A comprehensive list of bills being tracked by ISTA.
Prepared by: Keith Clock
E-mail: kclock@ista-in.org
Report created on May 8, 2024
 
HB1001EDUCATION AND HIGHER EDUCATION MATTERS. (GOODRICH C) Amends the definition of "eligible student" to include a sibling of a student with a disability with regards to the education scholarship account program (ESA). Provides that the sibling may not use the ESA account for certain ESA qualified expenses. Provides that an annual grant amount awarded under the career scholarship account (CSA) program may be used for costs related to obtaining a driver's license if certain conditions are met. Establishes conditions regarding the amount of funds that may be used from CSA annual grant amounts for transportation costs. Amends certain requirements regarding ESA and CSA participating entities regarding providing evidence of unencumbered assets. Changes certain CSA application time frames from seven days to 30 days. Requires each state educational institution to provide to the commission for higher education (commission) certain information regarding degrees, degree completion, faculty members, administrative support staff, costs, compensation, and debt loads. Requires the commission to prepare longitudinal analysis regarding certain data. Requires each private postsecondary educational institution and each out-of-state public and nonprofit degree granting institution that offers instructional or educational services or training in Indiana to provide to the department of education information to carry out certain reporting requirements and requirements related to the Indiana Graduates Prepared to Succeed dashboard. Allows for the revocation of an out-of-state public or nonprofit degree granting institution's authorization if the institution fails to provide the information. Adds teaching to the employment sectors eligible for the next level jobs employer training grant program. Amends requirements regarding: (1) eligibility for career coaching grants; and (2) instruction on career awareness.
 Current Status:   4/3/2024 - Public Law 127
 Recent Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
3/11/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   HB1001
 
HB1002ENFORCEMENT OF EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY. (JETER C) Defines "antisemitism", specifies that the public policy of the state is to provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination, and provides that antisemitism is discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, or national origin.
 Current Status:   3/18/2024 - VETOED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
3/8/2024 - Conference Committee Report Adopted (H) Report 1: adopted by the House; Roll Call 345: yeas 99, nays 0; Rules Suspended
 State Bill Page:   HB1002
 
HB1004PENSION MATTERS. (CHERRY R) Provides that a state employee may affirmatively elect to enroll in the deferred compensation plan prior to the auto enroll date on day 31 of the state employee's employment. Removes a provision that sets a maximum employer surcharge for the legislators' defined benefit plan, state excise police, gaming agent, gaming control officer, and conservation enforcement officers' retirement plan, public employees' retirement fund, and Indiana state teachers' retirement fund (fund). Requires the board of trustees of the Indiana public retirement system (board) to develop the technological and administrative capabilities sufficient to categorize fund members into separate groups in which: (1) certain members receive a service based thirteenth check; and (2) certain members receive a cost of living adjustment. Requires the board to set the surcharge rates at a level to actuarially prefund: (1) annual indexed thirteenth checks for all current retired members and beneficiaries retired before July 1, 2025; and (2) 1% annual cost of living adjustments to future in-payment members and beneficiaries retired on or after July 1, 2025. Provides that the board shall not reduce the surcharge rates from the prior year. Allows the board to increase the surcharge rates by not more than 0.1% of payroll from the prior year. Requires certain political subdivisions to present to the interim study committee on pension management oversight regarding a delinquent employee retirement plan offered by the political subdivision. Requires, effective July 1, 2025, the trustee of the state police pension trust to maintain two supplemental allowance reserve accounts for the purpose of paying postretirement benefit adjustments. Increases the maximum date that a member or participant of certain retirement funds can participate in the deferred retirement option plan from 36 to 60 months. Requires the member or participant to notify their employer if the member or participant elects to enter or extend the deferred retirement option plan. Provides for a thirteenth check in 2024 for certain members, participants, or beneficiaries of the: (1) Indiana state teachers' retirement fund; (2) Indiana public employees' retirement fund; (3) state excise police, gaming agent, gaming control officer, and conservation enforcement officers' retirement plan; (4) state police pre-1987 benefit system; and (5) state police 1987 benefit system.
 Current Status:   4/3/2024 - Public Law 129
 Recent Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
3/11/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   HB1004
 
HB1042TRANSITION TO TEACHING SCHOLARSHIPS. (HEINE D) Provides that an applicant for a transition to teaching scholarship after June 30, 2024, must be a member of a household with an annual income of $100,000 or less. Provides that any balance in the next generation Hoosier educators scholarship fund remaining after the award of next generation Hoosier educators scholarships for a fiscal year may be used to fund additional transition to teaching scholarships. Removes a provision concerning the reduction of scholarships if certain limits are exceeded.
 Current Status:   4/3/2024 - Public Law 44
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
3/7/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   HB1042
 
HB1093EMPLOYMENT OF MINORS. (CULP K) Provides certain exemptions from the employment of minors law. Repeals a provision concerning conditions for the employment of a minor as a performer. Provides exemptions from certain hour and time restrictions for the employment of a minor who is at least 14 years of age and less than 16 years of age. Removes language providing that a minor who is at least 14 years of age and less than 16 years of age may only work until 7 p.m. on a day that precedes a school day from June 1 through Labor Day. Repeals provisions concerning hour and time restrictions for the employment of a minor who is at least 16 years of age and less than 18 years of age. Specifies that the prohibition on a minor from working in a hazardous occupation does not apply to a minor who is at least 16 years of age and less than 18 years of age who is employed in agriculture. Repeals a provision concerning restrictions on an employer who employs a minor to work after 10 p.m. and before 6 a.m. Makes corresponding changes.
 Current Status:   4/3/2024 - Public Law 133
 Recent Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
3/11/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   HB1093
 
HB1104SCHOOL SAFETY. (DAVIS M) Provides that a school safety plan developed by a school corporation or charter school must establish an armed intruder drill protocol. Requires safe school committees to develop a policy that considers the effect of armed intruder drills on the safety and mental health of students, faculty, and staff. Prohibits an armed intruder drill that includes sensory components or activities from: (1) requiring student participation; or (2) taking place during regular school hours if a majority of the student body is present on school property. Allows a school corporation or charter school that: (1) employs a school resource officer; or (2) enters into a contract or a memorandum of understanding with a local law enforcement agency, private entity, or nonprofit corporation to employ a school resource officer; to participate in the 1977 fund. Provides that a school resource officer hired or rehired after June 30, 2024, who is a member of the 1977 fund shall remain in the 1977 fund. Provides that a school resource officer may become a member of the 1977 fund by meeting certain age and training requirements. Makes corresponding changes.
 Current Status:   4/3/2024 - Public Law 135
 Recent Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
3/11/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   HB1104
 
HB1135COSMETOLOGY APPRENTICESHIPS. (WESCO T) Provides that an individual who completes a United States Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program to practice cosmetology may take the cosmetologist licensure examination and, upon passage of the examination, practice as a cosmetologist.
 Current Status:   4/3/2024 - Public Law 82
 Recent Status:   3/12/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
3/7/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   HB1135
 
HB1137RELEASE FOR RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION. (CULP K) Requires a principal to allow a student to attend religious instruction conducted by certain entities following the principal's receipt of written notice from the student's parent.
 Current Status:   4/3/2024 - Public Law 138
 Recent Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
3/11/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   HB1137
 
HB1138PROFESSIONAL LICENSING MATTERS. (GOSS-REAVES L) Removes references to a quality review in provisions relating to the licensing of accountants. Requires the Indiana board of accountancy (board) to adopt rules requiring the firm to allow the administering entity to provide access to the results of its most recently accepted peer review and other objective information to the board. Removes language requiring the administering entity to make a peer review report available to the oversight committee not more than 30 days after the issuance of the peer review report. Provides that the results of a peer review may be treated as a complaint submitted by the board. Removes language requiring the peer review committee issuing a report to cooperate with an investigation of a complaint. Allows the use of certain titles by an individual who is enrolled in or has graduated from a school or college of architecture or an accredited curriculum of landscape architecture. Specifies that the renewal of a professional geologist license after June 30, 2025, requires continuing education. Allows certain individuals to take various licensing examinations early if certain conditions are met. Increases the number of clinical or supervised hours certain individuals may obtain through virtual supervision.
 Current Status:   4/3/2024 - Public Law 83
 Recent Status:   3/12/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
3/5/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   HB1138
 
HB1179STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. (KING J) Requires a state educational institution (institution) to disclose certain foreign gifts and contracts received or entered into after December 31, 2020. Requires the commission to establish and maintain a website for accessing information about disclosed gifts and contracts. Authorizes the commission to provide for an audit of an institution's use of a disclosed gift, or the proceeds of a disclosed contract, received or entered into after June 30, 2021, and before July 1, 2024. Authorizes the attorney general to bring a cause of action to enforce the disclosure statute. Requires the board of trustees of an institution to adopt a policy prohibiting the transfer, licensing, or sublicensing of intellectual property developed using the institution's resources to: (1) a business entity organized under the laws of a foreign adversary; (2) a business entity headquartered in a foreign adversary; or (3) a business entity or other entity, including a governmental entity, that is owned or controlled by citizens of, or is directly controlled by the government of, a foreign adversary. Requires the board of trustees of each institution to adopt a policy prohibiting an employee or contractor of the institution from making a public statement in the employee's or contractor's official capacity unless the statement: (1) relates to the operation of the institution, or to an institution sponsored event; or (2) has been approved by the board of trustees. Prohibits an institution from using state funds or resources to: (1) engage or contract with an individual associated with a foreign terrorist organization or a state sponsor of terror; or (2) support the activities of a foreign terrorist organization or a state sponsor of terror.
 Current Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
3/7/2024 - House Concurred in Senate Amendments ; Roll Call 310: yeas 80, nays 0
 State Bill Page:   HB1179
 
HB1233ROBOTICS COMPETITION PROGRAM. (GOODRICH C) Amends the robotics competition program (program) definition of "allowable expenses" to allow a robotics competition team to use grant funds on expenses associated with a robotics competition. (Current law allows expenditures for expenses associated with attendance at a robotics competition.) Amends the program definition of "eligible school" to include a nonpublic school accredited by a national or regional accreditation agency that is recognized by the state board of education. Amends the program definition of "eligible team" to include a community based robotics competition team. Requires the department of education (department) to consider the number of participants when developing a guideline to award grants. Requires the department to award grants for each school year not later than August 1 of the applicable school year. Specifies that the program and any participation by a team mentor and team coach in the program is not subject to collective bargaining.
 Current Status:   3/11/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/4/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
2/27/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
 State Bill Page:   HB1233
 
HB1243VARIOUS EDUCATION MATTERS. (BEHNING R) Makes various changes to the education law concerning the following: (1) Indiana diploma requirements and designations and satisfying certain course requirements by obtaining a diploma. (2) The criteria to receive a waiver from postsecondary readiness competency requirements. (3) The minimum number of alternate diplomas that may be counted in determining a school's or school corporation's graduation rate. (4) Use of the terms "statewide assessment program" and "statewide summative assessment". (5) The responsibilities of the state advisory council on the education of children with disabilities. (6) The criteria an individual must meet to participate in the Indiana high school equivalency diploma program. Establishes notice and posting requirements regarding school corporations that fail to meet: (1) certain expenditure requirements regarding full-time teacher salaries; or (2) the percentage of state tuition support that must be expended on teacher compensation. Provides that the amount a school corporation expends on teacher compensation shall also include amounts the school corporation expends on certain dropout recovery education services. Provides that state tuition support for certain virtual students is not included in determining the amount a school corporation expends on teacher compensation. Requires the following: (1) Each public high school to offer, after June 30, 2028, at least once each school year at least one computer science course as a separate subject in the public high school's curriculum. (2) The department of education (department), in revising and updating academic standards, to consider integrating: (A) computer science; and (B) data literacy and data science; standards into a subject area being revised. (3) Beginning with the cohort of students who are expected to graduate from a public school or a state accredited nonpublic school in 2029, a student to successfully complete instruction on computer science as a separate subject before the student may graduate. (4) Each public school to participate in an annual statewide survey concerning school fees charged to students or parents to be eligible to receive a distribution from the curricular materials fund. (5) The department to develop proposals to align diploma waiver statutes with new diploma requirements. (6) Charter schools to post certain information. Provides that the state board of education (state board) may allow a computer science course to satisfy one or more diploma course requirements. Removes provisions regarding the application and waiver of requirements concerning: (1) certain expenditure requirements regarding full-time teacher salaries; and (2) the percentage of state tuition support that must be used for teacher compensation. Removes provisions that have expired concerning high school graduation requirements and graduation waivers. Removes language concerning the disqualification of certain students for state scholarships, grants, or assistance administered by the commission for higher education and provides that a student may not receive or use any state scholarships, grants, or assistance administered by the commission for certain noncredit-bearing, nondegree seeking courses. Amends the expiration date for the high school equivalency pilot program to June 30, 2026. (The current expiration date is June 30, 2024.) Allows school corporations to provide certain notices regarding expulsion meetings by electronic mail. Provides each school corporation, charter school, and state accredited nonpublic school shall include in its curriculum for students enrolled in grade 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 (instead of all high school students) instruction concerning personal financial responsibility. Provides that a literacy achievement grant is not subject to collective bargaining. Provides that a school corporation may include instruction regarding Internet safety in the school corporation's curriculum. Requires the department to approve previously developed age appropriate curricula concerning Internet safety not later than July 1, 2025. Requires the office of management and budget to establish a kindergarten through grade 12 data governance team. Establishes the duties of the data governance team, including the submission of a report to the legislative council. Requires, not later than July 1, 2024, the department to: (1) establish an online, self-paced professional development module with regard to mathematics; (2) develop math descriptions correlated to proficiency level descriptors to track proficiency at the student level; (3) create and identify dedicated math resources to assist with intervention and enrichment opportunities and instructional strategies; and (4) post the resources on the department's website. Requires, not later than December 1, 2024, the department to submit a plan to the legislative council that includes: (1) strategies for the early identification of students who are at risk of not meeting grade level proficiency in mathematics; and (2) recommendations for high quality intervention policies for mathematics. Defines "literacy coach" and requires literacy coaches to prioritize certain duties. Provides for the availability of certain grants for literacy coaches. Establishes certain restrictions and requirements regarding visiting teacher licenses. Requires the department and the commission for higher education, in conjunction with the state board, to partner with teacher preparation programs to receive an outside evaluation of teacher preparation reading instruction programs. Requires the department to develop guidelines regarding the use of curriculum or content that prepares elementary school teacher candidates in math instruction. Provides that a student's latest statewide assessment program test results are included on the student's transcript upon request of the student. Provides that successful completion of an International Baccalaureate diploma program course (course) shall count for high school credit. Provides that any rule adopted by the state board or the department concerning certain diplomas must provide that successful completion of a course is credited toward fulfilling the requirements of certain diplomas. Provides that high school students who have taken a course examination and received a score of four or higher on the examination are entitled to postsecondary academic credit at state educational institutions under certain conditions. Amends the requirements to receive a literacy endorsement. Requires the governing body of each school corporation to have a policy regarding the participation of habitually truant students in extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
 Current Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
3/8/2024 - Conference Committee Report Adopted (S) Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 337: yeas 40, nays 7; Rules Suspended
 State Bill Page:   HB1243
 
HB1264ELECTION SECURITY. (WESCO T) Provides that a political subdivision that conducts or administers an election may not join the membership of, or participate in a program offered by, a person who has directly financed certain elections activities. Specifies proof of residency requirements that apply to certain individuals who register to vote in person at a registration agency. Requires the statewide voter registration system (SVRS) to contain a feature that identifies voter registrations that list a potential nonresidential address. Specifies a process that a county voter registration official must follow if this feature identifies a voter registration that lists a potential nonresidential address. Allows the secretary of state to contract with a company to receive commercially available data. Requires the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) official or a contractor to use this information to identify a voter whose residence may have changed. Requires the election division to compare residential addresses received from agencies to the residential addresses in the SVRS. Requires the NVRA official to compare the SVRS with the bureau of motor vehicles list of temporary credentials. Specifies a process that must be followed if evidence exists that a registered voter is not a citizen of the United States. Requires the state to provide to each county voter registration office information concerning a voter who is disqualified or potentially disqualified as a prospective juror from jury service because the voter is not a United States citizen. Specifies the actions a county voter registration office must take concerning certain juror information.
 Current Status:   3/11/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/7/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
2/29/2024 - Third reading passed; Roll Call 222: yeas 34, nays 13
 State Bill Page:   HB1264
 
HB1265VARIOUS ELECTIONS MATTERS. (WESCO T) Defines "candidate" for the purpose of provisions concerning early and late candidate vacancies. Modifies the definition of "chute". Defines "scantron" and provides that a scantron complies with certain absentee ballot endorsement requirements if it is endorsed with the initials of certain individuals. Allows a circuit court clerk, voter registration official, or county election board to make certain filings by fax or electronic mail. Extends the: (1) expiration date of a provision concerning local redistricting; and (2) deadline for a redistricting authority to take specified actions. Requires the county election board of a county that is not designated as a vote center county to establish a plan that specifies the method and timing of providing absentee reports to persons who are entitled to receive the reports. Specifies that a nondiscriminatory uniform policy concerning certain voter registration information must apply to all records maintained in the computerized list, including election administration records and absentee activity reports. Requires the NVRA official to conduct, at least once each calendar year, a review and identification of particular voter registration records. Specifies that a provision concerning the delivery, retention, confidentiality, and disposal of election materials does not prohibit county election officials from performing a duty under statutes concerning provisional voting. Exempts a political party office on a primary ballot from the ballot arrangement requirement that all candidates for the same office appear on the same page or screen. Permits certain persons credentialed by the Indiana protection and advocacy services commission to be in the polls during an election. Allows a county election board that adopted a resolution for a primary election allowing absentee voting at satellite offices to amend the resolution, by unanimous vote, to modify, for the subsequent general or municipal election, the locations and hours of the satellite offices. Requires each member of an absentee voter board to sign and print the member's name on a voter's affidavit after the voter has signed and dated the affidavit. Allows a vote center plan amendment to be filed with the election division by fax or electronic mail. Modifies provisions applicable to the notice that must be sent to a voter when a signature mismatch has occurred. Allows a voter to deliver a signature verification affidavit signed by the voter to an absentee voter board at a circuit court clerk's office or satellite location during the period of early voting. Provides that the county election board or board of elections and registration shall not reject an absentee ballot with a missing security envelope signature in certain circumstances if the voter delivers an affidavit of unsigned ballot that is signed by the voter to an absentee voter board at a circuit court clerk's office or satellite location during the period of early voting. Specifies certain employment provisions that apply when a county election board appoints a member of an absentee voter board, absentee ballot counter team, or courier team. Specifies the deadline that applies to fill certain candidate vacancies when the vacancy is due to the successful challenge of a candidate in a judicial proceeding. Prohibits the appointment of a particular person to fill a vacancy by a political party that differs from the party with which the person affiliated when the person was defeated in a primary election or a town or state convention. Specifies the circumstances that create a late candidate vacancy. Extends certain early candidate vacancy provisions to apply to late candidate vacancies. Requires that action to fill a late candidate vacancy be taken not later than 6 a.m. on election day. Modifies a provision concerning the delivery and retention of affidavits. Permits the bureau of motor vehicles to disclose certain identifying information for voter registration and election purposes under certain laws. Prescribes the ballot language for the proposed constitutional amendment that would remove the state superintendent of public instruction from the line of succession to the governor. Makes conforming amendments.
 Current Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
3/8/2024 - Conference Committee Report Adopted (S) Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 316: yeas 45, nays 3; Rules Suspended
 State Bill Page:   HB1265
 
HB1380VARIOUS EDUCATION MATTERS. (BEHNING R) Requires the secretary of education to prepare and submit to the general assembly the following: (1) A plan to establish a pilot program concerning the use, operation, and management of school facilities to promote student learning and outcomes. (2) A plan to establish a pilot program concerning student transportation. Provides that the commission on seclusion and restraint in schools (commission) must include eliminating or minimizing the need for use of time-out in its model restraint and seclusion plan. Requires the commission to meet biannually (instead of annually, under current law), and requires the commission to submit a biannual report to the state advisory council on the education of children with disabilities. Makes various changes to innovation network school and participating innovation network charter school provisions regarding the following: (1) The terms that must be included in an agreement entered into between: (A) an innovation network team and the governing body of a school corporation; and (B) an organizer and the governing body of a school corporation. (2) Restrictions on altering an agreement. (3) Restrictions on a school corporation charging a participating innovation network charter school for goods and services. (4) Required distribution of state tuition support to participating innovation network charter schools. (5) Restrictions regarding altering the use of a facility occupied by an innovation network school or participating innovation network charter school. Provides that a school corporation may use the school corporation's operations fund for transportation of school children to certain: (1) apprenticeship programs; (2) career and technical education programs; (3) modern youth apprenticeships; and (4) work based learning courses. Makes changes to the student learning recovery grant program concerning the following: (1) The establishment of the program is subject to available funding. (2) The purpose for which the program was established with regard to disruption in education caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic and insufficient alternatives. (3) The limitation of the program to only certain state fiscal years. (4) Allowing the department of education (department) to require matching grant amounts. Provides that a student's Indiana enrichment scholarship account terminates under conditions established by the department (instead of October 1, 2024). Provides that the governing body of a school corporation, the organizer of a charter school, or the chief administrative officer of a nonpublic school system shall authorize the absence and excuse of each secondary school student who is not a habitual truant and is ordered to active duty with the armed forces of the United States, including their reserve components or the Indiana National Guard for at least 15 days in a school year. Provides that the office of administrative law proceedings (office) has jurisdiction over hearing officers authorized to conduct hearings required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Requires the office to: (1) determine the cost of conducting hearings; and (2) after July 1, 2025, assess a fee, based on the weighted ADM count, for each school corporation and charter school that is sufficient to cover the costs. Amends the date by which a student has to be a certain age to be eligible to participate in a school scholarship program and the Indiana education scholarship account program. Removes a condition with regard to requiring certain school corporations to accept transferring students who do not have legal settlement in the school corporation. Provides that a transferee corporation may not require a parent or student requesting transfer to the school corporation to pay transfer tuition or any other fee associated with the transfer of the student. Removes a provision that requires use of certain federal funds under the Indiana student enrichment grant program. Makes certain changes to the referendum time line. Repeals the following provisions regarding the student learning recovery grant program: (1) The appropriation in the 2021 fiscal year. (2) The expiration of the program. Repeals provisions regarding the expiration of the Indiana student enrichment grant program. Provides that a state educational institution (institution) must implement a policy to publish information concerning any act of hazing committed by a member of a group or organization that is adjudicated by the institution. Requires an institution to publish a public report concerning certain information about an investigation that results in a finding that hazing was committed. Specifies what an institution is required to publish on a website in connection with the public report concerning hazing. Allows an individual who is at least 16 years of age to enroll in and attend a training program for certification as a Firefighter I, Firefighter II, or emergency medical technician.
 Current Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
3/8/2024 - Conference Committee Report Adopted (S) Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 338: yeas 35, nays 12; Rules Suspended
 State Bill Page:   HB1380
 
SB1READING SKILLS. (ROGERS L) Provides that the department of education (department) may grant certain individuals a waiver that provides an exception to the literacy endorsement requirements if the department submits a report to the legislative council by a specified date. Requires certain schools, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, to offer summer school courses for students who are not reading proficient or are at risk of not being reading proficient as indicated on the determinant evaluation of reading skills approved by the state board of education (evaluation). Expands eligibility for funding for summer school courses. Requires certain summer school courses to be taught by a teacher, instructor, or tutor who is trained in the science of reading. Provides that if a student does not achieve a 90% attendance rate in a summer reading course, the student is required to participate in an individual reading plan in the following school year. Requires the department of education to procure a universal screening assessment (assessment) that meets certain criteria. Requires certain schools to administer the assessment to students in kindergarten through grade 2 who are not on track for reading proficiency by grade 3 as determined by the department. Requires the state board of education to establish a method for virtual administration of the ILEARN statewide assessment. Provides that a vendor must supply a student's assessment results to the student and the student's parents. Applies the reading deficiency remediation plan (plan) to public schools, charter schools, state accredited nonpublic schools, and eligible schools. Makes the following changes to the plan: (1) Beginning with evaluations administered in the 2024-2025 school year, requires retention of a student in grade 3 in addition to remediation if the student has not achieved a passing score on the evaluation. (2) Requires schools to notify a student's parent of certain assessment results, interventions, or remedial actions provided to the student. (3) Requires schools to monitor the progress of students who have failed to achieve a passing score on the evaluation or the statewide assessment program test. (4) Requires schools to provide reading instruction aligned with the science of reading to all students in kindergarten through grade 8. (5) Requires schools to administer the evaluation to students who are in grade 2. (6) Requires a student to take the evaluation until certain conditions are met. (7) Requires school reporting on interventions for certain students at risk of not being reading proficient and for certain students who do not a achieve a valid passing score on the determinant evaluation of reading skills. Creates exceptions to the grade 3 retention requirement for a student who meets certain criteria. Requires the governing body of a school to establish a procedure allowing a parent or guardian of a student to appeal the student's retention under the plan. Requires the department to notify the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in kindergarten of the retention requirements under the plan.
 Current Status:   3/11/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/7/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
3/5/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB1
 
SB6READING PROFICIENCY. (RAATZ J) Requires the department of education (department) to develop a method to identify students in grade 4 through grade 8 who: (1) did not pass the determinant evaluation of reading skills approved by the state board of education; and (2) are at risk of not being proficient in reading as determined by Lexile scores on the statewide summative assessment. Requires the department to develop guidance for schools regarding how to support students who are at risk of not being proficient in reading.
 Current Status:   3/11/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/4/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
2/29/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB6
 
SB8HIGHER EDUCATION MATTERS. (LEISING J) Requires each high school to: (1) beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, offer the Indiana college core (college core); or (2) not later than October 1, 2024, submit a plan or report that meets certain requirements to the commission for higher education (commission). Provides that: (1) a student who successfully completes an eligible course under the college core is entitled to secondary credit toward graduation requirements; and (2) the student's transcripts must reflect the secondary credit. Establishes the reverse transfer program for community college associate degrees. Requires each state educational institution (institution) to prepare and submit a report to the commission that includes information regarding a determination by the institution of the feasibility and advisability of establishing and conferring associate degrees to certain students. Establishes certain requirements for the commission regarding the reports. Requires each institution that offers baccalaureate degrees to establish a policy to review each of the institution's four year baccalaureate degree program offerings to determine the feasibility of providing each in a specifically structured manner to allow a full-time student to complete the baccalaureate degree within three years. Requires, not later than July 1, 2025, each institution to offer at least one baccalaureate degree program specifically structured to allow a full-time student to complete the baccalaureate degree within three years. Requires an institution to provide an annual report to the commission regarding offering four year baccalaureate degree programs completed in three years. Expands the schools to which requirements regarding secondary credit apply. Changes the name of the statewide transfer general education core to the Indiana college core. Requires the commission, in coordination with the department of education (department) and institutions, to maintain and post a list and syllabus or course outline record of each eligible college core course. Requires, by July 1, 2025, the department to partner with one or more institutions or approved postsecondary educational institutions to provide online access to the college core through the course access program. Provides that credit equivalencies, including the college core, for all Cambridge International Advanced A and AS Level examinations must be updated annually and sent by each institution to the commission by June 1 each year. Provides that each institution shall post these annually updated credit equivalencies on the institution's website by July 1 each year. Provides that the commission shall post the annually updated credit equivalencies on the commission's student transfer of credit portal by July 1 each year.
 Current Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
3/8/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB8
 
SB48STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION INFORMATION. (DORIOT B) Requires a state educational institution to prominently display hyperlinks to certain college scorecard information on the state educational institution's website and degree web pages.
 Current Status:   3/11/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/7/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
3/4/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB48
 
SB135REDISTRICTING DEADLINE. (GASKILL M) Requires certain redistricting authorities to redistrict or recertify election districts before June 30, 2025, if the election district does not have an office on the ballot during the 2024 general election. Requires certain redistricting authorities to redistrict or recertify election districts after January 1, 2025 and before June 30, 2025, if the election district does have an office on the ballot during the 2024 general election. Assesses a penalty if a redistricting authority fails to redistrict or recertify election districts. Makes conforming changes.
 Current Status:   3/11/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/4/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
2/29/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB135
 
SB146YOUTH EMPLOYMENT. (ROGERS L) Allows a person who is at least 18 years of age to ring up a sale of alcoholic beverages in the course of the person's employment. Allows a waiter, waitress, or server who is at least 18 years of age to serve alcoholic beverages in a dining room of a restaurant or hotel under certain conditions. Provides certain exemptions from the employment of minors law. Provides, for purposes of the reporting requirement applicable to an employer that employs a specified number of minors, that: (1) a minor's date of hire is the first date on which the minor performs work for the employer; and (2) an employer must report any new or changed information not later than the fifteenth and last business days of each month. Provides that a civil penalty for a violation of certain provisions regarding the employment of minors may not be assessed for a violation of 10 minutes or less.
 Current Status:   3/12/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/7/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
3/5/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB146
 
SB148WORKFORCE DATA COLLECTION. (BROWN L) Requires the division of disability and rehabilitative services (division), beginning 12 months after the direct support professional registry is implemented, to post monthly on the division's website the total number of individuals registered under the registry. Requires the division to present information concerning the total number of individuals registered to the division of disability and rehabilitative services advisory council at least quarterly. Requires reports of newly hired employees to be filed electronically. Requires employers to provide an employee's current primary standardized occupational classification code and starting compensation on a report of a newly hired employee. Provides that each workforce focused agency shall deliver a workforce related program report to the management performance hub. Requires the management performance hub to: (1) compile the workforce related program reports into an annual data product; and (2) make the data product available to each workforce focused agency. Makes conforming amendments.
 Current Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
3/8/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB148
 
SB185STUDENT USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE. (RAATZ J) Requires each school corporation and charter school to: (1) adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that governs student use of a wireless communication device; and (2) publish the policy on the school corporation's or charter school's website.
 Current Status:   3/11/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/4/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
2/29/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB185
 
SB202STATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION MATTERS. (DEERY S) Amends the duties of state educational institutions' diversity committees. Provides that certain offices or individuals established or employed by a state educational institution (institution) regarding diversity programming must include within the mission of the office or position programming that substantially promotes both cultural and intellectual diversity. Establishes various requirements and restrictions for institutions regarding free inquiry, free expression, and intellectual diversity that does the following: (1) Requires the establishment of certain policies regarding: (A) disciplinary actions for certain persons that materially and substantially disrupt protected expressive activity; (B) limiting or restricting the granting of tenure or a promotion if certain conditions related to free inquiry, free expression, and intellectual diversity are not met; and (C) disciplinary actions that will be taken if, after a review, a determination has been made that a tenured faculty member has failed to meet certain criteria related to free inquiry, free expression, and intellectual diversity. (2) Requires the review and consideration, at least every five years, of certain criteria related to free inquiry, free expression, and intellectual diversity. (3) Requires the establishment of a procedure that allows students and employees to submit complaints that a faculty member or contractor is not meeting certain criteria related to free inquiry, free expression, and intellectual diversity and establishes requirements regarding the procedure and submitted complaints. (4) Establishes consideration requirements before an institution renews an employment agreement or other contract with, makes a bonus decision regarding, or completes a review or performance assessment of a faculty member or contractor. (5) Prohibits requiring an applicant, employee, or contractor to pledge allegiance to or make a statement of personal support for: (A) certain policies or actions; or (B) political or ideological movements. (6) Establishes restrictions regarding awarding admission, enrollment, employment, benefits, hiring, reappointment, promotion, or granting tenure to an applicant, employee, or contractor on the basis of the viewpoints expressed in a submitted pledge or statement. (7) Requires certain information be included in an institution's programming for new students. (8) Requires the adoption of a statement on neutrality that makes a distinction between the official positions of an institution from the individual viewpoints of the institution's employees, contractors, students, and alumni. (9) Allows the commission for higher education (commission) to establish a survey that attempts to collect information from students regarding the current perceptions of whether free speech and academic freedom are recognized and fostered by an institution in a manner that welcomes expression of different opinions and ideologies and requires an institution to promote and provide the survey to students. (10) Establishes various reporting requirements by institutions or the commission concerning complaints submitted regarding faculty members or contractors who are not meeting certain criteria related to free inquiry, free expression, and intellectual diversity. (11) Provides that certain individuals may request the commission to review a final decision by an institution concerning a violation of these provisions. Provides that the commission may enter into an agreement with the office of administrative law proceedings to review violations of certain provisions and issue an opinion on behalf of the commission. Requires each institution to submit certain information by September 1, 2024, and on September 1 of each year thereafter.
 Current Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/7/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
3/5/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB202
 
SB211EXCELLENCE IN CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DESIGNATION AND SCHOOL MEETINGS. (RAATZ J) Requires the department of education (department), in collaboration with the commission for higher education and subject to the approval of the state board, to establish an excellence in civic engagement designation. Requires the department to develop recommendations for an excellence in civics education designation for schools. Provides that the public hearing required before a school employer and school employee may privately negotiate certain matters may take place at a regular or special meeting of the school's governing body.
 Current Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
3/8/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB211
 
SB212VARIOUS EDUCATION MATTERS. (RAATZ J) Provides that the Indiana school for the blind and visually impaired board shall give preference to a candidate for the chief executive officer position who meets the qualifications for an Indiana teacher's certificate in the area of visual impairment disabilities, but shall not require a candidate for the chief executive officer position to meet the qualifications for an Indiana teacher's certificate in the area of visual impairment disabilities. Provides that, subject to approval by the Indiana school for the deaf board, the Indiana school for the deaf may partner with an existing nonprofit corporation to benefit the purposes of the school. Provides that the public meeting that must be held before a contract for employment is entered into by a governing body and a school superintendent may take place at a regular or special meeting of the governing body and does not have to happen at least seven days before the contract is entered into. Prohibits a teacher preparation program from using curriculum or content that is based on the three-cueing model. Provides that if only one new member is elected to the board of the governing body, a governing body may enter into a contract with a superintendent after the election. Repeals the primetime program. Amends the Indiana student enrichment grant program. Repeals provisions regarding the primetime program.
 Current Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
3/7/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB212
 
SB270VARIOUS EDUCATION MATTERS. (ROGERS L) Establishes limitations regarding the lease of school property. Amends the enrollment threshold regarding when a school building is considered underutilized. Makes changes regarding requiring (instead of allowing) a school building to be closed or made available for lease or purchase. Provides that school corporations that meet certain requirements regarding sharing operating referendum tax levy and school safety referendum tax levy revenue are not subject to the transfer of vacant school building provisions. Provides that no resolution, referenda, or distributed revenue prior to May 10, 2023, are effective to provide exemption from the transfer of vacant school building provisions. Exempts school corporations that have had a designation as a distressed political subdivision within the previous three years from the transfer of vacant school building provisions. Establishes additional requirements regarding notice, determinations, and appeals under the transfer of vacant school building provisions. Amends requirements with regard to: (1) bringing a civil action to enforce a final order to make a covered school building available for purchase or lease; (2) the time frame for which a school building must be used; and (3) transferring a school building back to a school corporation. Provides that, if a school corporation transfers a covered school building in violation of the transfer of vacant school building provisions, the transfer is void and allows for a court action with the award of attorney's fees. Changes certain formulas to reference property tax levies collected (current law references property tax levies imposed). Requires the commission for higher education to: (1) study and make recommendations; and (2) submit a report; regarding allowing Ivy Tech Community College to award bachelor's degrees and Vincennes University to offer additional programs that lead to a bachelor's degree. Makes conforming changes.
 Current Status:   3/11/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/7/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
3/5/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB270
 
SB282ABSENTEEISM AND SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. (DONATO S) Amends the duties of an attendance officer and the state attendance officer. Requires, not later than November 1 of each year, the state attendance officer to submit a report to the legislative council containing recommended legislation based on the state attendance officer's discussions with attendance officers. Requires each governing authority of a school corporation and charter school to establish a truancy prevention policy regarding certain students in kindergarten through grade 6. Provides that a prosecuting attorney shall notify each parent of a child when an affidavit is filed regarding the child's compulsory attendance violations or if the child is a habitual truant.
 Current Status:   3/13/2024 - SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
 Recent Status:   3/11/2024 - Signed by the Speaker
3/8/2024 - Signed by the President Pro Tempore
 State Bill Page:   SB282
 
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