HB 1543 allows judges of Vigo County's circuit and superior courts to jointly appoint a single magistrate to serve all Vigo County courts. This bill directly affects Vigo County court operations by streamlining magistrate appointments for those specific courts. The key provision replaces separate magistrate appointments with a shared position decided jointly by the circuit and superior court judges. The bill passed the Courts Committee and is now pending further review by the Committee on Ways and Means.
Establishes the water protection and restoration trust fund (fund). Provides that the state comptroller shall transfer each year to the fund from the money appropriated to certain state agencies an amount equal to $1,660,000. Establishes the water quality board (board) to manage and develop the fund. Sets out the membership, terms, and compensation of the board. Provides that the board shall establish a surface water quality financial assistance program for the purpose of assessing and reducing nutrients that are negatively affecting surface waters within the state. Makes conforming changes.
Provides an adjusted gross income tax credit for retired farmers who sell or lease farmland or sell livestock to a qualified beginning farmer. Defines "qualified beginning farmer" and "farmland" for purposes of the credit. Allows a taxpayer to apply to the Indiana state department of agriculture (ISDA) for approval and certification of the credit. Allows a beginning farmer to apply to the ISDA for certification as a qualified beginning farmer. Specifies the amount of the credit that may be claimed by a taxpayer. Limits the total amount of tax credits that may be awarded to $1,000,000 per state fiscal year. Sunsets the credit after six years.
Establishes the pediatric cancer research and treatment grant program (grant program) to be administered by the rare disease advisory council (council). Establishes the pediatric cancer research and treatment fund. Sets forth requirements for an entity to receive a grant. Requires the council to develop criteria, policies, procedures, and a plan concerning awarding of the grants. Prioritizes use of the funds to be on innovative research and treatments with the potential of resulting in novel therapies for pediatric cancer. Requires the council to submit an annual report to the governor and legislative council concerning the grant program and publish the report on the Indiana department of health's website.
Requires the governor's supplier diversity commission, the commission for higher education, and the budget committee to review each state educational institution's annual report regarding certain supplier diversity requirements. Provides that if a state educational institution's annual report is not in compliance with certain supplier diversity requirements, the commission for higher education and the budget committee shall determine the total percentage by which the state educational institution fell short of the requirements.
Requires, on or before July 1, 2026, the state police department (department), in consultation with the office of technology and the department of homeland security, to develop and implement the Indiana law enforcement data sharing program (program). Requires the department to establish rules for: (1) protocols regarding access to information and information accessible by a law enforcement agency; (2) safeguards to protect the integrity of the program; (3) confidentiality and data privacy requirements; (4) timely data submission and reporting requirements; and (5) compliance standards. Requires Indiana law enforcement agencies to provide data in a timely manner in accordance with rules established by the department. Makes annual appropriations to the department to develop and implement the program.
Provides certain planning and review requirements that must occur before funding may be allotted and disbursed to a state agency for purposes of regional development. Specifies priorities for regional development funding commitments. Repeals the statute that expires the central Indiana regional development authority.
Establishes the Indiana military base infrastructure grant program (program) for physical infrastructure projects located on current or proposed Indiana military bases. Provides that the: (1) Indiana defense task force, in consultation with the Indiana economic development corporation (corporation), shall develop policies and guidelines regarding the application process for the program; and (2) corporation shall administer the program. Provides that the budget committee must make a recommendation to the budget agency on whether to approve a proposed grant. Requires the budget agency to approve a proposed grant before the grant may be awarded. Makes an appropriation.
Requires a construction manager as contractor and a subcontractor of any tier to submit the E-Verify case verification number for an individual to the public agency before the individual begins work on a public works project. Provides that a public agency may not enter into a contract for a public works project with a contractor unless: (1) the contract contains certain provisions; and (2) the contractor signs an affidavit affirming that: (A) the contractor does not knowingly employ an unauthorized alien; and (B) the E-Verify documentation provided to the public agency is complete and accurate.
Removes the requirement that an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) have a practice agreement with a collaborating physician. Removes a provision requiring an APRN to operate under a collaborative practice agreement or the privileges granted by a hospital governing board. Removes certain provisions concerning the audit of practice agreements. Allows an APRN with prescriptive authority to prescribe a schedule II controlled substance for weight reduction or to control obesity. Makes conforming changes.
Requires a state employee health plan to provide coverage for dementia treatments or medications that are determined to be medically necessary by the physician treating the covered individual.
Adds an investigator for the inspector general to the list of public safety officers whose relative receives a special death benefit if the officer dies in the line of duty.
