2018 Legislative Session
Indiana University Office of Government Relations
Statehouse Report 8
Introduction
This week saw a major increase in the number of bills heard in committees, with quite a few bills reaching second and third readings. Things are moving very quickly in relation to last week, with Legislators pushing to get their bills passed out of committees before the deadlines next week
The General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1 this week, which will allow for the purchase of alcoholic beverages on Sunday from noon until 8 p.m. The House passed the Senate’s bill with an amendment attached that would make the bill effective immediately upon the Governor’s signature, which is expected next week.
This week the IU Government Relations team attended the annual Gridiron Dinner hosted by the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute, the Indiana Latino Institute’s Legislative Breakfast, and our final regional campus legislative lunch with IU Northwest.
Bills that Moved
HB 1003 – Streamlining Agency Reporting Requirements: This bill would, among other things, change the public notice requirements for public colleges and universities making changes to historic structures. This bill passed through second and third reading, and it is now eligible to be signed into law by the Governor.
HB 1047 – Education Benefits for Veterans: This bill would exclude veterans’ benefits from the financial aid determination process, as well as provide an automatic tuition refund to members of the Indiana National Guard and Reservists called to active duty post-course enrollment. This bill passed out of committee and moved through second reading this week. It will now be eligible for a third reading in the Senate.
HB 1074 – Various Higher Education Matters: This is the annual bill representing legislation being pursued by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (ICHE). It would make changes to the renewal of 21st Century Scholars scholarships, modify procedures for state universities to sell real estate, and address other student financial aid matters. This bill passed out of the committee and is now eligible for second reading in the Senate.
HB 1426 – Education Matters: This bill would establish a single Indiana high school diploma with different designations for general, Core 40, Core 40 with Academic Honors, Core 40 with Technical Honors, and a diploma option for students with significant cognitive disabilities. This bill passed out of committee and is now eligible for second reading in the Senate.
Looking Ahead to Next Week
Momentum is only going to increase next week, with the House’s deadline for committee passage falling on Tuesday and its second reading deadline on Thursday. The Senate committee deadline will be on Thursday, as well.