Rep. Steve Bartels

Changes the definition of a "qualified service member" for purposes of eligibility under the military family relief fund (fund). Requires the Indiana veterans' affairs commission (commission) to: (1) develop, adopt, and issue a policy listing the disallowable separation codes of each branch of the armed forces; and (2) review the policy for amendment and adopt any necessary amendments before July 1 of each year. Provides that the department of veterans' affairs (department) may use not more than 10% of the average annual license plate revenue to cover direct costs associated with the marketing and promotion of the military relief fund. Specifies that the department may not use any of the amount for administrative costs, including payroll or any other overhead expenses. Provides that the department may deny an incomplete application for a grant under the fund if all required documentation is not received within 30 days after the date the applicant filed the application. Provides that, if an applicant appeals a denial of tuition and fee exemption benefits (benefits) not later than 15 days before the start of the semester for which the benefits would apply, the commission shall make a reasonable effort to issue a final order before the start of the semester.

Provides that a taxpayer who completes the preservation or rehabilitation of a historic property and obtains a certain certification is entitled to a credit of 20% or $10,000, whichever is less. Repeals certain provisions related to commercial fishing. Provides that the natural resources commission (commission) may adopt rules to electronically notify the public of rules adopted by the commission. Removes the requirement that the director of the department of natural resources (department) send, to a person who has a license that is placed on probationary status, notice that includes a description of the amount of child support in arrears and an explanation of the procedures to pay child support arrearage. Provides that the Kankakee River basin and Yellow River basin development commission may request to schedule an onsite field review for a proposed activity concerning private and mutual drains of the Kankakee River or Yellow River. Provides that wild animal permits do not apply to: (1) zoological parks; (2) circuses or carnivals; (3) research facilities and universities licensed or registered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); and (4) organizations or persons temporarily housing a wild or exotic animal at the request of the department. Provides that wild animal permits also do not apply to commercial animal dealers, breeders, and exhibitors licensed by the USDA who only possess wild or exotic animals that do not require a license by the department. Provides that the department, department employees, and law enforcement officers are not liable for any damages caused by a permitted animal that escapes its enclosure and poses a threat to public safety. Provides that local floodplain administrators in counties having a population of more than 140,000 but less than 150,000 may issue a variance approving a structure located in a floodway without a permit issued by the director of the department if: (1) the structure is not used as an abode or residence; (2) the structure is constructed after January 1, 2018, but not later than July 1, 2020; and (3) the lowest floor of the structure is not more than 0.15 of a foot below two feet above the 100 year flood elevation. Provides that the department may impose and collect fees for regulating underground petroleum storage. Provides standards for contracts for the purchase of timber. Provides for damages in certain proceedings regarding the purchase of timber. Provides for additional violations of rules associated with timber buyers. Provides that timber buyers shall maintain complete and accurate records of certain transactions for five years from the date of the transaction. Provides for suspensions of timber buyers licenses for 90 day periods. Makes technical corrections.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION adding Indiana Veteran's Administration Medical Centers to the Center for Compassionate Innovation.

Revises residency requirements for members of police and fire departments to require that members: (1) have adequate means of transportation into the jurisdiction served by the member's department; and (2) maintain telephone service to communicate with the department.

Provides that if there is not an individual requiring medical attention or transport, a paramedic, advanced emergency medical technician, or emergency medical technician may use emergency ambulance services to transport an operational canine injured in the line of duty to a veterinary hospital or clinic. Specifies the care that may be provided to the operational canine. Specifies who is responsible for the transportation and treatment cost of an injured operational canine. Provides that a paramedic, advanced emergency medical technician, or emergency medical technician who in the performance of their duties and in good faith renders care or transportation to an injured operational canine is not liable: (1) for any act or omission when rendering the care or transportation; or (2) to the veterinary hospital or clinic for expenses incurred for emergency care provided to the injured operational canine. Requires that a written agreement concerning the transport and care of an operational canine must specify what services are covered under the agreement.

Honoring healthcare workers for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provides that a permit issued to a quarrying or aggregate company for excavation of certain industrial materials is valid for the duration of the permitted project subject to periodic compliance evaluations. Establishes that a permit issued for aggregate operations becomes void if construction has not commenced within two years of the issuance of the permit. Requires a permit holder to notify the commission within six months after completing a permitted project. Provides that a permit issued on or before July 1, 2014, that remains active for a quarrying or aggregate company for excavation of certain industrial materials is valid for the duration of the permitted project subject to permit conditions and periodic evaluations, and requires the holder of the permit to notify the commission not later than January 1, 2022, if the permitted project is still active. Provides that failure to notify the commission will cause the permit to expire. Requires the holder of the permit to notify the commission that the project is completed within six months after the project's completion.

Provides that a dispenser who is also authorized to prescribe ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or a controlled substance is required only to report to the Indiana scheduled prescription electronic collection and tracking (INSPECT) program actual dispensations within 24 hours of the dispensation.

Requires the Indiana law enforcement training board to establish mandatory training in de-escalation as part of the use-of-force curriculum, and requires de-escalation training to be provided as a part of: (1) pre-basic training; (2) mandatory inservice training; and (3) the executive training program. Establishes a procedure to allow the Indiana law enforcement training board to decertify an officer who has committed misconduct. Defines "chokehold" and prohibits the use of a chokehold under certain circumstances. Specifies that a law enforcement officer who turns off a body worn camera with the intent to conceal a criminal act commits a Class A misdemeanor. Requires an agency hiring a law enforcement officer to request the officer's employment record and certain other information from previous employing agencies, requires the previous employing agency to provide certain employment information upon request, and provides immunity for disclosure of the employment records. Makes an appropriation to the Indiana law enforcement training academy for making capital improvements.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson upon her retirement from the Office of the Indiana Secretary of State.