Rep. Alex Zimmerman

Prohibits use of public funds by a state educational institution for policies or programs and campus activities outside the classroom that: (1) advocate for campus diversity, equity, and inclusion; or (2) promote or engage in political or social activism. Makes related changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1266 removes the time limit for prosecuting Level 1 and Level 2 felony sex crimes, allowing prosecutors to file charges at any time. This directly affects victims of these specific crimes by ensuring they can seek justice regardless of how much time has passed since the offense. The bill also makes minor legal adjustments ("conforming changes") to align related statutes with this new rule. The change means prosecutors can pursue these cases without being restricted by previous deadlines.

Allows for the prosecution of: (1) child molesting to be commenced before the date the alleged victim reaches 51 years of age; and (2) rape to be commenced within 15 years after the commission of the offense.

Provides that a board of aviation commissioners and an airport authority are subject to the same procedures as a school corporation for certain public work projects. Provides that if a federal grant is to be issued to fund a portion of the construction on a public work project, the successful bidder has 90 days to proceed with the contract.

Defines a "qualified real property order". Allows certain parties to file an affidavit or petition the court for a qualified real property order if a previous court order to divide or transfer the real property is missing the real property's legal description and tax parcel identification number. Establishes the procedure for filing and recording the affidavit and a qualified real property order.

Defines "antisemitism", specifies that the public policy of the state is to provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination, and provides that antisemitism is discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, or national origin.

Makes numerous changes to the criminal law, including: (1) changing references from "county prosecuting attorney" to "prosecuting attorney"; (2) specifying the membership of county school safety commissions; (3) removing and replacing the organized theft statute; (4) increasing the penalty for fraud and battery under certain circumstances; and (5) defining "abusive head trauma" and permitting it to be used as an aggravating circumstance. Makes unlawful carrying of a handgun by a child a waivable offense. Specifies that "telephone sales call" includes certain types of electronically transmitted information. Makes certain other changes for consistency.

Allows a political subdivision to publish notice in the print or electronic edition of a newspaper or locality newspaper that issues a print edition not more than three times a week. Allows, if a newspaper or locality newspaper issues a print edition not more than two times a week, a political subdivision to publish notice: (1) in the print edition or on the newspaper or locality newspaper's website; or (2) if the newspaper or locality newspaper does not have a website, in the print edition or the political subdivision's official website. Allows a notice regarding the sale of certain tracts of real property by a political subdivision to be published solely on the official website of the political subdivision. Provides that if the assessed value of a tract is less than $10,000, based on the most recent assessment of the tract or of the tract of which it was a part before it was acquired, the disposing agent or redevelopment commission is not required to have the tract appraised.

Authorizes Jefferson County to impose its innkeeper's tax at a rate of 8% (instead of 5% under current law). Provides that, if the tax rate is increased to more than 5%, the portion of the tax rate that exceeds 5% expires on December 31, 2045. Authorizes Elkhart County to impose its innkeeper's tax at a rate of 8% (instead of 5% under current law). Provides that, if the tax rate is increased to more than 5%, the portion of the tax rate that exceeds 5% expires on December 31, 2045. Authorizes Knox County to impose its innkeeper's tax at a rate of 8% (instead of 6% under current law). Provides that, if the tax rate is increased to more than 6%, the portion of the tax rate that exceeds 6% expires on December 31, 2045.

Provides that for counties other than Marion County, contracts entered into by the county (including contracts executed by county elected officers) must meet certain requirements. Allows the county executive to adopt an ordinance that delegates authority to other county elected officers and employees to approve contracts. Requires county elected officers to have certain contracts: (1) executed by the county executive; or (2) submitted for review by the county attorney and county executive. Provides that if the county attorney advises the county executive that a contract of a county elected officer does not comply with state law or the public purchasing or bidding laws, the county executive may disapprove the contract. Allows the county executive to void a contract if a county officer fails to comply with the review process.