Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Assoc. Weekly Bill Tracking
Prepared by: Larry Curl
Phone: 317-605-6669
E-mail: wtfdcurl@comcast.net
Report created on March 29, 2024
 
HB1005TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT CONSOLIDATION. (ZIEMKE C) Requires all townships with a population of less than 1,200 (as determined by the 2010 federal decennial census) to merge with other townships, effective not later than January 1, 2023. Requires merging townships to adopt identical resolutions and a merger plan. Requires the department of local government finance (DLGF) to assist merging townships. Provides the following with regard to the required merger: (1) Requires merging townships to opt for a township legislative body in which: (A) members are elected at large; or (B) one member must reside within the geographic area of each of the former townships, and all voters of the new merged township vote for all legislative body members. (2) The new merged township government assumes the indebtedness of the former townships, but may levy property taxes to pay the indebtedness only within the geographic area of the former township that incurred the debt. (3) Provides that only the property owners, school corporations, and residents residing within the geographic area of a former township in which seminary lands are located may continue to receive the benefits from the seminary lands after the merger. (4) Provides that firefighting and emergency services equipment must remained housed and maintained within the geographic boundaries of a former township for not less than five years after the effective date of a township merger. Makes the following changes with regard to all townships: (1) Makes a stylistic change to a statute that allows a participating unit in a newly formed fire protection territory to phase in the unit's property tax levy. (2) Allows a township assistance applicant to appeal to the county commissioners if a township trustee refuses or fails to respond to a request for township assistance services. (3) Amends the information required in the township trustee's annual statistical report. (4) Caps a township board member's salary, for calendar year 2019 and every year thereafter, at not more than $7,000 per year plus a per diem at a rate recommended by the trustee and approved by the township legislative body. (5) Requires a township to prepare a capital improvement plan for the ensuing three years if the balance in certain capital improvement funds in the preceding year exceeds 150% of the township's annual budget estimate. Prohibits the township from collecting property taxes for certain capital improvement funds in the ensuing year unless the township has adopted a capital improvement plan. Urges the legislative council to assign to the appropriate interim study committee the task of studying issues related to the funding of township firefighting services. Makes the following changes in the government reorganization statutes in IC 36-1.5 (government modernization statutes): (1) Removes obsolete references to dates for phasing in changes to procedures for reorganizing political subdivisions. (2) Removes provisions requiring political subdivisions to establish a voter threshhold for approving a public question for certain reorganizations (county-municipality reorganizations and municipality-township reorganizations). (3) Requires the DLGF to provide guidance to political subdivisions regarding government reorganization, including posting written information on the DLGF Internet web site and providing education and training upon request. (4) Updates the government modernization statutes to recognize the school corporation operations fund and the elimination of the transportation, school bus replacement, and capital projects funds. (5) Provides that a plan of reorganization must specify any adjustments (instead of decreases) that the DLGF will make to levies, rates, and budgets of the reorganizing political subdivisions. (6) Requires the legislative bodies of political subdivisions that adopt substantially identical resolutions to reorganize to prepare and vote on a plan of reorganization. (7) Provides that if the voters of two or more political subdivisions petition to mutually reorganize, and at least one of the political subdivisions declines to participate, a public question must be conducted on the reorganization if a petition is filed by 5% of the voters of each of the political subdivisions who voted for secretary of state at the most recent general election. (8) Requires that, if a legislative body of a political subdivision does not adopt a final plan of reorganization, 5% (instead of 10%) of voters of the political subdivision who voted for secretary of state at the most recent general election, must sign a petition to have the reorganization plan approved or rejected by voters in a public question. (9) Removes a provision requiring reorganizing political subdivisions to pay the cost of the DLGF's review of a fiscal impact analysis of the reorganization. (10) Removes the requirement that a political subdivision follow the procedure for reorganization in order to enter into a cooperative agreement with another political subdivision, and specifies that the requirements for an interlocal agreement must be followed. (11) Provides that if a cooperative agreement provides for abolishing an elected office, the voters of the political subdivision whose elected office is to be abolished may file a remonstrance petition objecting to the abolition of the elected office with the circuit court clerk of each county in which the political subdivision is located.
 Current Status:   2/5/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by House 3rd reading deadline (Rule 147.2)
 
HB1028PUBLIC SAFETY PERSONNEL HEALTH STUDIES. (FRYE R) Establishes the public safety research fund. Provides that $500,000 shall be appropriated from the state general fund and disbursed to the public safety research fund on July 1 of each year. Requires money disbursed to the public safety research fund to be used for research studies designed to understand and improve the physical health, safety, and psychological well-being of public safety personnel. Requires research studies to be performed by the national institute for public safety and health (NIPSH). Requires NIPSH to provide a report of ongoing or performed research studies to the executive director of the department of homeland security before December 31 of each year. Provides that money not allotted for research studies reverts to the state general fund at the end of each state fiscal year.
 Current Status:   2/5/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by House 3rd reading deadline (Rule 147.2)
 
HB1030SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS 2 STRUCTURES. (FRYE R) Provides that for purposes of the building code, a Class 2 structure townhouse may be separated from an adjoining unit by a one hour fire-resistance rated wall, if each adjoining unit contains an automatic sprinkler system. Prohibits the fire prevention and building safety commission or a state agency from adopting rules requiring the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system. Prohibits a political subdivision from adopting an ordinance or other regulation requiring the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system.
 Current Status:   3/6/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by Senate 3rd reading deadline for House bills (Rule 79(b))
 
HB1050SMALL CELL WIRELESS STRUCTURES. (OBER D) Specifies that the statute concerning permits for wireless facilities and wireless support structures applies to permits issued by a permit authority to a communications service provider. Provides that a resolution, ordinance, or other regulation: (1) adopted by a permit authority after April 14, 2017, and before May 2, 2017; and (2) that designates an area within the jurisdiction of the permit authority as strictly for underground or buried utilities; applies only to communications service providers and those geographic areas that are zoned residential and where all existing utility infrastructure is already buried. Provides that, with respect to the construction, placement, or use of small cell facilities and associated supporting structures, a permit authority may prohibit the placement of a utility pole or a new wireless structure in a right-of-way within an area that is designated strictly for underground or buried utilities if, among other requirements, the area was zoned for residential use before May 1, 2017.
 Current Status:   3/8/2018 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 
HB1085INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS. (HAMM R) Provides that an individual who is a volunteer firefighter is entitled to a credit of $500 against the individual's adjusted gross income tax liability each taxable year.
 Current Status:   2/5/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by House 3rd reading deadline (Rule 147.2)
 
HB1119PHYSICIAN ORDER FOR SCOPE OF TREATMENT AND CONSENT. (KIRCHHOFER C) Provides that the definition of "cardiopulmonary resuscitation" (CPR) that applies to a do not resuscitate declaration also applies to a physician order for scope of treatment (POST) form. Adds licensed dentists, home health aides, and physician assistants to the definition of "health care provider" for purposes of a POST form. Establishes a priority order for who may provide consent if an adult is incapable of providing consent to health care. Provides exceptions to the priority order. Provides that if the individuals at the same priority level disagree as to the health care decisions on behalf of the patient, a majority of the available individuals at the same priority level controls. Provides that if an individual is incapable of consenting to the individual's own health care, the health care provider shall make a reasonable inquiry as to the availability of individuals who are able to provide health care consent. Specifies that the POST laws do not create a duty for a person to perform CPR on a declarant if the declarant's POST form indicates the declarant is not to be resuscitated. Allows a treating physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant to execute and exercise certain responsibilities concerning a POST form. Allows a qualified person or representative to use an electronic signature on the POST form. Permits a representative to revoke a POST form if the declarant is incapable of making health care decisions and the representative acts: (1) in good faith; and (2) in accordance with the qualified person's intentions, if known, or in the qualified person's best interests, if the intentions are not known. Allows a POST document that was executed in another state and that meets certain conditions to be honored in Indiana. Requires the state department of health to maintain on the department's Internet web site a list of, or a link to the Internet web sites of, other states that may honor a POST form.
 Current Status:   3/13/2018 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 
HB1125FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTRACTS. (MAY C) Creates the following minimum requirements for the negotiation of a contract entered into after May 31, 2018, between a municipality and an employee organization for fire department employees: (1) Requires the municipality to adopt an ordinance that automatically requires the parties submit to binding arbitration if they fail to agree to a new contract within a specified period of time. (2) Establishes requirements for a municipality to follow to terminate a contract if the municipality intends to contract with a volunteer fire department or other provider of fire protection services to the municipality. (3) Allows a municipality to require or allow mediation in the period before arbitration begins. Provides that an agreement between a unit (municipality or township) and another unit or volunteer fire department for fire protection services must be in writing and for a fixed term.
 Current Status:   3/15/2018 - BILL DEAD
 
HB1139BUILDING CODES. (ELLINGTON J) Prohibits a city, town, or county from adopting an ordinance that includes more stringent or detailed requirements that conflict with the fire prevention and building safety commission's rules. Prohibits a state agency from enforcing rules that conflict with the fire prevention and building safety commission's rules. Prohibits a political subdivision from enforcing ordinances or other regulations that conflict with the fire prevention and building safety commission's rules or have not been approved by the fire prevention and building safety commission. Requires a political subdivision to revise an ordinance or other regulation if the fire prevention and building safety commission sends a notice that the ordinance or other regulation duplicates, conflicts with, or overlaps with the rules of the fire prevention and building safety commission.
 Current Status:   2/5/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by House 3rd reading deadline (Rule 147.2)
 
HB1149FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS. (OLTHOFF J) Authorizes the board of fire trustees (board) of a fire protection district that: (1) was established before 1990; and (2) provides fire protection service in at least two counties; to adopt a resolution providing that, in addition to any other powers and duties, the fire protection district shall establish, operate, and maintain emergency medical services within the territory of the fire protection district. Provides that if a board adopts such a resolution, the department of local government finance shall increase the district's maximum property tax levy by a percentage of the amounts expended for emergency medical services by the county in which the district is located.
 Current Status:   2/5/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by House 3rd reading deadline (Rule 147.2)
 
HB1172STUDY OF FUNDING TOWNSHIP FIREFIGHTING. (SAUNDERS T) Urges the legislative council to assign to the appropriate interim study committee the task of studying issues related to the funding of township firefighting services.
 Current Status:   2/5/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by House 3rd reading deadline (Rule 147.2)
 
HB1180EMT USE OF INJECTABLE EPINEPHRINE. (MAHAN K) Requires the emergency medical services commission to establish training and certification standards for the administration of epinephrine through a prefilled syringe and a syringe and ampule by an emergency medical technician (EMT). Allows an EMT who has been certified to administer epinephrine through an auto-injector, a prefilled syringe, and a syringe and ampule.
 Current Status:   3/8/2018 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 
HB1407FIRE PROTECTION TERRITORY PETITION PROCESS. (MAYFIELD P) Specifies that an agreement entered into to form a fire protection territory (territory) must address the disposition of the territory's property when a participating unit withdraws or the territory is dissolved. Provides that the following applies to establishing a territory after December 31, 2018: (1) Before an ordinance or resolution to establish a territory is adopted, the unit must hold a separate public hearing to provide fiscal information regarding the proposed territory. (2) Affected voters and property owners may petition for initiation of a petition and remonstrance regarding establishment of the fire protection territory.
 Current Status:   2/5/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by House 3rd reading deadline (Rule 147.2)
 
SB10TOWN EMPLOYEES HOLDING ELECTED OFFICE. (BOHACEK M) Provides with regard to a town that has a population of less than 2,500, that a town employee may: (1) serve on the town board; and (2) may not participate in a vote on the town's budget and tax levies.
 Current Status:   2/6/2018 - Referred to House Local Government
 
SB13ADMINISTRATION OF OVERDOSE INTERVENTION DRUGS. (GLICK S) Provides that community corrections officers and probation officers may administer an overdose intervention drug. Requires community corrections officers and probation officers to report the use of an overdose intervention drug to the emergency ambulance service responsible for reporting the use to the Indiana emergency medical services commission. Requires that persons permitted to administer an overdose intervention drug must receive education and training on drug overdose response and treatment, including the administration of an overdose intervention drug before the person may administer an overdose intervention drug. Provides civil immunity to community corrections officers and probation officers who administer an overdose intervention drug. Provides civil immunity to a person who has an agency relationship with a community corrections officer or probation officer who administers an overdose intervention drug. Makes conforming amendments.
 Current Status:   3/7/2018 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 
SB71EMPLOYMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE PROVIDERS. (CRIDER M) Provides that if a governing body of a city, town, township, or county must reduce the number of its members of emergency medical services personnel by layoff for financial reasons, the last member appointed must be the first laid off, with other members laid off in reverse order of being hired. Provides that if the emergency medical services personnel are later increased in number, the members who have been laid off must be reinstated before any new member is appointed. Provides for notification of reinstatement to a member, and directs that a member in receipt of a notice must, within 20 calendar days after the notice is sent, advise the unit of government whether the member accepts reinstatement. Provides that the reinstatement rights of a member terminate upon the member's failure to accept reinstatement within the 20 day period or five years after the date of the member's layoff.
 Current Status:   2/6/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by Senate 3rd reading deadline (Rule 79(a))
 
SB123NEWBORN SAFETY DEVICES AT FIRE DEPARTMENTS. (HOLDMAN T) Specifies under the safe haven law that it is a defense to a claim of neglect of a dependent if the individual left the child in a newborn safety device that is located at a fire department, including a volunteer fire department, that meets specified requirements. Provides civil immunity for a fire department that operates a newborn safety device for an act or omission relating to the device: (1) if the device meets specified requirements; and (2) unless the act or omission constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
 Current Status:   3/5/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by House 3rd reading deadline for Senate bills (Rule 148.2)
 
SB230SUICIDE PREVENTION. (HEAD R) Provides that the division of mental health and addiction is responsible for the development and provision of a research based training program for health care providers concerning suicide assessment, training, and management that is: (1) demonstrated to be an effective or promising program; and (2) recommended by the Indiana Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council. Requires emergency medical technicians to complete a research based training program concerning suicide assessment, treatment, and management that is: (1) demonstrated to be an effective or promising program; and (2) recommended by the Indiana Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council. Requires that teachers and other school employees receive at least two hours of research based youth suicide awareness and prevention training from a program that is: (1) demonstrated to be an effective or promising program; and (2) recommended by the Indiana Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council.
 Current Status:   3/13/2018 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 
SB293NALOXONE. (YOUNG M) Provides that probable cause to issue a warrant for a blood test exists if: (1) a person is revived after administration of an overdose intervention drug; and (2) certain other conditions are met. Specifies that a person revived by means of an overdose intervention drug and who meets certain other qualifications: (1) has the right to pretrial diversion and participation in an addiction treatment program; and (2) shall be issued a summons instead of being arrested (if there is no probable cause to believe that the person has committed an offense other than possession of a controlled substance or controlled substance paraphernalia). Specifies that a person who abuses a controlled substance: (1) commits a Class A misdemeanor; (2) has the right to receive a summons instead of arrest for the offense; and (3) has the right to participate in a treatment program without being charged with the offense. Provides that the court shall order all documents relating to the person's case and treatment to be sealed.
 Current Status:   2/6/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by Senate 3rd reading deadline (Rule 79(a))
 
SB299STATE PARKS. (RAATZ J) Requires that two (2) of the four (4) legislative members of the White River state park development commission must represent the legislative district that includes the White River State Park. Urges the legislative council to assign to a study committee the task of studying whether counties should be authorized to: (1) adopt an ordinance to impose a surcharge on fees collected within a state park; and (2) use the revenue from the surcharge to assist a unit of local government that provides police protection, fire protection, emergency medical services, or road repairs to the state park.
 Current Status:   3/16/2018 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 
SB391TOWNSHIP PROPERTY TAX LEVIES. (NIEMEYER R) Authorizes a township to appeal to the department of local government finance (DLGF) for an increase in the township's maximum property tax levy to meet the costs of providing township assistance. Specifies that the maximum increase that the DLGF may authorize for a township for a particular calendar year is the levy that would result from a $0.01 increase in the township's township assistance property tax rate. Provides that the DLGF shall increase the maximum property tax levy for a township's firefighting fund for 2019 and thereafter if: (1) the township imposed a debt service levy in 2018 to pay amounts borrowed to furnish fire protection; and (2) the township executive before August 1, 2018, submits a petition to the DLGF requesting the increase. Specifies that the amount of the increase in the maximum property tax levy for the township's firefighting fund is equal to the total amount of the principal that will be due in 2019 on amounts borrowed by the township to furnish fire protection. Makes a technical correction.
 Current Status:   2/6/2018 - DEAD BILL; Fails to advance by Senate 3rd reading deadline (Rule 79(a))
 
actionTRACK - HANNAH NEWS SERVICE - MIDWEST, LLC.