Provides that the governor may convene meetings with individuals from certain state agencies to work toward communicating a single, strategic economic development plan for the state. Provides that the state board of accounts shall act as the economic development ombudsman (ombudsman) for the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) and a nonprofit subsidiary of the IEDC (nonprofit subsidiary). Requires the state board of accounts to designate an individual to serve as the ombudsman. Sets forth the ombudsman's duties, including the recommendation of policies to the general assembly concerning economic development and transparency matters. Provides that the ombudsman (subject to the state examiner's approval) may employ or contract with assistants necessary to assist the ombudsman in carrying out the ombudsman's duties. Establishes circumstances under which the ombudsman is required to adopt a budget before the ombudsman's costs, including the costs of any assistants, in carrying out the ombudsman's duties are paid from appropriations made to the IEDC and when the ombudsman may bill the IEDC for those costs without using the budget procedure added by the bill. Provides for appointment to the board of the IEDC of two nonvoting, advisory members who are members of the general assembly. Requires the IEDC, before purchasing land that exceeds 100 acres in a county, to first give notice to the county or municipality, or both, in which the land is located not later than 30 days before the closing date for the purchase. Requires the IEDC to establish a dashboard that includes longitudinal representations of certain economic development data derived from elements required to be included in the economic incentives and compliance report. Requires the IEDC to analyze the potential impact of a proposed economic development investment on the costs to provide the following utility services to ratepayers: (1) Water. (2) Wastewater. (3) Electricity. (4) Natural gas. Specifies that in performing the analysis, the IEDC must consider each of the following: (1) The existing utility infrastructure available to serve the project. (2) Any new utility infrastructure needed to serve the project. (3) Water resource availability for the project. Provides that if a proposed economic development investment is projected to negatively impact ratepayers, the IEDC is required to develop and implement a mitigation plan. Allows the IEDC to consult with certain state agencies, utilities providing utility services to the project area, local units of government, and consumer and ratepayer advocates in performing the analysis and mitigation requirements added by the bill.
SB 406 increases the maximum annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for local government pension funds supporting police officers and firefighters, raising the cap from 3% to 5%. This change directly affects current and future retirees in these professions who rely on pension benefits tied to inflation. The bill modifies the existing pension fund's funding rules to allow larger annual adjustments, aligning pension payments more closely with rising living costs. It does not create new benefits but adjusts the formula governing existing pension payments.
Establishes the local government efficiency task force (task force) to study creating a more streamlined and cost effective local government structure. Sets forth the membership, and requires the task force to issue a report to the general assembly and the governor not later than November 1, 2026.
Requires the Indiana department of health (state department) to: (1) create a video for practitioners concerning the state's abortion laws and the standard of care for treating pregnant women with life threatening conditions; and (2) publish the video on its website. Specifies the information to be included in the video. Requires a hospital and ambulatory outpatient surgical center to: (1) review its protocol for abortion; (2) require certain practitioners to watch the video; and (3) certify to the state department compliance with these provisions.
Establishes billing procedures for municipal sewage or storm water user fees assessed for real property that is occupied by someone other than the owner. Provides that a lien does not attach for user fees assessed against real property occupied by someone other than the owner under certain circumstances. Requires the assessing entity to release certain liens and delinquent user fees upon receipt of a verified demand in writing from the owner.
Requires the superintendent of the state police department to: (1) obtain data from law enforcement agencies concerning medical forensic examination kits in the agencies' possession; and (2) report a summary of the data to the legislative council.
Appropriates $500,000 from the state general fund to the Indiana department of transportation (department) to be used by the department for the purpose of providing roadside mowing on U.S. 41 from the Vanderburgh County - Gibson County line to the Knox County - Sullivan County line.
Requires the department of natural resources (department) to study certain information pertaining to ground water and water withdrawals. Provides that the department shall, not later than October 1, 2025, provide the legislative council a report of its findings.
Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services and the legislative services agency to conduct a feasibility study of transitioning Indiana's Medicaid program administration to a nonprofit health insurance entity. Sets forth parameters of the study.
Provides for a thirteenth check for certain members, participants, or beneficiaries of the: (1) Indiana state teachers' retirement fund; (2) Indiana public employees' retirement fund; (3) state excise police, gaming agent, gaming control officer, and conservation enforcement officers' retirement plan; (4) state police pre-1987 benefit system; and (5) state police 1987 benefit system. Provides for a $50 payment to members of the Indiana state teachers' retirement fund and Indiana public employees' retirement fund, and to participants of the state excise police, gaming agent, gaming control officer, and conservation enforcement officers' retirement plan.
Provides that a transportation network company (TNC) must suspend a TNC driver's ability to connect to the TNC's digital network for a period of not less than 90 days after the TNC receives notice from the bureau of motor vehicles of the TNC driver's conviction for operating while intoxicated. Requires a TNC driver to display a placard in the TNC driver's personal vehicle that includes: (1) a photograph of the TNC driver; and (2) the license plate number of the TNC driver's personal vehicle. Requires a TNC to provide a TNC rider with a unique identification code to provide to a TNC driver to begin a prearranged ride.
Adds judges to the list of persons immune from civil liability for certain acts or omissions that occur in connection with the statute establishing electronic monitoring standards. (Current law provides that immunity does not apply to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.)
