Rep. Ragen Hatcher

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. and its 50th Annual Area V Leadership Conference. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any legal rights or obligations - it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The bill was introduced by multiple representatives and passed its first reading in January 2025. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact on constituents or legislation.

Provides that it is a deceptive consumer sales act to display or advertise a purchase price for the subject of a consumer transaction that does not include all fees and charges other than: (1) taxes or fees imposed on the purchase by a unit of government; or (2) reasonably expected shipping or handling charges; that are required to be paid by the consumer to complete the consumer transaction.

Entitles an employee to at least 36 hours of paid mental health leave per calendar year. Provides that unused paid mental health leave rolls over to the next calendar year and that an employer is not required to pay out unused paid mental health leave upon the termination of an employment relationship. Requires an employee to provide reasonable advance notice when paid mental health leave will be used. Prohibits an employer from discriminating or taking adverse action against an employee who uses paid mental health leave.

Prohibits a court from requiring an arrestee to pay bail as a condition of pretrial release, unless: (1) the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the arrestee is a flight risk or danger to the community; (2) the arrestee is charged with murder or treason; (3) the arrestee is on pretrial release not related to the incident that is the basis for the present arrest; or (4) the arrestee is on probation, parole, or other community supervision. Requires that the amount of bail be the lowest amount required, based on the defendant's financial circumstances, to assure the arrestee's appearance at trial and to protect the community.

Removes language concerning an affidavit from provisions concerning probable cause for battery and domestic battery. Requires a law enforcement officer to provide a victim who requests a protection order with the required forms and appropriate assistance in completing and filing the forms.

Maddy summaryHB 1568 allows licensed attorneys to obtain a real estate broker license without completing the standard required broker course of study. This directly affects currently licensed attorneys who wish to become real estate brokers, removing a specific education requirement. The key provision eliminates the need for these attorneys to take the approved broker course, streamlining their path to licensure. The bill does not change other licensing requirements or create new obligations. It is currently in the early stages of consideration, referred to the Employment, Labor and Pensions committee.

Provides that a tax sale purchaser may file a petition with the court not later than 30 days after the date of the sale to seek a determination that the real property is vacant or abandoned. Specifies that the effect of a court's determination that the real property is vacant or abandoned is that: (1) the owner has no right to redeem the real property; and (2) the county auditor shall issue a deed to the real property that conveys a fee simple interest to the purchaser. Sets forth the: (1) contents of notices required to be given before the court hearing on vacancy or abandonment; and (2) standards to be used in determining vacancy or abandonment. Provides that the procedure to seek a post-sale petition to determine vacancy or abandonment does not apply to vacant or abandoned real property that is on the list prepared by the county auditor under current law.

Requires the division of family resources (division) of the office of the secretary of family and social services to establish a pilot program under which the division develops, deploys, and determines the effectiveness of electronic kiosks that allow an individual to do any of the following: (1) Determine the balance remaining in the individual's SNAP or TANF account. (2) Apply to the office of the secretary for a new EBT card. (3) Apply for SNAP or TANF benefits, subject to verification through in person communication with the division.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally recognizes January 15 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the U.S. Congress. It is a procedural resolution to commemorate the holiday, directly affecting congressional proceedings and records. The bill does not create new policy or alter existing law, but affirms the institution's observance of the federal holiday honoring Dr. King's legacy.

Requires the justice reinvestment advisory council (council) to conduct a study on criminal indigency determinations by all Indiana trial courts. Requires the council to submit a report containing recommendations on specified topics to the legislative council before July 1, 2025. Changes the name of the Indiana public defender commission to the Indiana commission on court appointed attorneys (commission). Provides that from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029, certain counties may be reimbursed for 40% of indigent defense services provided for misdemeanors in a superior or circuit court. (Current law excludes misdemeanors from reimbursement.) Requires the commission to submit a report to the legislative council and the budget committee not later than December 1, 2029, concerning the 40% reimbursement for indigent defense services provided for misdemeanors. Requires each clerk of the court to make an annual report to the commission concerning certain fees. Changes the distribution of fees for indigent defendant representation. Increases certain fees if a court finds a person is able to pay the cost of representation by counsel. Prohibits the commission from: (1) receiving additional appropriations from the general assembly for misdemeanor reimbursement; or (2) reimbursing certain counties for misdemeanor reimbursement; before July 1, 2029. Provides that each court in certain counties receiving reimbursement from the public defense fund shall require a person claiming indigency to submit a uniform form, prescribed by the office of judicial administration, to assist the court in determining whether the person is indigent. Specifies that such courts shall review or designate a staff member to review the form submitted to ensure accuracy of the information contained in the form. Allows such a court to request any additional information needed from the person to verify the accuracy of the information submitted in the form.