HB 1484, Sudan divestment, has been debated in Senate Pensions and Labor Committee for several weeks. Despite the long consideration it did not survive the committee process. Instead Committee Chair Senator Dennis Kruse replaced the bill with a resolution that urges state retirement funds to divest if the companies are not forthcoming and change policies. The resolution, SCR 74, passed with two dissenting votes (Sen. Delph and Sen. Tallian) because the bill was not voted upon. Several others expressed disappointment in not being able to vote on the bill. The resolution states the case for the bill and provides that the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF) and Teacher Retirement Fund (TRF) outline a plan for divestment. Several legislative leaders and supporters are working to find a home in another bill during conference committee phase of the session. Conference committees begin after April 11. ICC supports the bill.
 
ICC is disappointed that the bill stalled. The bill protects the pension funds better than a resolution does and will have a better effect. The resolution came as result of attempts to amend the bill to include abortifacient drugs as a category for divestment. Including this category as a mandate to divest causes many legal, as well as economic concerns.  Senators did not want to complicate the bill with an extraneous matter. Hence, the resolution was offered as a compromise. The bill did not get a hearing because the public was indifferent. Many Senators received hundreds of emails and messages in support. This is very unusual. Thanks to those who have contacted the Senators.
 
Another important bill, HB 1027, Economic matters, (minimum wage and inheritance tax exemption) was heard in Senate Pensions and Labor. Staying with Senator Kruse’s practice, a vote will be taken next week. Amendments have been prepared to remove inheritance tax from the bill and to change the wage increase to conform to the Federal minimum. Many believe that Congress will increase the Federal minimum this year. The reason for Indiana to match the Federal is that there are some Indiana workers who are exempt under Federal law. Making Indiana’s minimum match Federal will bring all workers under the same expectations. Chances for its passage in committee are unclear. Many believe that the minimum only affects part-time and young employees. While the majority of workers earning minimum are younger workers, as many as 25% of those earning minimum wage are primary wage earners in the family. ICC supports an increase in minimum wage.
  
HB 1510 Charity gaming received a hearing in Senate Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee on Monday but there was no vote. Rather, a proposed amendment was discussed that would increase enforcement of laws prohibiting gambling in bars, taverns and other locations. At this point there is no discussion of changes to the charity gaming portion of the bill. Gambling is a major issue within the legislature this session. There is discussion of increasing gambling by adding slots to the race tracks. Others want to legalize the gambling done at bars, etc. (commonly called cherry masters and video gambling). HB 1510 is a means to address the larger issues. The bill and amendments will be addressed in committee on Monday, April 2.
 
One bill moved
SB 190, food establishment sanitary requirements exemption, passed House Public Health Committee 8 – 0. As expected the bill was amended to clarify the law granting exemptions to churches and schools for community functions and for a limited number of events, to not-for-profits organizations. The bill now goes to the floor for consideration. Because some local health departments enforced very severe regulations on pitch-ins and other similar occasions, ICC supported the bill to return the law to the traditional practice and expectations.
 
Status of bills that have passed both chambers
If a bill passes both chambers, it often has been amended during the process so that changes in the original bill have to be accepted by the author and the original chamber. If the author and leadership agree with the changes the author files a motion to concur; then the bill must be voted on again by the original chamber. If the changes are not acceptable, the author files a motion to dissent. Then the leadership of each chamber appoints a member from each caucus to work out the differences in a conference committee. If differences can be worked out, this report is then voted on by both chambers.
 
Three bills of interest have passed both chambers. All three have had changes (minor) from the original version. However, in each case the author has concurred with the changes. These are: HB 1037 Energy sales tax exemption, HB 1075 Individual Development Accounts and SB 445 Notaries. Final votes on these bills may come at any time.
 
 

To contact your State Representative and/or State Senator

http://www.in.gov/cgi-bin/legislative/contact/contact.pl#house
 
In addition to the Update, one can obtain more detailed information regarding the bills and detailed information about legislative process on the web at http://www.state.in.us/legislative/session/calendars.html .  You can access the archived updates, ICC positions and other background information at the ICC web site at www.indiana.nasccd.org