Statehouse Report 5
February 1, 2010
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
Mid-point of session next week
As mentioned in the last report, last week was the deadline for introduced bills in each chamber to be heard in committee. Thus, we spent many hours in various committees monitoring and on some bills, testifying. In addition, the floor calendars for each Chamber were filled with bills that were voted out of committee and eligible for second and third readings. Thus, it has been a very busy week as the session nears its mid-point.
Here's an update on the status of some of the bills that are moving through the legislative process.
House Bills:
1063: The bill, introduced by Rep. Matt Pierce from Bloomington, requires that public facilities be designed to meet energy efficient standards. The bill passed the House 51-47.
1065: The bill would preclude establishing some restrictions on carrying firearms. The institutions were successful in working with the author to include exceptions for university campuses. The bill passed the House 76-21.
1135: The bill requires universities to accept credit for advanced placement coursework completed by high school students when they achieve a score of three or higher on the advanced placement exam administered by the College Board. The bill passed the House 96-1.
1365: The bill, heard in committee, would prohibit tuition being charged for certain dual credit course offerings. We testified at the committee hearing, expressing concern that tuition -- which is already heavily discounted for dual credit courses (and free for students eligible for free or reduced price lunches) -- is essential revenue for covering costs related to administering dual credit programs, including training teachers and on-site oversight of the courses. The bill was voted out of committee and awaits second and third reading.
Senate Bills:
230: The bill provides that the governing body of a public agency shall also give public notice by electronic mail to any person (excluding news media) who annually requests notice of meetings. The bill passed out of committee and is eligible for floor action.
257: The bill was amended in committee to require the Indiana Commission for Higher Education to review proposed university facility projects within 90 days of submission of a request for review. The bill was also amended to make NACEP (National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships) accreditation for dual credit courses optional. Currently such accreditation is required, and IU is one of four public institutions accredited. The bill is eligible for floor action.
378: The bill would require universities to report certain gifts from foreign entities. We testified at the committee hearing expressing concerns and providing examples of practical implications related to compliance with the legislation. The bill was voted out of committee and is eligible for floor action.
Looking ahead to next week, it is the last week for bills introduced in either the House or Senate to be passed by the respective chamber. Thus, we expect that there will be a large volume of bills considered on the Senate and House floors on second and third reading with the possibility of late night sessions in order to meet the deadline for bill passage.
We invite you to join supporters of IU and higher education at the 19th Annual Hoosiers for Higher Education Statehouse Visit on Tuesday, Feb. 2. If you have not previously registered, on-site registration and packet pick-up will take place from 12-1 p.m. in the Rotunda. The program, featuring President Michael A. McRobbie, student representatives, and IU Trustee Sue Talbot, will take place from 1-2 p.m. in the north atrium. "Innovation Accelerated by Tradition" exhibits will be featured in the north atrium between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
