Statehouse Update 8
Introduction
The House and Senate completed their work for the first half of the legislative session this week, completing 3rd readings of bills on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Bills that did not receive a 3rd reading, or which did not receive a majority vote on 3rd reading, are now considered dead for this legislative session.
The General Assembly successfully moved 316 total bills (out of a possible 1,031 bills filed) during the first half of session. There are 149 House bills and 167 Senate bills. Of the bills the Ball State Office of Governmental Relations was following, 77 successfully advanced – 30 House bills and 47 Senate bills. These 77 bills include the biennial budget, COVID-19 related liability protections, and other key pieces of legislation.
Please see below for a list of bills being tracked by Ball State Governmental Relations that have moved during the last week. As always, if you have any questions, please reach out to our office at gov@bsu.edu.
Bills That Moved
HB 1001 – Biennial budget: The bill appropriates money for capital expenditures, the operation of state agencies, K-12 and higher education, the delivery of Medicaid and other services, and various other distributions and purposes. Included in the bill are Ball State’s operating appropriation, line items, and funding for repair and rehabilitation. The bill as approved by the House did not include capital projects funding for higher education institutions. The bill received a final vote in the House and was approved with a 65-30 vote. It is now eligible for consideration by the Senate, and has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
HB 1002 - Civil immunity related to COVID-19: The bill protects health care providers from professional discipline for certain acts or omissions related to the provision of health care services during a state disaster emergency. Provides that the protection applies to the provision of health care services after February 29, 2020, and before April 1, 2022. The bill had an initial reading and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
SB 36 - Psychology interjurisdictional compact: The bill establishes the psychology interjurisdictional compact concerning interjurisdictional telepsychology and the temporary authorization to practice psychology in another compact state. Sets forth requirements of a compact state. Sets forth the duties of the psychology interjurisdictional compact commission. The bill had an initial hearing and was referred to the House Public Health Committee.
SB 205 - Teacher training: The bill requires a teacher preparation program to include curriculum that instructs teachers about social emotional learning practices that are helpful in supporting students who have experienced trauma. Also provides an additional avenue for alternative licensure for teachers. The bill passed its 3rd reading in the Senate with a 28-20 vote and is now eligible for consideration by the House.
SB 333 – Per diem rates for governing body members: the bill requires the state board of education to establish a maximum per diem rate for meetings of members of governing bodies of school corporations, including Indianapolis Public Schools. Removes a provision that provides that, if the members of a governing body is totally comprised of appointed members, the appointive authority must approve the per diem rate before the governing body may make payments to the members. The bill passed the Senate with a 47-0 vote and is now eligible for consideration by the House.
Looking Ahead
The second half of the legislative session will begin in earnest on Monday, with both chambers reconvening to start work on their remaining legislation. This will include committee hearings on bills in their second chamber, which will also begin next week.
