Prepared by: David Bottorff
Report created on April 20, 2024
 
HB1040REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS. (LEHMAN M) Provides that if an examination of an audited entity is unable to be performed because the audited entity's accounts, records, files, or reports are not properly maintained or reconciled, the entity may be declared unauditable. Requires an unauditable entity to bring its accounts, records, files, or reports into an auditable condition within 90 days. Requires the state board of accounts (SBOA) to publish a list of entities declared to be unauditable on the SBOA's website. Provides that if an entity is declared unauditable and the fiscal officer is unable to perform the fiscal requirements of their position, the entity is required to hire outside assistance for guidance or to perform the fiscal requirements. Clarifies an exception regarding the liability of an elected official for acts that constitute gross negligence or intentional disregard of the official's duties. Requires the SBOA to annually call a conference for: (1) city and town controllers and clerk-treasurers, newly appointed city and town controllers, and city and town clerk-treasurers elect; and (2) township trustees and township trustees elect. Provides that elected officials must attend training every two years and that the SBOA shall keep attendance of elected officials and publish it on the SBOA's website. Makes an exception for school corporation treasurer personal liability. Provides that if there is an office of town clerk-treasurer that is vacant, and the town legislative body is unable to fill the office, the town legislative body may either: (1) enter into a local agreement with the town clerk-treasurer and town legislative body of another town in the state to assist a selected town legislative body member in performing the duties of the clerk-treasurer's office; or (2) enter into a contract with a certified public accountant to assist the town legislative body member in performing the duties of the clerk-treasurer's office. (Current law provides that the town legislative body may only enter into a contract with a certified public accountant after the town legislative body is unable to reach an agreement with another town.) Provides that if, after reasonable diligence, a town may hire any qualified person to perform the duties of the clerk-treasurer's office until the vacancy can be filled, or until the end of the current clerk-treasurer's term, whichever is first. Provides that newly elected officials shall complete five hours of training before taking office. Provides that elected officials shall certify completion of training requirements to the SBOA annually. Excludes self-supporting school lunch and the rental or sale of curricular materials as programs that may be established as separate funds. Repeals obsolete provisions. Makes technical corrections.
 Current Status:   4/20/2023 - Public Law 58
 State Bill Page:   HB1040
 
HB1041STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTS. (LEHMAN M) Provides that the state board of accounts (SBOA) is designated as the independent external auditor of audited entities and is subject to applicable professional accounting standards. Requires annual reports to be prepared, verified, and filed with the state examiner as set forth in the uniform compliance guidelines. Requires all appointments of field examiners be made solely upon the ground of fitness in accordance with professional accounting and auditing standards. Provides that if an examination of an audited entity is unable to be performed because the audited entity's accounts, records, files, or reports are not properly maintained or reconciled, the audited entity may be declared to be unauditable. Provides that an audited entity that is declared unauditable shall bring its accounts, records, files, or reports into an auditable condition within 90 days. Requires the SBOA to publish a list of audited entities declared unauditable on its website. Revises conditions under which the state examiner may undertake an examination based on a violation of the law. Requires the SBOA to approve a request by an audited entity to opt out of examinations and engage a certified public accountant to conduct examinations if, within the last six years, the SBOA has not issued an examination or special investigation report critical of the audited entity's internal controls and there have been no adverse reports. Provides that the SBOA may terminate its approval of the use of a certified public accountant if certain requirements are not met. Revises the provision regarding field examiner traveling expenses. Makes changes to certain reporting, resolution, and disclosure requirements. Simplifies the provision regarding parties and a plaintiff's right of recovery. Removes provisions regarding additional powers of the state examiner and attorney general. Provides that if the attorney general brings an action against an official bond, official bonds, or a crime insurance policy, the cause may be brought in the name of the state of Indiana upon the relation of the attorney general as plaintiff. Repeals a provision regarding the withdrawal or removal of counties from solid waste management districts. Repeals a provision regarding bonds and crime policies for faithful performance. Repeals a provision regarding examination reports, requisites, performance of public works, and SBOA powers. Repeals a provision regarding copies of reports filed with libraries, public inspections, and request renewals. Makes technical and conforming changes.
 Current Status:   4/20/2023 - Public Law 59
 State Bill Page:   HB1041
 
HB1050VARIOUS MOTOR VEHICLE MATTERS. (PRESSEL J) Adds an exception to the disposition of surplus personal property by a governmental body. Expands the definition of "alternative fuel" to include hydrogen, hythane, electricity, or any other fuel used to propel a motor vehicle on a highway that is not subject to certain taxes. Provides for the taxation of motor carriers using alternative fuels other than butane or propane. Provides that a carrier subject to certain imposed motor vehicle taxes is exempt from submitting to the department of state revenue (department) quarterly reports of the operations of commercial motor vehicles giving rise to the carrier's tax liability as the department may require under certain circumstances. Provides that a carrier that is exempt from the quarterly reporting requirements: (1) must continue to file a quarterly return to obtain a promotional use credit; (2) is required to keep books and records; and (3) is exempt from certain requirements regarding an annual permit, a cab card, and an emblem. Provides that a person who is living in Indiana and has been granted parole is included in the definition of "Indiana resident". Defines "lawful status". Repeals the term "credential". Defines "physical credential". Provides that the bureau of motor vehicles (bureau) may issue a driver's license, permit, or identification card to certain individuals granted parole in the United States under 8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5). Provides that the bureau may issue rules, including emergency rules, to provide a driver's license, permit, or identification card to certain individuals granted parole, as well as registrations and certificates of title for motor vehicles of certain individuals granted parole. Provides for when a credential issued by the bureau must be in the form of a physical credential or a mobile credential. Provides for the form of the mobile credential. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2023, and each year thereafter, the bureau is required to provide the executive director of the legislative services agency the name of a special group for whom: (1) 10 years have elapsed since the special group was admitted into the special group recognition license plate program; or (2) 10 years have elapsed since the previous review of the special group by the interim study committee on roads and transportation. Provides that if a special group was subject to a decennial review before July 1, 2023, then the next review occurs in the year which is a multiple of 10 years after the year of the special group's admittance to the special group recognition license plate program. Prohibits a consolidated city from installing a sign prohibiting a turn at a steady red signal. Specifies the calculation for the amount of the supplemental fee for hybrid and electric vehicles. Requires a person who drives a vehicle approaching a disabled stationary vehicle with flashing hazard warning signals to do either of the following, while proceeding with due caution: (1) Yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the disabled stationary vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle. (2) Reduce the speed of the vehicle to a speed at least 10 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe. Provides that a person who does not yield the right-of-way or reduce the speed of the person's vehicle commits a Class B infraction. Provides that the term "driver training school" does not include a business enterprise that educates or trains a person or prepares a person to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Allows a driver training school to administer a driving skills test to an individual who holds a valid learner's permit. Provides that certain entities are immune from civil liability for an act or omission occurring during a motorcycle operator safety course that results in an injury or property damage. Provides that administrative procedures of the bureau do not apply to a hearing requested by a nonresident regarding the suspension of the driving privileges of the nonresident for failure to meet the terms of a citation. Provides that a document preparation fee that is less than $200 is permitted and does not constitute an unfair practice. Provides civil immunity for a dealer in an action regarding the resale of a buyback vehicle if the dealer had a reasonable good faith belief the vehicle was not a buyback vehicle. Provides for the process for suspending the Indiana driving privileges of a minor who is an Indiana resident for failing to appear or answer a traffic summons. Makes conforming changes.
 Current Status:   5/4/2023 - Public Law 211
 State Bill Page:   HB1050
 
HB1334ABSENTEE VOTING. (WESCO T) Provides that an agency of the state or a political subdivision may not provide an individual with an application for an absentee ballot unless requested by the individual or a member of the individual's family. Provides that an absentee ballot application must request that the applicant include: (1) certain identification numbers; or (2) a photocopy of: (A) the applicant's Indiana driver's license, (B) the applicant's Indiana identification card number for nondrivers, or (C) other specified proof of identification. Provides that the application form must state that an applicant may include only one of the identification numbers or one of the documents, but the application may be delayed if the county election board cannot match at least one of the numbers with the voter's registration record. Allows an individual to provide, for purposes of accessing an absentee ballot application submitted in an electronic format: (1) the individual's Indiana identification card number for nondrivers; or (2) the unique identifying number assigned to the voter's registration record in the computerized list; as an alternative to the options available under current law. (Current law requires the provision of the individual's Indiana driver's license number or the last four digits of the individual's Social Security number.) Specifies that certain information and documentation is confidential. Specifies when a county voter registration office is required to redact particular confidential information. Requires a county election board to implement specified procedures if the county election board cannot match at least one of the numbers with the voter's registration record. Requires the bureau of motor vehicles (BMV) to provide particular information each day to the secretary of state (secretary) and the election division. Requires the secretary and the election division to provide specified information to each county voter registration office. Specifies that if certain information provided by the BMV is not a part of the voter's registration record, the county voter registration office shall update the voter's registration record to include this information. Requires a circuit court clerk or director of a board of elections and registration (clerk) to transmit certain information to an applicant who submits an application to receive an absentee ballot by mail if the application does not fully comply with particular laws. Specifies a process by which a clerk may: (1) deliver a second absentee ballot application; (2) approve a second absentee ballot application; and (3) provide an absentee ballot; to a voter who timely submits a defective application to receive an absentee ballot. Provides that a voter who receives an absentee ballot under certain provisions may return the voted ballot: (1) in person to the absentee voter board; or (2) to the county election board; before the deadline for receipt of absentee ballots. Requires uniform application if a clerk uses this provision. Makes conforming changes.
 Current Status:   5/1/2023 - Public Law 140
 State Bill Page:   HB1334
 
HB1335VARIOUS ELECTION LAW MATTERS. (WESCO T) Modifies the date associated with references in the election code to a federal statute or regulation. Removes and updates obsolete date references from Indiana election law. Specifies additional requirements for a certificate of ascertainment of presidential electors. Modifies the day of the week that presidential electors must assemble to elect the President and Vice President of the United States.
 Current Status:   5/1/2023 - Public Law 141
 State Bill Page:   HB1335
 
HB1336VARIOUS ELECTION LAW MATTERS. (WESCO T) Adds the U.S. Space Force to the definition of "uniformed services" in election law. Provides that electronic signatures may be used for the reporting of campaign contributions and expenditures. Provides that election form approval procedures do not apply to a form incorporated only into the statewide voter registration system. Makes other technical changes relating to approval of election forms. Provides that a statute prohibiting the use of the circuit court clerk's name on a ballot if the clerk is a candidate for an office on the ballot does not apply if the only office for which the individual is a candidate is a political party office. Requires a candidate to specify on the candidate's candidacy document each designation that the candidate wants to use on the ballot. Requires the election division to design all candidacy documents so that the form of the document enables the candidate to insert in a separate field of the document each of the separate designations that a candidate is permitted to use under election law. Provides that an individual is considered to have resigned as an elected official of a unit when the person becomes an employee of the unit the individual serves as an elected official. Provides that certain mailings required by election law be sent by first class mail with tracking rather than by certified mail. Provides that a statute that permits removal and fining of a precinct election officer who fails to perform duties is applicable to an absentee voter board member and to an absentee ballot counter. Authorizes a county election board to permit individuals who are candidates for certain political party offices and relatives of such individuals to serve as precinct election officers if the county election board finds that enough individuals are not available to serve as precinct election officers. Requires the bureau of motor vehicles commission to forward the voter registration part of an application and any declination to register to the election division for transmittal to the appropriate county voter registration office. Adds law enforcement agencies that receive voter registrations to the list of voter registration agencies that are not subject to certain requirements relating to filing voter registration applications. Provides that the statewide voter registration system must contain a feature that identifies potential nonresidential addresses submitted on voter registration applications. Provides additional procedures for updating a copy of a voter's original signature in the statewide voter registration file. Adds judges of city and town courts to the list of officials that must file a statement of economic interest before filing a candidacy document. Provides that an officeholder is not entitled to salary until a statement of economic interest is filed, if required. Provides that, for purposes of determining whether a candidate is affiliated with a particular major political party, the candidate must have voted in that party's two most recent primary elections. (Under current law, a candidate is required to have voted in the political party's most recent primary election.) Provides that if an election district is included entirely within one precinct, and does not include the entire precinct, the petition of nomination must be signed by at least five voters of the election district. Provides that if a special election to fill a vacancy in the office of United States Representative is held on the same day of the election to elect the individual to serve in the succeeding term, an individual may appear on the ballot as a candidate in both elections. Provides that in such an election for United States Representative, the ballot must list the election to fill the office vacancy immediately after the election for the next term of the office. Requires the chair of a political committee to file a final report for a treasurer if the treasurer has died or is otherwise unable to file the report. Provides that the statute requiring reporting of "large" campaign contributions does not require the reporting of a contribution unless it is accepted by the candidate's candidate committee. Provides language for printing on ballots when no candidate has filed for the office. Eliminates the requirement that counties send duplicate copies of state election returns to the election division. Provides that a county executive is not required to establish precincts so that a precinct contains not more than 2,000 active voters or 2,300 active voters if the precinct is in a county designated as a vote center county. Provides that in addition to precinct boundaries, the name of a precinct as included in the federal decennial census data becomes the official name of the precinct. Requires that a ballot be arranged so that all candidates for the same office appear on the same page or the same screen. Permits the use of an electronic device at a precinct or vote center to display a sample ballot. Provides procedures for ballot layout when a candidate dies or is no longer eligible to appear on the ballot. Requires a circuit court clerk who receives an absentee ballot application from a voter who is not registered to vote in the county to send the application to the circuit court clerk of the county in which the voter is registered. Provides that the designation of a voter as an absent uniformed services voter, an overseas voter, or a voter with print disabilities expires January 1 after such a voter has submitted an absentee ballot application indicating such designation. Provides that, after December 31, 2024, all absentee ballots must be printed on security paper that incorporates features that can be used to authenticate the ballot. Provides that a voter must file residence documentation before 6 p.m. on election day. Provides that only the individuals who are permitted to be in the polls on election day are permitted to be in the room where early absentee voting is occurring. Provides that a county election board may send a signed form from a public test to the election division by electronic mail or fax. Provides that an application fee for certification of a voting system does not apply if the application is for a de minimis change. Authorizes the repurposing of an electronic poll book unit as a device to display sample ballots if the electronic poll book software is deleted from the unit. Requires absentee ballot counters to begin counting absentee ballots beginning at 6:00 a.m. on election day if certain conditions are met. Provides that if there is a discrepancy on political party primary ballot choice between the federal write-in absentee ballot and the federal post card application, the federal post card application supersedes the federal write-in absentee ballot. Provides that if an individual who holds a local office is elected to another term in that office and subsequently dies or is disqualified before the next term is scheduled to begin, a vacancy is created that must be filled as otherwise provided by law. Adjusts the schedule for conducting a post-election audit if a contest or recount has been filed affecting the county. Provides that a notice of death of a local office holder is required to be filed only with the circuit court clerk. (Under current law, notice must also be filed with the prosecuting attorney.) Exempts a member of a fiscal or legislative body from assuming certain duties during a vacancy. Requires a magistrate to depos
 Current Status:   5/4/2023 - Public Law 227
 State Bill Page:   HB1336
 
HB1438PUBLICATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT NOTICES. (MILLER D) Provides that a towing service is subject to the same public notice advertising rates as a government agency if the service: (1) acts as an agent of a government agency; and (2) provides the notice required to dispose of abandoned vehicles or parts. Provides for the creation of a public notice task force (task force) to study notice publication statutes for the purpose of streamlining the process and maximizing value to Indiana citizens. Provides the following: (1) The task force must publish a report with its determinations and recommendations for legislation not later than December 1, 2023. (2) The task force expires December 31, 2023.
 Current Status:   4/20/2023 - Public Law 84
 State Bill Page:   HB1438
 
HB1466JUROR COMPENSATION. (DAVIS M) Increases the jury fee collected from a defendant who has committed a crime or committed certain violations to $6. (Current jury fee is $2.) Requires the clerk to collect a jury fee of $75 from a party filing a civil tort or plenary action. Increases the jury appearance fee to $30 per day for each day a juror is in attendance until the jury is impaneled. (Current rate is $15 per day.) Increases the juror payment rate to $80 per day for the first five days of trial and to $90 per day starting on the sixth day of trial until the jury is discharged. (Current rate is $40 per day.) Specifies that a prospective juror is considered to be in actual attendance if certain criteria are met, regardless of whether the prospective juror is not seated or is removed.
 Current Status:   5/4/2023 - Public Law 237
 State Bill Page:   HB1466
 
HB1578COVERED PERSONS FOR RESTRICTED ADDRESSES. (O'BRIEN T) Provides that a regular, paid firefighter and a volunteer firefighter are "covered persons" under the statute that requires local government units that operate a public data base website containing the names and addresses of property owners to restrict disclosure to the general public of the covered person's home address. Removes an obsolete date reference.
 Current Status:   4/20/2023 - Public Law 91
 State Bill Page:   HB1578
 
SB65ELECTED OFFICIALS TRAINING FUND. (NIEMEYER R) Allows a county auditor, upon the county fiscal body's determination that money in the county elected officials training fund (fund) is in excess of the fund's expenses, to transfer the excess money to the county recorder's records perpetuation fund. Provides that the transfer must be made not later than December 31, 2023. Provides that a county fiscal body may use money in the county elected officials training fund for certain training for county council members.
 Current Status:   5/1/2023 - Public Law 96
 State Bill Page:   SB65
 
SB177SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINE. (KOCH E) Changes the time frame that a candidate for a school board office is required to file the candidate's petition of nomination. Modifies deadlines concerning a statement questioning the validity of a petition of nomination or contesting the denial of certification.
 Current Status:   4/20/2023 - Public Law 34
 State Bill Page:   SB177
 
SB183UNCLAIMED PROPERTY MATTERS. (KOCH E) Defines "gift card". Makes various changes to statutes in the state's revised unclaimed property act concerning: (1) presumptions of abandonment; (2) reporting of unclaimed property; (3) delivery of property to the attorney general; (4) delivery of property from the attorney general to the presumed owner; (5) payment of gain realized or accrued on property; and (6) filing claims for property.
 Current Status:   5/1/2023 - Public Law 101
 State Bill Page:   SB183
 
SB314ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY. (GASKILL M) Makes the following changes to the definition of "covered person" for purposes of the statutes concerning restricted addresses: (1) Replaces a "victim of domestic violence" with an individual who is an address confidentiality "program participant". (2) Includes any person who resides in the same household as a person considered a "covered person". Urges the legislative council to assign to the appropriate interim study committee the topic of studying certain topics regarding address confidentiality protections.
 Current Status:   5/4/2023 - Public Law 180
 State Bill Page:   SB314
 
SB417VARIOUS TAX MATTERS. (BALDWIN S) Makes certain changes to the nonprofit organization sales tax exemption threshold after which nonprofit organizations are required to collect state sales tax. Authorizes a county to impose a local income tax (LIT) rate for county staff expenses of the state judicial system in the county. Provides that the expenses paid from the LIT revenue may not comprise more than 50% of the county's total budgeted operational staffing expenses related to the state judicial system in any given year. Requires certain reporting requirements related to the use of the LIT revenue. Specifies a three business day grace period following the postmark date of a document during which the department of state revenue will consider the document received to be timely filed for purposes of a due date. Makes certain changes to the nonprofit organization sales tax exemption threshold after which nonprofit organizations are required to collect state sales tax.
 Current Status:   5/4/2023 - Public Law 193
 State Bill Page:   SB417
 
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