Legislative Update

	House	Senate
Convening Time:	Wednesday January 7, 2009 – 1:00 PM	Wednesday, January 7, 2009 – 1:30 PM
Status:	Adjourned	Adjourned

Bills up for Review

	Bill Review Monday 3/24/2008  2 pm
SEA 42	Select joint commission on Medicaid oversight.
SEA 157	Opioid treatment programs.
SEA 164	Medicaid claim payments.
SEA 208	Deduction of tax payments from checking account.
SEA 350	Funding for community mental health centers.
HEA 1105	Various public safety matters.
HEA 1119	Public safety retiree reemployment.
HEA 1159	211 services.
HEA 1246	Student graduation plan and online learning.
SEA 43	Environmental matters.
SEA 72	PERF annuity savings accounts.
SEA 258	Discharge of long term inmates.
SEA 314	Department of agriculture.
SEA 315	Long term care screening and counseling.
SEA 329	Judges’ pensions.
HEA 1019	Public employee retirement.
HEA 1049	Time limit for use of higher education grants.
HEA 1052	Motorist duties at accident scenes.
HEA 1096	Various provisions concerning courts.
HEA 1111	Requirements for recording documents and copies.
HEA 1125	Update of references to the Internal Revenue Code.
HEA 1165	Homelessness, foster youth, and education.
HEA 1172	Various professions and occupations.
HEA 1179	Recovery for restraint of trade.
HEA 1197	Data breaches.
HEA 1204	Emergency alert system advisory committee.
HEA 1219	Unemployment insurance.
HEA 1220	Regional development.
HEA 1249	Tuition exemption for Purple Heart recipients.
HEA 1280	Energy efficient buildings.
HEA 1290	Older youth foster care.
HEA 1293	Taxation.
HEA 1359	Various financial institutions matters.

Sam Turpin

Property Tax Relief

The Star has a detailed rundown on the property tax deal struck by lawmakers today, and it looks an awful lot like the Gov’s initial proposal.

“Leaders in the Republican-controlled Senate and Democrat-controlled House have struck a deal on major property-tax reform legislation, including constitutional caps on the taxes for most homeowners and others.

A vote by both chambers is expected on Friday, if not sooner. Top lawmakers in each chamber are today selling the proposal to their rank-and-file members. The legislature has until midnight Friday to pass House Bill 1001, the measure that includes the property-tax proposal.

All members of the House and Senate were meeting behind closed doors today to learn details of the agreement.

House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, however, did discuss a few elements of the plan before meeting with fellow Democrats.

The proposal includes the framework of Gov. Mitch Daniels’ property-tax plan, capping homeowners’ tax bills at 1percent of assessed value, 2 percent for rental properties and farmland and 3 percent for businesses.

The agreement also would include placing those caps in the state’s constitution, a concept Democrats have resisted. When asked this morning whether such a constitutional amendment would be part of the final deal, Bauer responded: “Probably.”

Sam Turpin

Immigration News

‘Heaven has secure borders, too’
(Indianapolis Star © 03/07/2008)
Indexed 2008-03-07 06:21:29 (Article ID 180684842)
Indiana lawmakers who support a crackdown on illegal immigration may be risking their own salvation, according to a local minister. “Heaven has secure borders, too,” warned the Rev. Mark Powell, a Disciples of Christ minister whose social justice group wants to kill Sen. Mike Delph’s bill that would punish businesses that hire illegal immigrants.Ministers oppose immigration bill
(Evansville Courier Press © 03/07/2008)
Indexed 2008-03-07 06:21:29 (Article ID 180684735)
INDIANAPOLIS — With the clock ticking on the 2008 session, a group of ministers has asked that the Legislature not pass the three-strikes immigration bill. A prominent group of Indiana House members has called for the same thing. But the original author of the illegal-immigration crackdown legislation is not backing off, and said he hopes to craft a compromise that both the House and Senate

Sam Turpin

Governor Review

  5 new bills which will be reviewed with Gov on Monday at 3:00. 

HEA 1108  Sheriff’s compensation

HEA 1113    Birth certificate fraud

HEA 1124    Sheriffs’ and deputies surviving spouse pension

HEA 1210    Teacher certification

HEA 1288     Behavior analysts

Sam Turpin

2/25 Senate Floor Schedule

 Senate

02/25/2008

1:30 PM

Second Reading – HB1001 Property tax relief. (Crawford, Kenley)

Second Reading – HB1042 Intent to sell sexually explicit products. (Goodin, Steele)

Second Reading – HB1052 Motorist duties at accident scenes. (Neese, Riegsecker)

Second Reading – HB1055 Assignment of benefits. (C. Brown, Gard)

Second Reading – HB1061 Application of landlord-tenant statutes. (Day, Bray)

Second Reading – HB1062 Architectural salvage material and valuable metal dealers. (Day, Steele)

Second Reading – HB1074 Disarming a law enforcement officer. (Day, Charbonneau)

Second Reading – HB1108 Sheriff’s compensation. (Buell, Merritt)

Second Reading – HB1113 Birth certificate fraud. (Dembowski, Bray)

Second Reading – HB1118 Alcoholic beverages. (VanHaaften, Riegsecker, Weatherwax)

Second Reading – HB1119 Public safety retiree reemployment. (Austin, Weatherwax)

Second Reading – HB1124 Sheriffs’ and deputies’ surviving spouse pension. (Goodin, R. Meeks)

Second Reading – HB1134 Sex offenders. (VanDenburgh, Steele)

Second Reading – HB1140 Coverage for orthotic and prosthetic devices. (Murphy, Dillon)

Second Reading – HB1153 Gaming. (Tyler, R. Meeks)

Second Reading – HB1169 Cosmetology and estheticians. (Orentlicher, Dillon)

Second Reading – HB1172 Various professions and occupations. (Welch, Mishler)

Second Reading – HB1185 Indoor air quality. (L. Lawson, Jackman)

Second Reading – HB1187 Nonprofit corporations. (L. Lawson, Lawson)

Second Reading - HB1196 Various election law matters. (Pierce, Landske)

Second Reading – HB1210 Teacher certification. (V. Smith, Sipes)

Second Reading – HB1219 Unemployment insurance. (Tyler, Kruse)

Second Reading – HB1220 Regional development. (Dobis, Charbonneau)

Second Reading – HB1224 Transfer fees. (VanHaaften, R. Meeks)

Second Reading – HB1246 Student graduation plan and online learning. (Austin, Lubbers)

Second Reading – HB1249 Tuition exemption for Purple Heart recipients. (Klinker, Wyss)

Second Reading – HB1271 Inmate credit time. (Stemler, Sipes)

Second Reading – HB1276 Bail. (Pflum, Paul)

Second Reading – HB1280 Energy efficient buildings. (Pierce, Hershman)

Second Reading – HB1284 Group insurance. (Fry, Paul)

Second Reading – HB1286 Library services authorities. (Blanton, Gard)

Second Reading – HB1288 Behavior analysts. (Summers, Dillon)

Second Reading – HB1290 Older youth foster care. (Avery, Lawson)

Second Reading – HB1293 Taxation. (GiaQuinta, Bray)

Second Reading – HB1318 Spinal cord and brain injury fund; law enforcement continuing education (Mays, Becker)

Second Reading – HB1341 Ports of Indiana. (Stemler, Charbonneau)

Third Reading – HB1060 Great Lakes compact. (Pelath, Gard)

Third Reading – HB1125 Taxation. (Goodin, Kenley)

Third Reading – HB1162 Legislative body youth advisers. (Bell, Lawson)

Third Reading – HB1250 Local government finance. (Klinker, Hershman)

Third Reading – HB1259 Child safety and CHINS. (VanDenburgh, Becker)

Third Reading – HB1359 Various financial institutions matters. (Bardon, Paul)

Third Reading – HB1379 Viatical settlements. (Ripley, Charbonneau)

Eligible for Action – SB0139 Violation of probation and home detention. (Bray, Foley)

Eligible for Action – SB0241 Department of homeland security. (Wyss, Arnold, Tincher)

Eligible for Action – SB0343 Theft of copper and other valuable metals. (Tallian, Day)

Sam Turpin

Bill Watch

Bill number	Description
HB1017	Arts and cultural districts.
HB1051	School corporation donations to foundations.
SB0033	State police supplemental benefit.
SB0041	Public freshwater lakes
SB0088	Lake Management Work Group
SB0156	Communicable disease rules.
SB0210	Teachers’ retirement fund issues Sam Turpin

HB1001 Summary

                February 19. 2008, the Senate Appropriations Committee discussed HB1001.  Chairman Senator Kenley opened the discussion by stating the need to reduce reliance on property tax and to create a fair, reliable system. Sen. Kenley went on to note that the House had not included HB1478, passed last year, in HB1001.  However, the Senate felt this was the best tool and added it into HB1001.           

                    Senator Skinner claimed that the Democratic Caucus has concerns with this method of property tax relief. The Democratic Caucus wants property tax to help those who need it most, low and middle class homeowners.  He stated that this method of property tax relief could actually bring more burden onto the lower and middle classes since it would increase the sales tax, which is a regressive tax.  Senator Dillon responded that the goal of this Bill is still property tax relief, and this piece of legislation can achieve this, with some modification.  Senator Broden countered that the negative impact HB1001 will have on the public school system should be more closely examined.  Sen. Kenley declared that an Earned Income Tax Credit or a Renter’s Deduction could be added to directly help lower to middle income families.  Senator Hershman added that the property tax system should be stable, and that a local income tax would be more beneficial than taxing a mortgage payment.  He suggested that local government should be more frugal, so that homeowners don’t feel the burden.  This legislation passed 9-0 out of committee.

            
             Sen. Broden proposed three amendments 74, 72, and 71.  Amendment 74 would provide a general fund for State of Indiana School Corporations so that none would lose revenue due to legislation.  Amendment 72 would increase the Earned Income Tax Credit from 6% to 9% in order to help lower and middle classes deal with the increase of the Sales Tax from 6% to 7%.  Finally, Amendment 71 would insure that citizens would be made aware of tax increases.  None of these proposed amendments were passed by the Appropriations Committee.

 Click this link for a complete overview of HB1001
hb1001-summary-khowe.pdf 

Sam Turpin

1/22 News

 770 bills filed for 2008 Property taxes will likely still dominate
No issue is more important than property taxes in this year’s session of the Indiana General Assembly — but it’s not the only issue. There were 368 bills filed in the Senate and 402 filed in the Indiana House on topics affecting women, smokers, home buyers, military personnel and others.
http://www.pal-item.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080121/NEWS01/801210305/1008 
Lawmakers push tweaks to tax plans Nearly 60 amendments filed before today’s triple debate on property tax reform
It all begins at 9 a.m., when the House convenes to consider amendments to Gov. Mitch Daniels’ property tax reform plan. Daniels’ proposal, included in House Bill 1001, would cap homeowners’ bills and increase the state sales tax to 7 percent. His proposal also would eliminate township assessors and institute new spending caps for local governments.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080122/LOCAL190102/801220391/1006/LOCAL
  Phased-in property tax caps proposed
A key state senator wants to phase-in caps on property tax bills, but they ultimately would reach the levels that Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels is seeking. As part of a much larger plan, Daniels wants to cap property tax bills on homeowners at 1 percent of a home’s assessed value beginning in 2009, with a 2 percent limit on rental property and a 3 percent cap on business property.
http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jan/22/phased-in-property-tax-caps-proposed/ 

Daniels: Say ‘no’ if gas tax increase comes to vote
Gov. Mitch Daniels is urging Indiana’s congressional delegation to say no to a federal gasoline tax increase if such a proposal comes up for a vote. The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission suggested this month that federal gas taxes should be increased by up to 40 cents per gallon over five years to help fix aging bridges and roads and reduce traffic deaths. Daniels sent a letter to all members of Indiana’s congressional delegation, saying an increase in federal gas taxes would be harmful and unnecessary for Hoosiers.
http://www.pal-item.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080121/UPDATES/80121026/1008/NEWS01

Sam Turpin

Committee Schedule

House Committees

01/09/2008

10:00 AM

 Ways and Means

Room: Fort Wayne

Note: Meeting will take place at Southside High School auditorium, 3601 Calhoun St. Fort Wayne, IN.

HB1001

Property tax relief. (Crawford)

01/10/2008

11:00 AM

 Ways and Means

Room: IU South Bend

Note: This meeting will be held at IU South Bend, Student Activity Center in the main gym.

HB1001

Property tax relief. (Crawford)

Senate Committees

01/08/2008

Upon Adjournment

 Natural Resources

Room: 233

SCR0005	Falls of Ohio State Park. (Lewis)
SCR0003	Knobstone Trail. (Miller)
SB0088	Lake management work group. (R. Meeks)
SB0040	Permits for shoreline activities. (R. Meeks)
SB0041	Public freshwater lakes. (R. Meeks)
SB0039	Responsibility for implementing natural resources doctrine. (R. Meeks)

 Rules and Legislative Procedure

Room: Senate Chamber

SJR0008

Property Tax repeal. (M. Young, Waltz)

9:00 AM

 Tax and Fiscal Policy

Room: 431

Note: Taking amendments and voting on amended bills. Public testimony limited to amendments and issue discussion.

SJR0001	Circuit breakers and other property tax matters. (Kenley, Rogers)
SB0021	Additional 2007 homestead credit. (Lubbers, M. Young)
SB0018	Limitations on debt. (Dillon)
SB0017	Redevelopment commissions and TIF. (Kenley)
SB0012	Credit for excessive property taxes. (Kenley)

01/09/2008

9:00 AM

 Health and Provider Services

Room: Senate Chamber

SCR0002	Surrogacy Issues Study. (Miller)
SB0003	Dispensing of drugs by pharmacists. (Drozda)
SB0042	Select joint commission on Medicaid oversight. (Miller)
SB0148	Repeal of expiration dates for state offices. (Miller)
SB0153	Extension of dentist instructor license. (Miller)
SB0154	Regulated occupation definition. (Miller)
SB0156	Communicable disease rules. (Miller)
SB0155	Study on domestic violence program. (Miller)
SB0157	Opioid treatment programs. (Miller)

 Judiciary

Room: 431

SJR0002	Prohibition of property taxes on church property. (Miller)
SB0139	Violation of probation. (Bray)

 Pensions and Labor

Room: 233

SB0055	Average of the annual compensation for PERF. (M. Young)
SB0051	Reemployment of retired teachers. (Landske, Weatherwax)
SB0033	State police supplemental benefit. (M. Young)
SB0032	PERF vesting period. (M. Young)

1:30 PM

 Education and Career Development

Room: 431

SCR0004	Veterans’ ceremony. (Miller)
SB0058	Time limit for use of higher education grants. (Waltz)
SB0022	Teacher licensing. (Lubbers)

 Local Government and Elections

Room: 130

SB0016

Property tax assessing duties. (Lawson)

3:45 PM

 Energy and Environmental Affairs

Room: 233

SB0043	Environmental matters. (Gard)
SB0045	Great Lakes Compact. (Gard)

 

http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo

Sam Turpin