Statehouse Report 3
January 23, 2012
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
Summary of Last Week
Continued controversy over "right to work" legislation has made for a very interesting session thus far and led to uncertainty each day regarding scheduling of floor debate and committee hearings in the House. Hundreds, and on some days, thousands of union members came to the State House to express their displeasure with the bill. Although the House Democrats prevented the House from achieving a quorum on all but one day last week, they participated in a number of House committee hearings. In the Senate, there were many bills heard in committee as well as considered on the Senate floor.
Action on Bills
With all bills now introduced in the House and Senate, our attention is focused on committee hearings and floor action on bills voted out of committees.
Some of the bills that progressed through the legislative process this week include:
HB 1093 Public Access Issues: As reported last week, these bills make several revisions to existing open meeting and public records statute. IU testified in committee and is working closely with both bill authors.
HB 1201 and SB 361 State Provision and Use of Communications Services: Both bills, which place limitations on expansion of I-Light, were heard in committees in their respective chambers.
HB 1270 Indiana Commission for Higher Education: The bill, which abolished the State Student Assistance Commission and places its responsibilities under the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, was heard in committee and voted out for consideration by the full House.
SB 54 University Eminent Domain: The bill, which stipulates compensation to an owner of a business impacted by eminent domain procedures, was heard and amended in the Senate Appropriations committee. IU provided expert testimony during the hearing.
SB 155 Higher Education Employment Age Limits: The bill, which provides a state university may not impose any mandatory age limits in the hiring or continuation of employment, was heard in committee. IU testified to provide information about IU's policy that is applicable under federal law to certain executive administrative positions.
SB 182 State educational institutions; credit transfers: The bill, which provides for a number of measures related to transfer of credits, was heard in committee. IU testified and is working closely with both bill authors to draft an amendment, which is expected to be presented to the committee this week for consideration.
Looking Ahead to this Week
Given the time constraints of the short legislative session, final committee hearings on bills introduced in each respective chamber will be held. Bills must be reported out of committee in order that they are available for final action on the floors of each chamber during the week of January 30.
