2018 Legislative Session

Indiana University Office of Government Relations

 Statehouse Report 7

Introduction

This week marked the beginning of the second half of the legislative session. Things slowed down in comparison to last week’s fast paced movement, with most bills not being scheduled for committee hearings until next week.

The second half of the legislative session essentially restarts the legislative process, minus the introduction of any new bills. When bills move to the opposite chamber they can be amended, but the new chamber’s amendments are subject to approval by the originating chamber. If the original chamber refuses to consent to any changes, a conference committee will be formed. Conference committees consists of members from both chambers, who work to create a version of the bill that both houses can agree on. Once a bill is approved by both chambers in some fashion, it can then proceed to the Governor for his signature or veto.

The Government Relations team had two exciting events this week: The first was a reception for the IU McKinney School of Law, attended by several IU McKinney alumni, Indiana Supreme Court Justices, Indiana Appellate Judges, and Indiana legislators. Additionally, IU Southeast hosted their legislative lunch in Indianapolis this week, which provided a great opportunity to speak with legislators about policy issues effecting higher education in southeast Indiana.

Bills That Moved

HB 1050 – Small Cell Wireless Structures: This bill deals with wireless support structures and the regulations surrounding it. It gives exceptions and specifications for where communications service providers can place their small cell supporting structures. This bill passed out of the Senate Commerce and Technology Committee and is now eligible for second reading in the Senate.

HB 1141 – Community Mental Health Center Funding: This bill deals with funding of community mental health centers. It would change the formula that calculates the amount of funding going to existing centers. This bill passed out of the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee and is now eligible for second reading in the Senate.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

The pace will begin to pick back up next week as committees increase hearing activity. As more bills are passed out of committees, the number of bills eligible for second and third readings will then begin to increase. A number of bills we are watching are scheduled for committee hearings next week, which will demand most of our attention. Additionally, IU Northwest will host the last of our regional campus legislative lunches next week with legislators from northwest Indiana attending.