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.)
Establishes the Indiana first responders mental health wellness fund and program (fund and program). Provides that the division of mental health and addiction of the office of the secretary of family and social services (division) shall administer the fund and program. Provides that a first responder who meets certain requirements may apply to the division for: (1) costs associated with the first responder's active participation in a mental health treatment plan as determined by a psychologist or physician treating the first responder; and (2) compensation if the first responder is unable to work. Establishes requirements for obtaining compensation. Makes a continuous appropriation.
