for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
 Current Status:   4/23/2021 - Public Law 113
 Recent Status:   4/23/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/22/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1365VARIOUS ELECTIONS MATTERS. (WESCO T) Defines "anomaly" and amends the definitions of "ballot label," "de minimis change," "electronic poll book," and "state office". Requires the entry of filing information concerning all candidates into the statewide voter registration system. Requires, for voting systems initially certified for marketing and use in Indiana after January 1, 2022, certain universally recognized symbols of a candidate's legal name to be displayed. Allows the secretary of state to provide parts and reports from the voter registration system information from the computerized list to law enforcement officials conducting an investigation if certain requirements are met. Requires election certification documents to be filed only through the statewide voter registration system. Provides that the precinct judge performs the duties of a precinct election sheriff under certain circumstances. Allows the cancellation of the registration of a deceased person based on a notice published by a funeral director or embalmer on the Internet web site of the funeral director or embalmer. Describes the process by which the name of an Indiana resident who has been imprisoned for conviction of a crime in another state is removed from the voter registration list. Provides that a person is disqualified from assuming or being a candidate for an elected office if the person is a nonjudicial court employee who would violate Rule 4.6 of the Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct by being the candidate of a political party for nomination or election to an elected office or a political party office. Makes changes to the formatting of nonpartisan judicial offices on the ballot. Provides that a candidate is considered affiliated with a particular political party for purposes of determining whether the candidate is qualified to be on that party's primary election ballot if the two most recent primary elections in which the candidate voted were primary elections held by the political party with which the candidate claims affiliation. (Under current law, only the most recent primary election that the candidate voted in must have been held by the political party with which the candidate claims affiliation.) Requires ballots to have precinct numbers or designations. Requires retention of electronic poll book information for the same retention period as other election records. Provides that ballot proofs be made available for inspection 67 days before the date of the election. Permits a county election board to authorize the use of absentee ballots by voters when a state disaster emergency is declared or a county disaster emergency is declared within 11 days of an election. Requires that an absentee ballot application requesting that an absentee ballot be sent by mail or by traveling board submitted to a county using the statewide voter registration system must include a telephone number to contact the applicant; permits the applicant to include the applicant's electronic mail address. Provides that if an application for an absentee ballot is denied, the county election board must provide the voter in writing with the reasons for the denial of the application. (Under current law, only absent uniformed services voters or overseas voters are required to be provided with notice of denial of an absentee ballot application.) Provides that, with certain exceptions, an individual must be a citizen of the United States to be permitted in the polls during an election and authorizes the secretary of state to grant exceptions. Authorizes a voter board visiting a voter with an illness or injury or a voter who is caring for a confined person at a private residence to use an electronic poll book. Specifies the procedure when a voter leaves the clerk's office or satellite office without casting the voter's absentee ballot for the vote to be cast by the absentee voter board. Specifies the requirements for the timing and security of the bipartisan initialing of absentee ballots. Increases the amount of time a voter has to vote in a primary election from three minutes to five minutes and the amount of time to vote in a general, municipal, or special election from two minutes to four minutes. Adds requirements for testing of voting systems before an election. Specifies the procedure requiring the reporting of problems experienced with voting systems or electronic poll books. Adds requirements for disposing of voting system units. Requires a voting system to contain features to ensure that unauthorized software has not been installed on the equipment, and to permit the electronic adjudication of voter intent on ballots cast using the voting system. Provides that any electronic device used to create a ballot file or program a voting system, or used with election management software, may not be connected to the Internet. Requires the Voting System Technical Oversight Program to conduct random audits of voting systems and electronic poll books in odd-numbered years. Requires a precinct election officer, in the case of a voter who casts a provisional ballot, or an absentee voter board, in the case of a voter who casts an absentee ballot that is treated as a provisional ballot, to provide both orally and in writing an explanation of the steps the voter must take in order to have the voter's ballot counted. Requires the election division to prescribe the form of the explanation. Requires the circuit court clerk to notify a voter who casts a provisional ballot not later than three days after election day concerning: (1) the reasons that the voter's ballot is being treated as a provisional ballot; (2) what actions, if any, that the voter must take in order to have the voter's ballot counted; (3) the deadline by which the voter must act to have the voter's ballot counted; and (4) certain contact information that the provisional voter may use to find out about the provisional voter's ballot. Requires that the notice must be in a form prescribed by the election division. Specifies procedures for the return of an electronic poll book or a voting system from the polls of the precinct or from the vote centers after the close of the polls on election day. Extends the deadline for filling a post-primary candidate vacancy from noon on June 30 to noon on July 3 and after July 3 in case of certain successful challenges to a candidate. Amends procedures for candidate filings to fill ballot vacancies in certain cases. Updates statutes setting schedules for upcoming elections. Repeals the current statute concerning the referral of a disputed ballot to a judge when a recount or contest has not been filed. Makes technical changes. Makes conforming amendments. Repeals obsolete provisions.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 193
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1384CIVICS EDUCATION. (COOK A) Requires, not later than July 1, 2022, the state board of education, in coordination with the department of education, to establish standards for civics education. Establishes the: (1) Indiana civic education commission; and (2) duties of the commission. Provides that each school corporation, charter school, and state accredited nonpublic school shall require each student to successfully complete in grade 6, 7, or 8 one semester of a civics education course. Provides that the civics education standards in effect on July 2, 2022, may only be changed by the express authorization of the general assembly.
 Current Status:   4/8/2021 - Public Law 39
 Recent Status:   4/8/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/8/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1405INSURANCE MATTERS. (CARBAUGH M) Allows the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply for a Medicaid state plan amendment to allow school corporations to seek Medicaid reimbursement for medically necessary, school based Medicaid covered services that are provided under federal or state mandates. Specifies possible services for Medicaid reimbursement. Adds physical therapy to the list of services for which a school psychologist may refer a student. Establishes the long term care insurance partnership program and requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply before September 1, 2021, for a Medicaid state plan amendment that would: (1) provide for the establishment of the new long term care insurance partnership program and the discontinuance of the current long term care program; and (2) ensure that an individual who purchased a qualified long term care policy under the current program will be eligible for an asset disregard even if the current program is discontinued and even though the policy was issued before the date of the state plan amendment, is not tax qualified, and does not meet the standards of Section 6021 the federal Deficit Reduction Act. Provides that if approval is not given for the state plan amendment, the new long term care insurance partnership program is not established and the office and the department of insurance shall study ways to improve the affordability and cost effectiveness of the current program. Requires an audit examining prescription drug cost sharing for the Medicaid program once every three state fiscal years. Provides that the county sheriff may receive reimbursement from a nonincarcerated person's health coverage for providing nonemergency transport of the person to a facility for a mental health detention. Requires a provider to provide the health records requested by a patient within 30 days after the date the written request is made, unless the provider seeks an extension of not more than 30 days and informs the patient in writing of the reasons for the extension and the date by which the provider will provide the health records. Prohibits the state or a local unit from issuing or requiring a COVID-19 "immunization passport" (a document concerning an individual's immunization status). Allows a nonprofit association of cities and towns to participate in the state aggregate prescription drug purchasing program. Adopts the physical therapy licensure compact. Provides that if a resident insurance producer completed more than 24 hours of credit in continuing education courses before the effective date of the producer's last license renewal, not more than 12 of the excess hours of credit for those continuing education courses may apply toward satisfaction of the continuing education requirement for the producer's next license renewal, subject to certain restrictions. Prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) from: (1) imposing limits on a pharmacy's access to medication that differ from those existing for a PBM affiliate; or (2) sharing any covered individual's information, except as permitted by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Prohibits the inclusion of certain provisions in a contract between a PBM and an entity authorized to participate in the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program, with certain exceptions. Requires a PBM: (1) to update the PBM's maximum allowable cost list at least every seven days; (2) to determine that a prescription drug is not obsolete, is generally available for purchase by pharmacies, and is not temporarily unavailable, listed on a drug shortage list, or unable to be lawfully substituted before placing the prescription drug on a maximum allowable cost list. Provides that: (1) if a PBM approves an appeal concerning maximum allowable cost pricing, the PBM must notify each pharmacy in the PBM's network that the maximum allowable cost for the drug has been adjusted; and (2) if a PBM denies an appeal, the PBM must provide the reason for the denial and other information, and the appealing pharmacy or other entity may then file a complaint with the department of insurance (department). Also allows a contracted pharmacy or pharmacy services administrative organization to file a complaint with the department if it believes that its contract with a PBM contains an unlawful contractual provision. Provides that a PBM's violation of these requirements or prohibitions is an unfair or deceptive act or practice in the business of insurance. Amends code sections requiring an insurer to "deliver" or "provide" certain notices within a certain time period to make those sections provide instead that the insurer is required to "mail" the notices. Provides that if a party procures a policy of insurance through an online platform: (1) the party affirmatively consents to have all notices and other documents related to the policy delivered to the party electronically; and (2) other statutory prerequisites to the electronic delivery of notices do not apply. Provides that a merchant or other seller that acts as an agent for purposes of the sale of an auto service contract is not a person contractually obligated under the service contract by virtue of acting as the seller. Provides, as an exception to the general prohibition against rebates, that: (1) an insurer, an employee of an insurer, or a producer may offer and give gifts of limited value in connection with marketing of insurance and may conduct a drawing for prizes of limited value; (2) an insurer, through its employees, affiliates, insurance producers, or third-party representatives, may provide, for free or at a discount, products or services that relate to or are provided in conjunction with a policy and are exclusively intended to educate about, assess, monitor, control, or prevent risk of loss; (3) a person holding an insurance license may offer or provide, for free or for less than fair market value, services that are at least tangentially related to an insurance contract but are not contingent upon the purchase of insurance, subject to certain conditions. Amends the law requiring an insurer to provide 10 days' advance notice to the insurance producer who procured an automobile policy when the insurer intends to cancel or not to renew the policy to make the law applicable only if the insurance producer who procured the policy was an independent insurance producer. Requires the state department of health, in consultation with the department of insurance, the office of the secretary of family and social services, and the Indiana board of pharmacy, to submit to the legislative council a report concerning: (1) best practice guidelines in providing specialty drugs in a manner that ensures the patient's safety; and (2) information concerning any adverse events affecting the safety of patients resulting from the specialty drug protocols of a health carrier or hospital. Requires the legislative services agency to conduct a study of market concentration in Indiana in the health insurance industry, the hospital industry, and five other industries and to present the findings of the study to the combined interim study committees on financial institutions and insurance and public health, behavioral health, and human services, the legislative council, and the governor before December 31, 2022.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 196
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1437ELECTRONIC MEETINGS AND SIGNATURES. (COOK A) Allows a member of a governing body of a political subdivision to participate in a meeting electronically subject to the following: (1) Requires the governing body to adopt a written policy establishing procedures for electronic participation. (2) Requires the technology to permit simultaneous communication between members and the public to attend and observe the proceedings. (3) Requires at least 50% of the members to be physically present at the meeting site. (4) Allows a member participating electronically to be counted for quorum purposes. (5) Provides that a member participating electronically may participate in a final action taken by the governing body only if the member can be seen and heard. Exempts governing bodies of state agencies that have a majority of members with disabilities from certain attendance requirements. Provides that if a statute requires a manual signature for attesting or authenticating an obligation issued by certain state and local public entities, an electronic signature has the same force and effect as a manual signature. Adds provisions applicable to state and local public agencies when a state or local disaster emergency is declared. Makes stylistic changes.
 Current Status:   4/20/2021 - Public Law 88
 Recent Status:   4/20/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/19/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1438COURSE ACCESS PROGRAM. (COOK A) Makes various changes to the course access program (program) provisions, including the following: (1) Requires the state board of education (state board) to establish certain requirements regarding the program. (2) Establishes the duties of the state board and the department of education (department) regarding the program. (3) Establishes notification requirements for a school corporation regarding an eligible student who submits a request to enroll in a course access program course. (4) Amends a provision that establishes the reasons for which a school corporation may deny an eligible student's enrollment. (5) Provides that a school corporation may be authorized as a course provider if the school corporation meets the requirements for authorization. (6) Allows a course provider to appeal a denial to the state board. (7) Requires the department to approve a civics course access program course that meets certain requirements. (8) Provides that: (A) a school corporation that is an authorized course provider shall provide to the department and post on the school corporation's Internet web site certain information regarding open slots in an online course access program course; and (B) the department shall post the information for each school corporation on the department's Internet web site.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 200
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1449BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT. (SOLIDAY E) Amends the statute governing the awarding of grants from the rural broadband fund as follows: (1) Provides that an "eligible broadband project" for purposes of the statute includes a project for the deployment of terrestrial broadband infrastructure: (A) to buildings used by public school corporations primarily for educating students; (B) to rural health clinics; (C) to ensure that eligible students (defined as Indiana residents who are less than 23 years of age and who are enrolled in a K-12 school in Indiana) have access points providing a connection to eligible broadband service; and (D) in rural areas in Indiana. (Current law provides that an "eligible broadband project" means only a project for the deployment of broadband infrastructure for the provision of eligible broadband service in rural areas in Indiana.) (2) Specifies that terrestrial broadband infrastructure includes infrastructure used for a fixed wireless Internet connection but does not include infrastructure used for a satellite Internet connection. (3) Provides that "eligible broadband service" means a connection to the Internet that provides an actual speed of at least: (A) 1,000 megabits per second downstream for a project involving the deployment of broadband infrastructure to public school corporation buildings or rural health clinics; or (B) 50 megabits per second downstream and at least five megabits per second upstream for a project to provide to eligible students access points for connections to eligible broadband service, or for a project to provide eligible broadband service to rural areas. (4) Specifies the following priorities for the awarding of grants from the rural broadband fund: (A) First, for extending eligible broadband service to public school corporation buildings with respect to which the only available Internet connections are at actual speeds of less than 1,000 megabits per second downstream. (B) Second, for extending eligible broadband service to rural health clinics with respect to which the only available Internet connections are at actual speeds of less than 1,000 megabits per second downstream. (C) Third, for extending eligible broadband service so as to ensure that every eligible student has at the student's residence an access point providing a connection to eligible broadband service. (D) Fourth, extending eligible broadband service to rural areas in which the only available connections to the Internet are at actual speeds of less than 25 megabits per second downstream. (5) Provides that a state agency may fund an eligible broadband project that is designated as a lower priority under the funding priorities set forth in the statute if no competitive applications for eligible broadband projects designated as a higher priority are submitted in a particular round of grant funding. (6) Specifies that a grant may not be awarded from the rural broadband fund: (A) for any project to extend the deployment of eligible broadband service to one or more service addresses for which funding from the federal government has been used or will be disbursed to extend broadband service at actual speeds of at least 25 megabits per second downstream to those same addresses; or (B) if the awarding of the grant would jeopardize funding that has been awarded by the federal government under certain programs for purposes of expanding broadband service in Indiana. (7) Provides that the system of priorities used by the office of community and rural affairs (office) for awarding grants from the rural broadband fund must give preference to projects that require a lower contribution from the fund per passing, as determined by a specified calculation. (8) Provides that the procedures established by the office for the awarding of grants from the rural broadband fund must require the office to: (A) include, in publishing grant applications to the office's Internet web site, specific addresses for which state funds would be used to provide eligible broadband service; and (B) consider, in making a determination as to whether to award a grant to an applicant, all comments or objections received during the statutory comment period, including any new grant application that: (i) is submitted within the statutory comment period by another eligible broadband service provider; and (ii) indicates that such other provider would be willing to provide eligible broadband service to the same addresses at a lower cost to the state. (9) Requires the office to establish a program to expand broadband Internet connectivity by: (A) entering into agreements with broadband service providers under which such providers agree to accept subsidy payments distributed by the office as a form of payment for eligible broadband service; and (B) distributing subsidy payments to participating providers to be used as a form of payment for eligible broadband service provided before July 1, 2025, to certain persons and entities, prioritized as follows: (i) School buildings. (ii) Rural health clinics. (iii) Eligible students. Provides that money in the rural broadband fund may be used to provide financial assistance under the new program. (10) Requires the office to establish and publish on the office's Internet web site: (A) specific, measurable goals; and (B) metrics to be used in assessing the progress made toward accomplishing those goals; for the disbursement of state broadband grant funds. (11) Requires the office to report annually to the interim study committee on energy, utilities, and telecommunications (rather than to the general assembly, under current law) concerning the awarding of state broadband grants. (12) Requires the state board of accounts to conduct an annual audit (rather than an audit every three years, under current law) of the awarding of state broadband grants. Establishes the Indiana broadband connectivity program (connectivity program), under which the office must establish a public broadband portal through which an individual may report that minimum broadband Internet (defined as a connection to the Internet at an actual speed of at least 25 megabits per second downstream and at least three megabits per second upstream) is unavailable at the individual's residential or business address. Provides that the public broadband portal must solicit information as to whether one or more eligible students reside at an address that is reported by an individual through the portal. Provides that the office may contract or consult with one or more third parties in the creation or administration of the portal. Provides that a broadband Internet provider may: (1) register with the connectivity program; (2) receive, at least every three months, notice of addresses submitted to the office as addresses at which minimum broadband Internet is unavailable; (3) report to the office any listed address at which the provider's minimum broadband Internet service is already available; and (4) bid for an award of a grant for purposes of extending connectivity to broadband Internet service (defined as a connection to the Internet at an actual speed of at least 50 megabits per second downstream and at least five megabits per second upstream) to an address at which minimum broadband Internet is unavailable. Provides that if the office does not receive notice from any providers that minimum broadband Internet is available at an address reported through the public broadband portal, the office shall transmit to each registered provider
 Current Status:   4/20/2021 - Public Law 89
 Recent Status:   4/20/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/19/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1514VARIOUS EDUCATION MATTERS. (COOK A) Requires the state board of education (state board) to: (1) establish a compilation of longitudinal data indicating school performance success in various selected and enumerated program areas; and (2) present the data for each school in a manner that is commonly known as an Internet dashboard. Requires each school to post on a web page maintained on the school's Internet web site the exact same data and in a similar format as the data presented for the school on the state board's Internet web site. Allows a school to include custom indicators on the school's web page. Provides that the performance of a school's students on the statewide assessment program test and other criterion referenced benchmark assessments recommended by the department of education (department) and approved by the state board are the primary and majority means of assessing a school's improvement. (Current law provides that the performance of a school's students on the statewide assessment program test and other assessments recommended by the department and approved by the state board are the primary and majority means of assessing a school's improvement.) Provides that the state board may assign each domain, indicator, or measure used to assess school performance a separate and distinct category or designation. Provides that the state board shall assign to a school or school corporation (including adult high schools) a "null" or "no letter grade" for the 2020-2021 school year. Requires each governing body of a school corporation and the equivalent for each charter school to submit to the department a report that includes certain information regarding instruction during the 2020-2021 school year and the 2021-2022 school year. Requires the department to do the following: (1) Conduct, in collaboration with the state board, a learning loss study regarding students in kindergarten through grade 10. (2) Prepare a report regarding the 2020-2021 school year and a report regarding the 2021-2022 school year that includes the submitted information and the study by the department. (3) Not later than December 1, 2021, and not later than December 1, 2022, submit the applicable reports to the governor, state board, and legislative council. Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate study committee for the 2022 interim and the 2023 interim the task of studying the information in the reports. Amends requirements that a benchmark, formative, interim, or similar assessment must meet for approval by the state board. Provides that before the state board may approve a benchmark, formative, interim, or similar assessment, the assessment vendor must enter into a data share agreement with the department. Repeals provisions that: (1) provide consequences for failing schools; (2) provide consequences for failing charter schools or choice scholarship schools; and (3) authorize the establishment of turnaround academies.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 211
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1531DCS AND THE EDUCATION COMMUNITY. (DEVON D) Defines "exigent circumstances" for purposes of action taken by the department of child services (DCS) with respect to a child. Allows DCS to interview a child at the child's school, except for at a nonaccredited nonpublic school with less than one employee, without parental consent if: (1) the DCS employee presents their credentials upon arrival at the school; and (2) DCS presents a written statement that DCS has parental consent, a court order, or exigent circumstances. Requires that the written statement shall not be maintained in the child's file and must protect the child's and child's family's confidentiality. Mandates that DCS provide assurances that the child's school, or its representative, has been invited to participate in the case plan process.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 213
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1536DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SERVICES. (DEVON D) Provides that if the governor declares a state of disaster emergency, the department of child services (department) may: (1) allow older youth who are receiving collaborative care services at the time of the declaration to continue to receive collaborative care services for the duration of the state of disaster emergency; and (2) modify or suspend enforcement of a statute or rule specifying a time within which a foster parent must provide for a child to be examined by a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse after the child's placement in the foster parent's home.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 214
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1537COMMISSION ON IMPROVING THE STATUS OF CHILDREN. (DEVON D) Changes the membership of the commission on improving the status of children in Indiana (commission). Provides that the affirmative votes of a majority of the voting members appointed to the commission are required for the commission to take action on any measure.
 Current Status:   4/15/2021 - Public Law 62
 Recent Status:   4/15/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/14/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1549EDUCATION MATTERS. (BEHNING R) Allows the priority enrollment period for the prekindergarten pilot program to begin later than April 1, 2021, in calendar year 2021. Provides that a school corporation may not enter into or renew a contract with an outside vendor to operate or manage a dedicated virtual education school of the school corporation unless the school corporation submits the most recent contract or proposed contract with the vendor to the department of education (department). Amends limits on the percentage of appropriated funds that may be used for grants to limited eligibility children under the prekindergarten pilot program. Provides that the department of education (department) shall make informational material that is evidenced based available on the department's Internet web site that may help teachers and other school employees identify a student who may have been impacted by trauma. Requires the department to provide a notice to each school corporation and charter school on how to access the informational material. Provides that a charter school may give enrollment preference to children who attend another charter school that is closed because of action by the state board of education (state board). Establishes the Cambridge International program (program). Requires the department to: (1) administer the program; and (2) submit a report regarding the program to the state board each year. Establishes the Indiana postsecondary prior learning assessment clearinghouse (clearinghouse). Requires the governor to direct the commission, department, and governor's workforce cabinet (cabinet), in collaboration with state educational institutions, to: (1) develop and regularly update the clearinghouse; and (2) collect information concerning prior learning assessments used by state educational institutions to award advanced standing or postsecondary credit. Requires each state educational institution to report prior learning assessment information. Requires the commission, department, and the cabinet to publish the clearinghouse information on its respective Internet web site. Requires the governor to direct the commission, department, and cabinet, in consultation with state educational institutions, to prepare model guidance and informational resources concerning postsecondary enrollment opportunities that incorporate work based learning experiences. Requires the governor to direct the commission, department, and cabinet to publish model guidance and information resources on its respective Internet web site. Prohibits a charter school organizer from entering into contracts under which an officer or employee of the organizer or a relative of an officer or employee of the organizer will receive compensation or proceeds. Provides an exception for de minimis contracts valued at $1,000 or less. Repeals a provision regarding high school credit for Cambridge International courses.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 216
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1553HIGHER EDUCATION MATTERS. (BEHNING R) Changes the eligibility requirements for the next generation Hoosier educators scholarship and provides that a student may qualify for the scholarship by achieving a cumulative grade point average upon graduation of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 grading scale during grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Requires the commission for higher education to give priority to an individual who is: (1) a recent high school graduate; (2) pursuing a teacher shortage area; (3) showing significant financial need; or (4) a member of a household with an annual income of not more than the amount required for the individual to qualify for the free or reduced price lunch program as determined for the immediately preceding taxable year. Provides that the National Guard tuition supplement program may be used by a scholarship applicant for graduate credits.
 Current Status:   4/15/2021 - Public Law 63
 Recent Status:   4/15/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/14/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
HB1564SECRETARY OF EDUCATION. (BEHNING R) Organizes and corrects statutes, as required by P.L.8-2019 (HEA 1005-2019), concerning the state superintendent of public instruction. Makes changes, as applicable, from the state superintendent of public instruction as an elected position to the secretary of education as an appointed position. Provides that, if the office of a state officer is abolished, certain ethics and conflict of interest provisions continue to apply to the former state officer. Provides that all powers, duties, agreements, liabilities, property, and records of the state superintendent of public instruction are transferred to the secretary of education, as the successor to the state superintendent of public instruction. Provides that the secretary of education shall enter into and maintain a contract for professional development services with an organization that provides a nationally recognized training program for professional development in computer science education from early learning through postsecondary education. (The current provision provides that the state superintendent of public instruction shall, before August 1, 2018, enter into a contract for the professional development services.) Repeals the following: (1) Provisions concerning the definition of "state superintendent" and "office". (2) A provision regarding the education dispute resolution working group. (3) A provision that requires, not later than June 30, 2020, the governing body of the Muncie Community school corporation to provide a report on the plan for the long term fiscal viability and academic innovation of the Muncie Community school corporation.
 Current Status:   4/8/2021 - Public Law 43
 Recent Status:   4/8/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/8/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB1CIVIL IMMUNITY RELATED TO COVID-19. (MESSMER M) Provides civil tort immunity for damages arising from 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, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct (including fraud and intentionally tortious acts). Defines "COVID-19 protective product" and provides civil tort immunity for harm that results from the design, manufacture, labeling, sale, distribution, or donation of a COVID-19 protective product, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct (including fraud and intentionally tortious acts). Prohibits class action suits.
 Current Status:   2/18/2021 - Public Law 1
 Recent Status:   2/18/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
2/15/2021 - Signed by the President of the Senate
 
SB2FUNDING 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: (1) 2020 fall count; and (2) 2021 spring count; of average daily membership.
 Current Status:   4/1/2021 - Public Law 3
 Recent Status:   4/1/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
3/31/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB5LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS; PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES. (GARTEN C) Provides that if a local order addresses an aspect of a declared emergency addressed by an executive order, the local order may be less stringent than the executive order to the extent permitted by the executive order. Provides that if a local order addresses an aspect of a declared emergency that is not addressed by an executive order or if a local order addresses an aspect of a declared emergency more stringently than an executive order, the local order may not take effect, or remain in effect, unless the local order is approved by the county legislative body (in the case of a county health department) or by an ordinance adopted by the city legislative body and approved by the mayor (in the case of a city health department). Provides that the appointment of a county health officer is subject to the approval of the county legislative body. Adds other good cause to the reasons for which a local health officer may be removed in counties other than Marion County. Specifies that a local health officer serves until a successor is appointed and qualified. Establishes an appeals process before legislative bodies of enforcement actions taken by local boards of health and local health officers in response to declared state and local public health emergencies.
 Current Status:   5/10/2021 - Public Law 219
 Recent Status:   5/10/2021 - Veto overridden by the House; Roll Call 516: yeas 59, nays 30
5/10/2021 - Veto overridden by the Senate; Roll Call 502: yeas 36, nays 10
 
SB55SCHOOL REFERENDA. (BOHACEK M) Provides that an examination of the accounts and financial affairs of a school corporation must include an examination of any revenue spending plan and applicable fund for an operating referendum tax levy or school safety referendum tax levy to determine whether the school corporation is using the revenue collected from the levy in the amounts and for the purposes established in the applicable revenue spending plan. Provides that a contract entered into between the governing body of a school corporation and a school administrator may not provide for the awarding of a monetary bonus or other incentive that is based on the approval of a public question concerning the imposition of a property tax levy. Specifies requirements for a school corporation that adopts a revenue spending plan for a proposed referendum tax levy. Provides that a school corporation shall specify in its proposed budget the school corporation's revenue spending plan and present the revenue spending plan at its public hearing on the proposed budget. Provides that an ordinance or resolution making a preliminary determination to issue bonds or enter into leases that is considered for certain controlled projects must include a statement of: (1) the maximum annual debt service for the controlled project for each year in which the debt service will be paid; and (2) the schedule of the estimated annual tax levy and rate over a 10 year period; factoring in changes that will occur to the debt service levy and tax rate during the period on account of any outstanding bonds or lease obligations that will mature or terminate during the period. Provides that a governing body may not increase the debt service fund levy to pay for the interest on warrants unless the warrants have been authorized by the governing body in a resolution adopted at a public meeting in the year immediately preceding the year in which the warrants will be issued. Requires a school corporation that imposes certain property taxes to provide information to the department of local government finance before a public hearing held for the purpose of determining the school corporation's budget.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 136
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB101EDUCATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION MATTERS. (RAATZ J) Amends requirements regarding the development of a student's graduation plan. Provides that a student who is at least 17 years of age has full legal capacity to enter into a contract for a next generation Hoosier educators scholarship. Provides that the requirement that a postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution that ceases operation submit student records to the Indiana archives and records administration applies regardless of any outstanding debts owed to the institution. Repeals a provision that requires a student to develop an initial graduation plan in grade 6.
 Current Status:   4/1/2021 - Public Law 9
 Recent Status:   4/1/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
3/31/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB137KIDS FIRST TRUST FUND BOARD. (ZAY A) Allows the Indiana kids first trust fund board (board) to create a nonprofit subsidiary corporation to solicit and accept private funding, gifts, donations, bequests, devises, and contributions. Provides that the members of the board serve terms of four years (rather than two years under current law) and provides for the terms of the appointed members of the board to be staggered. Provides that a majority of the appointed members of the board constitutes a quorum for purposes of board meetings. Provides that an affirmative vote of the majority of the board members participating in a board meeting is required for the board to take action at the meeting. Provides that: (1) the board; and (2) the board of directors of a subsidiary corporation formed by the board; must post meeting minutes to the Internet not later than 10 days after the minutes are approved. Requires the board to study the topic of establishing a nonprofit subsidiary corporation and provide a report to the general assembly with the board's findings.
 Current Status:   4/22/2021 - Public Law 93
 Recent Status:   4/22/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/21/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB196EDUCATION MATTERS. (RAATZ J) Requires the state board of education (state board) to adopt administrative rules to allow an organization to provide credit under a Core 40 curriculum model for alternative programs in which students obtain credit counting toward the student's graduation requirements from nonschool educational experience that applies or incorporates content area knowledge in lieu of a required or elective course in the Core 40 curriculum model.
 Current Status:   4/19/2021 - Public Law 73
 Recent Status:   4/19/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/19/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB205TEACHER TRAINING. (ROGERS L) Requires the department of education (department) to provide an initial practitioner license to an individual that competes an alternative teacher certification program. Requires the individual to complete a one year clinical experience program. Provides that the individual may not teach a special education course or be a teacher of record for a special education student. Provides that a school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school shall submit a plan to the department if the school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school hires one or more individuals who have received an initial practitioner license. Requires a teacher preparation program to include curriculum that instructs teachers about social emotional learning practices that are helpful in supporting students who have experienced trauma. Mandates that a teacher preparation program consider training teachers on evidence based social emotional learning practices that are consistent with the state's social emotional learning competencies established by the department of education. Makes conforming changes.
 Current Status:   4/22/2021 - Public Law 96
 Recent Status:   4/22/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/21/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB251DEDUCTION OF DUES TO EXCLUSIVE REPRESENTATIVE. (BOOTS P) Provides that a school employee has the right to resign from, and end any financial obligation to, a school employee organization at any time. Provides that a school employee must annually authorize a pay deduction to a school employee organization. Provides that the attorney general, in consultation with the Indiana education employment relations board (board) shall prescribe an authorization for withholding form for use by a school employee to deduct dues from the pay of the school employee to the school employee organization. Adds certain requirements for information to be included on the form. Provides that after receiving the authorization for withholding form, the employer shall confirm the authorization by sending an electronic mail message to the school employee at the employee's school provided work electronic mail address and shall wait for confirmation of the authorization before starting any deduction. Specifies the time frame for (1) ceasing withholding upon receipt of a request, and (2) providing notice to the school employee organization. Provides that a school employer shall annually provide, at a time it prescribes, written or electronic mail notification to its school employees of their right to cease payment of school employee organization dues and to withdraw from that organization. Specifies what the notification must include. Provides that the attorney general, in consultation with the board and the department of education, must annually provide notice to school employers of certain provisions.
 Current Status:   4/22/2021 - Public Law 98
 Recent Status:   4/22/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/19/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB259PARENTS WITH DISABILITIES. (NIEZGODSKI D) Specifies that it is the policy of the state to recognize the parenting rights of a parent regardless of whether the parent has a disability. Provides that the right of a person with a disability to parent the person's child may not be denied or restricted solely because the person has a disability. Provides that: (1) a court, in: (A) considering the appointment of a person as a guardian; (B) hearing an action to modify custody or an action to determine or modify parenting time; or (C) determining whether to grant a petition for adoption; and (2) the department of child services, in determining whether to grant a person a license to operate a foster family home; may not discriminate against, and shall take into consideration the provision of reasonable accommodations to, a person with a disability.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 146
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB260CIRCUIT COURT CLERK MATTERS. (WALKER G) Allows a person who is 16 or 17 years of age to serve as a precinct election officer without the written approval of the school principal if school is not in session on election day. Provides that such individuals may: (1) serve as certain election officers, both before and on election day; (2) provide assistance to election officers and in the preparation of absentee ballots; and (3) be appointed to fill a vacancy that occurs on a precinct election board. Provides that a precinct may be established with fewer than 600 active voters if establishing the precinct would avoid establishing a split precinct. Permits a county to submit a proposed precinct boundary change to the election division for review using a module of the statewide voter registration system ("the computerized list") while retaining the option under current law to submit this change by paper. Provides a method for a county to correct any errors or discrepancies in the boundary lines of precincts as depicted in information provided by the U.S. Bureau of the Census in conjunction with state redistricting. Repeals an obsolete statute relating to establishing precincts. Provides that a school that is used as a polling place may on election day: (1) conduct a virtual instruction day for students who attend school in the school building; or (2) conduct in-person instruction to students who attend school in the school building if certain conditions are met. Establishes a procedure for casting a voter's ballot at an early voting site by election workers if the voter does not complete the procedures for casting the voter's ballot. Provides that absentee ballots may be scanned, but not tabulated, not earlier than seven days before election day. Sets forth requirements for processing absentee ballots before election day. Requires retraction of a previously scanned absentee ballot card of a voter who is later found disqualified or whose ballot may not be counted for other statutory reasons. Eliminates the requirement that the alcohol and tobacco commission distributes a registry of permits to the circuit court clerks. Eliminates the requirement that notice of certain alcohol and tobacco commission hearings be given to the circuit court clerk.
 Current Status:   4/23/2021 - Public Law 108
 Recent Status:   4/23/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/22/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB301CHILD SERVICES OVERSIGHT. (HOUCHIN E) Establishes the interim study committee on child services (committee). Provides that the committee: (1) shall review the annual reports submitted by local child fatality review teams and by the statewide child fatality review committee and shall report to the legislative council regarding the committee's review of the reports; and (2) may make recommendations regarding changes in policy or statutes to improve child safety; in addition to reporting to the legislative council regarding any other issue assigned to the committee by the legislative council. Provides that a local child fatality committee may meet at the call of members of the local child fatality committee other than the county prosecutor for purposes of the first meeting of the local child fatality committee. Requires the summary information included in the department's annual report regarding child fatalities to indicate, with regard to a child fatality that was the result of abuse or neglect, whether the child was a ward of the department at the time of the event that led to the child's death. Requires the department to provide the annual report to the committee. Urges the legislative council to assign the following topics to the committee, or to another appropriate study committee, for study during the 2021 legislative interim: (1) Amending the Indiana Code to provide for a structured, limited, confidential process by which members of the general assembly may, in the regular course of legislative duties, individually request and view reports and other materials regarding cases of child abuse or neglect and child fatalities resulting from abuse or neglect, while protecting personally identifying information and confidentiality. (2) The child fatality review process, including recommendations from the department and the state department of health with regard to improving reporting and data collection. Requires a local child fatality review committee that has not held its first meeting as of the effective date of the bill to hold its first meeting not later than December 31, 2021.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 148
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/26/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB358SCHOOL BUILDINGS. (ROGERS L) Provides that before a governing body may sell, exchange, lease, demolish, hold without operating, or dispose of a school building, the governing body shall: (1) obtain a certification from the attorney general's office; and (2) make the building available for lease or purchase by a charter school or state educational institution. Provides that before a governing body may sell, exchange, lease, demolish, hold without operating, or dispose of a school building, the governing body must receive a certification from the attorney general to ensure that the governing body is in compliance with requirements for making a vacant school building available for sale or lease to a charter school or state educational institution for $1. Requires the attorney general to investigate complaints that a school corporation has not complied with the requirements for making a vacant school building available for sale or lease to a charter school or state educational institution for $1. Provides that, in the event that a complaint is substantiated, the attorney general, in consultation with the department of education (department) and Indiana state board of education (state board), is authorized to take any action necessary to remedy a substantiated complaint, which may include actions to be performed by the state board or the department to ensure compliance of a school corporation. Provides that, if a school corporation does not comply with the requirements to sell a vacant school building, as determined by the attorney general, the school corporation shall submit any proceeds from the sale of the vacant school building to the state board. Provides that the state board shall distribute proceeds collected equally between each charter school located in the attendance area of the school corporation. Provides that, if no charter schools are located in the attendance area, the state board must use the proceeds to provide grants under the charter school and innovation grant program. Provides that a lease of school property entered into by a governing body prior to January 1, 2019, with a state accredited nonpublic school shall remain in full force and effect. (Current law provides that a lease of school property entered into by a governing body prior to July 1, 2019, with a state accredited nonpublic school shall remain in full force and effect.) Provides that a school corporation is responsible for maintaining a vacant school building until it is: (1) sold or leased to a charter school or state educational institution; (2) sold to an accredited nonpublic school or postsecondary educational institution other than a state educational institution; or (3) eligible to be sold or otherwise disposed.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 155
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB368JUVENILE JUSTICE. (TALLIAN K) Provides for the automatic expungement of certain juvenile offenses. Prohibits a juvenile arrestee who meets certain requirements from being housed with adult inmates prior to trial, with certain exceptions. Establishes a procedure for determining juvenile competency. Provides that after a juvenile court has determined that a child is a dual status child, the juvenile court may refer the child to be assessed by a dual status assessment team under certain circumstances.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 157
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB377BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT. (ZAY A) Establishes the Indiana broadband connectivity program (program) for the purpose of expanding availability of broadband Internet connectivity throughout Indiana. Provides that as part of the program, the office must establish a public broadband portal through which an individual may report that minimum broadband Internet (defined as a connection to the Internet at an actual speed of at least 25 megabits per second downstream and at least three megabits per second upstream) is unavailable at the individual's residential or business address. Provides that a broadband Internet provider may: (1) register with the program; (2) receive, at least every three months, listings of addresses submitted to the office as addresses at which minimum broadband Internet is unavailable; (3) report to the office any listed address at which the provider's minimum broadband Internet service is already available; and (4) bid for an award of a grant for purposes of extending connectivity to broadband Internet service (defined as a connection to the Internet at an actual speed of at least 50 megabits per second downstream and at least five megabits per second upstream) to an address at which minimum broadband Internet is unavailable. Provides that in evaluating any bids received under the program, the office shall select the provider whose bid presents the lowest cost to the state. Provides that a grant awarded to a provider under the program may not exceed the following: (1) A per-line extension amount that exceeds $25,000, regardless of the number of addresses served by the line extension. (2) A per-passing amount that exceeds the state's cost per passing for all rural broadband grants awarded from the fund as of the last day of the immediately preceding state fiscal year. Requires the office to provide to the general assembly an annual report containing specified data regarding the program. Provides that the office may maintain a geographic information system (GIS) or similar data base that contains spatial data regarding the availability of broadband Internet service in Indiana. Provides that the office may evaluate the broadband Internet coverage map created by the Federal Communications Commission under the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act (FCC map) and: (1) if the office finds that the FCC map: (A) provides address level broadband Internet coverage information; or (B) provides a greater level of detail than the office's broadband Internet coverage map; use the FCC map to update the office's broadband Internet coverage map; or (2) if the office finds that the FCC map does not: (A) provide address level broadband Internet coverage information; or (B) provide a greater level of detail than the office's broadband Internet coverage map; report that finding to the interim study committee on energy, utilities, and telecommunications during the 2022 legislative interim.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 158
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB398VARIOUS ELECTIONS MATTERS. (WALKER G) Provides that a political subdivision that conducts or administers an election may not receive or expend funds received from a person (other than from the state or from the federal government) for preparing, administering, or conducting elections, including registering voters. Requires the election division (instead of the Indiana election commission) to prescribe a uniform generic seal for use on certain ballots when the circuit court clerk is a candidate on the ballot. Requires certification by the county chairman of a candidate in a political party primary or town convention if the candidate cast a nonpartisan ballot at the most recent primary election in which the candidate voted. Requires that the notice of an election must include the dates, times, and locations of voting at the circuit court clerk's office and at satellite offices. Provides that notices of elections must be published not later than 21 days before election day. (Under current law, these notices must be published at least 10 days before the date of the election.) Prohibits the printing of an independent or political party device on a ballot under specified circumstances. Specifies ballot placement of names when there are both at-large and district candidates in an election district. Specifies the manner in which a voter with print disabilities may request certain applications. Requires the secretary of state to develop a system relating to on-line ballot applications that complies with the Web Content Guidelines for accessibility. Provides that a member of the Indiana National Guard deployed or on assignment inside Indiana is entitled to vote by mail. Specifies that absent uniformed services voters or overseas voters are entitled to vote by mail using a combined form. Requires counties to mail absentee ballots by nonforwardable mail. Specifies the list of household family members who may assist an absentee voter. Prohibits counting a ballot that is deposited in a drop box or container that is not under the physical control and supervision of the county election board. Allows a county election board by unanimous vote to authorize an absentee voter board to visit a voter to complete an absentee ballot application and provide the voter with an absentee ballot. Permits absentee travel boards to use optical scan ballot card marking devices. Requires locations where absentee in person voting occurs to meet accessibility standards that apply to polling locations on election day. Prohibits a ballot label including a straight party ticket option in specified circumstances. Establishes standards for a marking device used in a voting system that contains features of both a ballot card voting system and an electronic voting system and produces a ballot card with the voter's choices. Establishes standards for voter verifiable paper audit trails. Establishes procedures for obtaining a replacement absentee ballot. Requires a county to compare signatures upon receipt of an absentee ballot and specifies the procedure. Sets forth a procedure if a county election board does not unanimously determine that an absentee ballot signature is genuine. Extends the time in which an absentee ballot must be received on election day from noon to 6 p.m. Allows all counties to open absentee ballot envelopes by machine (current law only allows for Marion County to use a machine to open ballots). Establishes procedures and forms for the curing of mismatched signatures involving an absentee ballot and unsigned absentee ballots. Allows an individual who is not a voter to serve as an absentee board member. States that the position of an absentee ballot counter or a provisional ballot counter is not a lucrative office for purposes of the Constitution of the State of Indiana. Allows a member of the Indiana state recount commission to appoint a proxy. Provides for a Level 6 felony for inducing or procuring another person to vote or refrain from voting for or against a candidate or public question at: (1) a caucus; or (2) the appointment of a candidate by a political party chairman or central committee officer; by giving, offering, or promising a person money or other property. Changes the deadline for certification of a public question relating to certain school referenda from 60 days to 74 days before the election. Specifies that individuals who change residence to outside of a school corporation less than 30 days before the election may not vote on public questions relating to the school corporation. Repeals language concerning absentee ballots (moving some language to central voting statutes). Makes technical corrections.
 Current Status:   4/23/2021 - Public Law 109
 Recent Status:   4/23/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/22/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB413CHARTER SCHOOL STUDY COMMITTEE. (RAATZ J) Establishes a panel to study charter school funding and methods for improving school building utilization by a school corporation.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 163
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
SB414VARIOUS EDUCATION MATTERS. (RAATZ J) Provides that the department of education (department) may adopt and provide to schools an early warning system that provides actionable data on students as early as elementary school. Provides that, not later than August 1, 2021, the department may contract with one or more vendors to provide an early warning system. Provides that, not later than January 1, 2022, each school corporation and charter school shall: (1) adopt and implement an Internet use policy; and (2) use hardware or install software on computers and other technology related devices owned by the school corporation or charter school to filter or block Internet access to materials that are harmful to minors. Requires each school corporation and charter school to post the Internet use policy on the school corporation's or charter school's Internet web site. Requires pupil enrollment for the career and technical education enrollment grant to, for informational purposes only, be determined at the same time that a school corporation's spring count of ADM is determined.
 Current Status:   4/29/2021 - Public Law 164
 Recent Status:   4/29/2021 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
4/28/2021 - Received by the Governor
 
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