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From our Lobbyists' Desk

The 2020 Indiana General Assembly is heading into the final stretch. Although state law requires the legislative session to end no later than Saturday, March 14, legislators are expected to wrap up their work and head back to their districts by March 11.

This week will see a flurry of activity at the Statehouse. Monday (March 2) was the final day for floor amendments, and Tuesday is the last day for bills to pass from the second chamber. After that, House-Senate conference committees will get underway, as legislators work to reconcile differing versions of the same bill passed by the House and the Senate. 

Because 2020 is not a budget year, state lawmakers have steered clear this session of proposals that require state funding. Instead, much of the activity has focused on proposals aimed at increasing transparency in health care pricing and protecting patients from unexpected medical bills.  With the end of session fast approaching, however, lawmakers and stakeholders remain deeply divided on the details.

Lawmakers are also split on two recent proposals that take aim at efforts in Indianapolis to increase access to mass transit and provide protections to renters. HB 1279, a bill addressing transportation planning in northwest Indiana, was amended on the floor by Sen. Aaron Freeman with language to enforce a provision in the Central Indiana mass transportation law that requires IndyGo to establish a nonprofit to raise matching funds for the expansion. Under the amendment, 10% of the local income tax for public transit would be withheld from IndyGo starting on July 1, 2020 unless at least 10% of the annual operating expenses are paid from sources other than taxes and fares. The loss in funding would severely limit IndyGo’s plans for the blue and purple lines and related infrastructure improvements.

Under an amendment to a different bill, local ordinances providing protections to renters would be pre-empted by a new, less strict state law pushed by the Indiana Apartment Association. At this point, it’s unclear whether either amendment will make it through to final passage.
Although unexpected amendments can crop in conference committee reports, it appears that the 2020 General Assembly will adjourn without taking any action on redistricting reform, civil rights, or protections for immigrants. Further, a bipartisan bill that would have established a program to incentivize investment in affordable and workforce housing projects died without a hearing in the second chamber. However, because SB 123 passed the Senate earlier this session, its provisions are eligible for inclusion in a conference committee report on a related bill.

Following are brief summaries of the bills that have been on IMAN Associates' radar this session. With the exception of SB 123, all of the bills died without a hearing in the first chamber.

REDISTRICTING REFORM

HB 1024 REDISTRICTING COMMISSION (TORR J) Establishes a redistricting commission (commission) to create, hold hearings on, take public comment about, and recommend plans to redraw general assembly districts and congressional districts. Requires the legislative services agency (agency) to provide staff and administrative services to the commission. Establishes standards to govern the commission and the agency in the creation of redistricting plans. Provides that the general assembly must meet and enact redistricting plans before October 1 of a redistricting year. Authorizes the general assembly to convene in a session to act on redistricting bills at times other than the times the general assembly is currently authorized to meet. Repeals the current law establishing a redistricting commission for congressional redistricting.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1024

SB 87 REDISTRICTING STANDARDS (TAYLOR G) Establishes redistricting standards for congressional and state legislative districts. Provides that the initial proposed plans for congressional and state legislative districts must comply with the redistricting standards. Allows the general assembly, during the process by which the initial proposed plans become effective by being enacted as a law, to consider and adopt modifications to the initial proposed plans that deviate from the redistricting standards as long as the reason or reasons for each deviation are publicly explained and documented. Provides that as much as feasibly possible no district may be created so as to unduly favor any person or political party. Provides that the general assembly shall: (1) take all steps necessary to ensure that the procedures are in place to provide the public with redistricting data and computer software for drawing maps; and (2) create a process for the public to submit maps to the general assembly for consideration.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 87

SB 105 REDISTRICTING COMMISSION (RUCKELSHAUS J) Establishes a redistricting commission (commission) to create, hold hearings on, take public comment about, and recommend plans to redraw general assembly districts and congressional districts. Provides for appointment of four commission members by the legislative leadership. Establishes the redistricting commission nominating committee (committee) to receive applications from and evaluate applicants to fill the five remaining positions on the commission. Provides for selection of those five commission members from pools of applicants selected by the committee. Requires the legislative services agency (agency) to provide staff and administrative services to the commission. Establishes standards to govern the commission and the agency in the creation of redistricting plans. Provides that the general assembly must meet and enact redistricting plans before October 1 of a redistricting year. Authorizes the general assembly to convene in a session to act on redistricting bills at times other than the times the general assembly is currently authorized to meet. Repeals the current law establishing a redistricting commission for congressional redistricting.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 105

SB 138 REDISTRICTING COMMISSION (LANANE T) Establishes a redistricting commission (commission) to create, hold hearings on, take public comment about, and recommend plans to redraw general assembly districts and congressional districts. Requires the legislative services agency (agency) to provide staff and administrative services to the commission. Establishes standards to govern the commission and the agency in the creation of redistricting plans. Provides that the general assembly must meet and enact redistricting plans before October 1 of a redistricting year. Authorizes the general assembly to convene in a session to act on redistricting bills at times other than the times the general assembly is currently authorized to meet. Repeals the current law establishing a redistricting commission for congressional redistricting.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 138

SB 293 REDISTRICTING (RUCKELSHAUS J) Establishes procedures for redistricting Indiana's congressional and legislative districts. Requires the legislative services agency to do the following to prepare for redistricting: (1) Acquire hardware, software, and supplies. (2) Establish an Internet based redistricting portal to assist the public in drawing maps, providing input on the redistricting process, and allowing the upload of their own maps. (3) Arrange with state educational institutions for creation of at least one site in each Indiana congressional district to enable the public to do the same tasks as through the portal. Requires the house and senate committees assigned to redistricting to hold joint hearings in each congressional district to take public input on redistricting and in defining communities of interest. Establishes standards to govern redistricting of Indiana's congressional and legislative districts. Provides that the standards govern any congressional redistricting plan that is established by the congressional redistricting commission. (Under current law, a congressional redistricting commission is formed to establish a congressional district plan for Indiana if the general assembly fails to do so after the first regular session that occurs after the federal decennial census or if a congressional district plan adopted by the general assembly is invalidated.) Makes conforming changes.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 293

 

EDUCATION

HB 1167 BULLYING (PORTER G) Requires a charter school to adopt discipline rules to prohibit bullying. Requires a school that accepts choice scholarships to adopt discipline rules to prohibit bullying. Requires an accredited nonpublic school that accepts funding or financial assistance from the state to adopt discipline rules to prohibit bullying.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1167

SB 250 PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION (FORD J) Provides that a choice scholarship school (eligible school) may not discriminate against a staff member based on disability, race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, or ancestry. Provides that if the department of education (department) determines that the eligible school discriminates against a staff member of the school, the department shall send a notice to the eligible school indicating that the eligible school will not be considered an eligible school beginning in the school year immediately following the current school year. Provides that the eligible school has 30 days from the date of the notice to demonstrate to the department that the eligible school does not discriminate against staff members. Provides that an eligible school that does not comply within that time will not be considered an eligible school beginning in the school year immediately following the current school year. Provides that an eligible school may not discriminate against a student on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 250

 
 
BIAS & IMMIGRANT RIGHTS

HB 1025 RESIDENT TUITION FOR ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS (HARRIS JR. E) Provides that an individual who meets certain conditions is eligible for the resident tuition rate as determined by the state educational institution. Requires such an individual to verify that the individual meets the criteria to receive the resident tuition rate.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1025

HB 1083 DRIVING CARDS (CAMPBELL C) Provides for the issuance of driving cards and driving card learner's permits (cards) to residents of Indiana who cannot provide proof of identity and lawful status in the United States. Provides that cards may not be used for federal identification or any other federal purpose. Requires that an individual who holds a card and operates a motor vehicle must verify that financial responsibility on any motor vehicle that the holder operates is continuously maintained in the amounts required by law. Makes conforming amendments. Makes technical corrections.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1083

HB 1178 RACIAL PROFILING AND PRETEXTUAL STOPS (PRYOR C) Prohibits a law enforcement agency or a law enforcement officer from engaging in racial profiling or conducting pretextual stops. Requires a law enforcement agency to adopt a detailed policy that defines the elements of racial profiling and pretextual stops, and requires a law enforcement agency to collect certain data relating to stops made by law enforcement officers. Requires cultural diversity awareness training and training on unlawful racial profiling and pretextual stops for law enforcement officers. Specifies that a law enforcement agency shall transmit to the attorney general information concerning racial profiling complaints, investigations, and any action taken, as well as data collected relating to stops made by the law enforcement agency. Requires the attorney general to: (1) submit an annual report to the legislative council based on the information; (2) submit the data to a third party for statistical analysis; and (3) publish the results of the analysis on the attorney general's Internet web site. Establishes the racial profiling review commission to review complaints of unlawful racial profiling and unlawful pretextual stops. Permits a person to bring a civil action based on unlawful racial profiling and unlawful pretextual stops. Permits a law enforcement agency to use certain federal funds to purchase vehicle cameras and body cameras, and establishes training standards and standards for use. Makes a technical correction.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1178

HB 1250 IMPLICIT BIAS IN MEDICINE (SUMMERS V) Requires the medical education board to establish an education program for first year medical students that addresses implicit bias in the delivery of health care services to different racial and ethnic minority groups in Indiana.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1250

HB 1252 INTERIM STUDY ON IMPLICIT BIAS IN MEDICINE (SUMMERS V) Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the topic of implicit bias in the delivery of health care services to different racial and ethnic minority groups in Indiana.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1252

HB 1287 STUDENT ID CARD (MOSELEY C) Requires each approved postsecondary educational institution to issue to each of its students a student ID card that contains all the information on the card that makes the card an acceptable proof of identification under Indiana election law.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1287

HB 1320 DEFINITION OF "BIAS CRIME" (BOY P) Provides that "bias crime" means an offense in which the person who commits the offense knowingly or intentionally: (1) selected the person who was injured by the offense; or (2) damaged or otherwise affected property; because of the age, ancestry, color, disability, familial status, gender identity, military service, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation of the injured person or of the owner or occupant of the affected property or because the injured person or owner or occupant of the affected property was associated with any other recognizable group or affiliation.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1320

​SB 53 PROOF OF IDENTIFICATION (NIEZGODSKI D) Provides that a document issued by a state university or by an approved postsecondary educational institution serves as proof of identification for purposes of voting if the document otherwise satisfies the requirements for a proof of identification.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 53

SB 85 RACIAL PROFILING AND PRETEXTUAL STOPS (TAYLOR G) Prohibits a law enforcement agency or a law enforcement officer from engaging in racial profiling or conducting pretextual stops. Requires a law enforcement agency to adopt a detailed policy that defines the elements of racial profiling and pretextual stops, and requires a law enforcement agency to collect certain data relating to stops made by law enforcement officers. Requires cultural diversity awareness training and training on unlawful racial profiling and pretextual stops for law enforcement officers. Specifies that a law enforcement agency shall transmit to the attorney general information concerning racial profiling complaints, investigations, and any action taken, as well as data collected relating to stops made by the law enforcement agency. Requires the attorney general to: (1) submit an annual report to the legislative council based on the information; (2) submit the data to a third party for statistical analysis; and (3) publish the results of the analysis on the attorney general's Internet web site. Establishes the racial profiling review commission to review complaints of unlawful racial profiling and unlawful pretextual stops. Permits a person to bring a civil action based on unlawful racial profiling and unlawful pretextual stops. Permits a law enforcement agency to use certain federal funds to purchase vehicle cameras and body cameras, and establishes training standards and standards for use. Makes a technical correction.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 85

SB 107 ELIGIBILITY FOR RESIDENT TUITION RATE (NIEZGODSKI D) Provides that an individual who meets certain conditions is eligible for the resident tuition rate as determined by the state educational institution. Requires the commission for higher education to prescribe the form of the affidavit an individual must file to be eligible for the resident tuition rate. Provides that an agency or political subdivision is not required to verify that an individual is a United States citizen or qualified alien for the individual to be eligible to pay the resident tuition rate. Repeals a provision that provides that an individual who is not lawfully in the United States is not eligible to pay the resident tuition rate.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 107

SB 137 PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION IN CIVIL RIGHTS STATUTES (LANANE T) Extends certain antidiscrimination and civil rights statutes to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and ancestry.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 137

SB 196 RESIDENCY STATUS OF PRISONERS (KOCH E) Provides that a person in charge of a jail, prison, correctional facility, or other place of detention (person) shall attempt to determine the legal residency status of a prisoner. Requires the person to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make a residency status query under certain circumstances. Provides that if DHS requests to interview a prisoner regarding the prisoner's residency status, the jail, prison, correctional facility, or other place of detention shall accommodate the request. Provides that if DHS notifies a person that a prisoner is the subject of a detainer or administrative warrant, the following must occur: (1) The person shall petition a circuit or superior court regarding the detainer or warrant. (2) The circuit or superior court shall order the prisoner to be detained for 48 hours if the prisoner is the subject of the detainer or warrant.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 196

SB 419 DRIVING CARDS (NIEZGODSKI D) Provides for the issuance of driving cards and driving card learner's permits (cards) to residents of Indiana who cannot provide proof of identity and lawful status in the United States. Provides that cards may not be used for federal identification or any other federal purpose. Requires that an individual who holds a card and operates a motor vehicle must verify that financial responsibility on any motor vehicle that the holder operates is continuously maintained in the amounts required by law. Makes conforming amendments. Makes technical corrections.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 419

 

HOUSING & POVERTY

HB 1012 REPEAL OF HOUSING RESTRICTION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT (CHYUNG C) Repeals a statute that prohibits a county, city, town, or township from requiring a landlord to participate in a federal Section 8 housing assistance program or similar housing program.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1012

HB 1381 AFFORDABLE HOUSING TAX CREDIT (NEGELE S) Provides an affordable housing tax credit against state tax liability to a taxpayer for each taxable year in the state tax credit period of a qualified project in an aggregate amount that does not exceed the amount of the taxpayer's aggregate federal tax credit for the qualified project. Provides that an eligible applicant must apply to the Indiana housing and community development authority for an award of affordable housing tax credits.
Current Status:   2/3/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   HB 1381

SB 123 AFFORDABLE AND WORKFORCE HOUSING INCENTIVES (HOLDMAN T) Allows the Indiana housing and community development authority (authority) to establish a program (program) to incentivize investment in affordable and workforce housing projects in Indiana. Provides that an eligible applicant who wishes to obtain an incentive under the program must apply to the authority after June 30, 2021. Requires the authority to provide a report to the interim study committee on fiscal policy concerning: (1) affordable and workforce housing incentives offered in other states; and (2) a recommendation on the type of incentive that should be offered in Indiana.
Current Status:   3/2/2020 – DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 123

SB 313 ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC PROGRAMS (BREAUX J) Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to disregard for six months the income of a recipient of the following programs: (1) Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). (2) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). (3) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Authorizes students participating in certain employment or training programs at institutions of higher education to qualify for SNAP assistance.
Current Status:   2/4/2020 - DEAD BILL
State Bill Page:   SB 313
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