Rep. Hal Slager

Makes new farm equipment and new agricultural improvements eligible for local tax abatement using the same procedures for tax abatement under current law for new manufacturing equipment, new research and development equipment, new logistical distribution equipment, and new information technology equipment, or redevelopment and rehabilitation in the case of new agricultural improvements. Limits an abatement schedule for new farm equipment and new agricultural improvements to not more than five years. Specifies how agricultural improvements shall be assessed for tax purposes.

Allows the secretary of family and social services (secretary) to issue a waiver of human services statutory provisions and administrative rules if the secretary determines that the waiver is necessary to claim certain enhanced federal matching funds available to the Medicaid program. Allows the secretary to issue an emergency declaration for purposes of participating in specified authorized federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) emergency allotments. Requires the secretary to prepare and submit any waivers or emergency declarations to the budget committee. Allows the state health commissioner of the state department of health or the commissioner's designated public health authority to issue standing orders, prescriptions, or protocols to administer or dispense certain immunizations for individuals who are at least five years old (current law limits the age for the commissioner's issuance of standing orders, prescriptions, and protocols for individuals who are at least 11 years old). Defines "Indiana governmental entity" and specifies that an Indiana governmental entity (current law refers to a state or local unit) may not issue or require an immunization passport. Provides that an individual is not disqualified from unemployment benefits if the individual has complied with the requirements for seeking an exemption from an employer's COVID-19 immunization requirements and was discharged from employment for failing or refusing to receive an immunization against COVID-19. Provides that an employer may not impose a requirement that employees receive an immunization against COVID-19 unless the employer provides individual exemptions that allow an employee to opt out of the requirement on the basis of medical reasons, religious reasons, or immunity from COVID-19 acquired from a prior infection with COVID-19.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing Wednesday, February 16, 2022, as a day to honor the work and mission of the regions of the American Red Cross serving the state of Indiana.

Allows a district that meets certain requirements to be issued not more than 10 new alcoholic beverage permits for restaurants located within the district or within 700 feet of the district. Changes population parameters to reflect the population count determined under the 2020 decennial census.

Adds language requiring that: (1) a tax sale certificate delivered to a purchaser other than a tax sale certificate issued to a county; and (2) an assignment of a purchaser's tax sale certificate; be recorded in the county recorder's office.

Provides that a registered owner of a motor vehicle commits an infraction if the owner's vehicle is used to violate the school bus stop arm law. Provides a defense for a registered owner who provides certain information to law enforcement and fully cooperates with law enforcement, if: (1) the vehicle was stolen; (2) the registered owner routinely engages in the business of renting the vehicle; (3) the registered owner provided the vehicle for the use of an employee; or (4) the registered owner provides documentary evidence that the owner was out of state at the time the violation was committed. Specifies that: (1) the bureau of motor vehicles may not assess points for the infraction; and (2) an adjudication for the infraction does not create a presumption of liability in a civil action.

Provides that, subject to the approval of a county adopting body, a fire protection district or a qualified fire protection territory may apply for distributions of tax revenue. Provides that a township that provides fire protection or emergency medical services (other than a township in Marion County) may apply to a county adopting body for a distribution of tax revenue for public safety purposes. Requires the adopting body to conduct a public hearing to review and approve the application. Specifies the method for determining the amount of the distribution to the qualified township.

Provides that the security agreement that counties are required to enter into with the secretary of state must be funded by money received from the federal government or from money appropriated by the general assembly. Provides that before an individual can access an absentee ballot application that is submitted in an electronic format using a module of the computerized list, the individual must provide either the individual's Indiana driver's license number or the last four digits of the individual's Social Security number. Provides that under certain circumstances, a person is entitled to vote by absentee ballot by mail if the person is unable to vote: (1) during the period of time a voter may vote by absentee ballot in person before the absentee voter board; (2) on election day; or (3) on election day during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open. (Current law provides that under certain circumstances, a person is entitled to vote by absentee ballot by mail if the person is unable to vote on election day or on election day during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.) Requires that voting before an absentee voter board at the circuit court clerk's office or at a satellite office be referred to as "early voting" on all forms prescribed by the election division and in all communications with voters. Repeals language that requires the circuit court clerk to provide notice containing certain information to each voter who casts a provisional ballot. Changes the term "risk-limiting audit" to "post-election audit". Removes the word "pilot" from the chapter concerning post-election audits. Provides that the secretary of state shall determine the number of elections that are subject to a post-election audit. Makes conforming changes.

Removes medical equipment and supplies from the list of items or services for which the office of the secretary of family and services (office) may seek competitive bids for the Medicaid program. Establishes an appeal process for Medicaid providers concerning a determination that a claim was not a clean claim. Sets forth requirements of the appeals process. Specifies that the office, managed care organizations, subcontractors, and third party administrators must reimburse: (1) durable medical equipment; (2) complex rehabilitation technology; and (3) supplies; at a rate that is at least 100% of the rate in specified fee schedules. Requires the office to develop and implement a tool to assist in the determination of capped rental payments for certain items. Adds a member to the Medicaid advisory committee.

Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply for a Medicaid waiver to allow physician owned hospitals to expand in Indiana to provide access to health care for Medicaid recipients.