The rapid pace of the Short Session is moving toward the mid-point, with adjournment anticipated in March. Next week is the final opportunity for bills to be heard in and to be passed from committees in their house of origin. The Third Reading deadline for bills to pass from their house of origin is Feb. 3 for the House and Feb. 5 for the Senate.
Bills awaiting hearing include both the House and Senate versions of the Central Indiana Mass Transit bills. Sen. Pat Miller's (R-Indianapolis) SB 176 has been assigned to the Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee; this bill would allow residents of 5 central Indiana counties to vote in a referendum whether to establish or expand public transportation. SB 176 also allows funding through local option income taxes on individuals and the establishment of a C corporation county income tax or county employment tax.
HB 1034, authored by Rep. Jerry Torr (R-Carmel), provides for the establishment of a Metropolitan Transit District with counties joining through a county referendum. This bill provides for the use of County Economic Development Income Taxes (CEDIT) to pay that county's share of the District's expenses. HB 1034 was assigned to House Roads and Transportation where it has not yet been set for hearing.
There are two Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) bills in play this session: SB 232 and SB 248 . Authored by Sen. Ron Grooms (R-Jeffersonville), SB 232 would require FSSA to conduct an evaluation of services and supports available to persons with intellectual or developmental disability and a mental illness or addiction has yet to be set for hearing in the Senate Health Committee. This bill was initially discussed in the DD Commission during the summer, but no quorum was present at the final Commission meeting where adoption of the preliminary draft had been expected. SB 248 , authored by Sen. Mike Crider (R-Greenfield), has some similarities to SB 232 in that it directs FSSA to study issues concerning psychiatric crisis intervention services. SB 248 passed the Senate, 47-0.
Here are bills INARF has been watching that have had recent action. Bills can be found online at iga.in.gov/legislative/2014/bills and then selecting the bill number.
SB 44-Establishes an Electronic Health Data Work Group. Sen. Breaux. Passed the Senate, 43-0. Rep. Ed Clere is House Sponsor.
SB 51-Requires Board of Health to adopt rules about facilities for treating traumatic brain injuries. Sen. Pat Miller. Passed the Senate, 49-0.
SB 139- Amends "attendant care services" to include providing assistance with taking medications, including prescription drugs and controlled substances. Sen. Becker. Eligible for third reading.
SB 142- Designates FSSA, instead of OMPP, as the single state agency for administering Medicaid. Sen. Pat Miller. Eligible for second reading.
SB 173-Nursing facility moratorium. Sen. Pat Miller. Passed the Senate, 33-14.
SB 397-Requirements for children in nursing facilities. Sen. Leising. Eligible for second reading.
SB 406--Conforms Medicaid false claims provisions with federal law. Sen. Mishler. Eligible for second reading.
HB 1045- Occupational therapy practice defined. Rep. Kirchhofer. Eligible for second reading.
HB 1335-Requests study of implementation of High Cost Case Management Program. Rep. Tim Brown. Eligible for second reading.
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