Rep. Cindy Ledbetter

Provides that certain licensed individuals may examine a defendant and testify as to whether the defendant can understand the criminal proceedings and assist in the preparation of the defendant's defense. Allows a court to dismiss criminal charges, without prejudice, upon motion by either party, if: (1) a substantial probability does not exist that a defendant will attain competency restoration or if the defendant has not attained competency restoration after six months of restoration services; (2) the defendant has a certain diagnosis; and (3) the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor or Level 6 felony. Makes conforming changes.

Establishes the pediatric cancer research and treatment grant program (grant program) to be administered by the Indiana department of health (state department). Establishes the pediatric cancer research and treatment fund and appropriates $2,000,000 to the fund for the biennium. Sets forth requirements for an entity to receive a grant. Requires the state department 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 state department to submit an annual report to the governor and legislative council concerning the grant program and publish the report on the state department's website.

Requires a hospital to establish a nurse staffing council or assign the functions of the council to an entity in the hospital to develop a nurse staffing plan and review any reported deviations from the plan. Prohibits a hospital from taking certain actions against an employee or contract worker for filing a deviation report. Prohibits a hospital, ambulatory outpatient surgery center, health facility, or residential care facility from requiring a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse to work mandatory overtime. Establishes exceptions. Prohibits a hospital, ambulatory outpatient surgery center, health facility, or residential care facility from taking certain actions against an employee who does not consent to work mandatory overtime.

Provides that an applicant who has previously received a baccalaureate degree or an associate degree may be eligible for a high value workforce ready credit-bearing grant if the applicant: (1) received a diploma of graduation, high school equivalency certificate, or state of Indiana general educational development diploma five or more years before the applicant applies for a grant; and (2) is not working in the subject matter field in which the applicant received the baccalaureate degree or associate degree. (Current law provides that an applicant for a high value workforce ready credit-bearing grant may not have previously received a baccalaureate degree, an associate degree, or an eligible certificate.)

Provides a refundable credit of $1,000 against the adjusted gross income tax liability of a taxpayer who has served as a nursing preceptor during the taxable year.

Limits the annual increase in assessed value of real property to 5% unless ownership of the real property changes during the year or the increase results from physical changes to the real property.

Decriminalizes the possession of: (1) two ounces or less of cannabis; or (2) five grams or less of hash oil or hashish. Establishes a per se intoxication level of 10 nanograms of THC per milliliter of whole blood for purposes of operating while intoxicated laws, and requires that the analysis of controlled substances in a person's blood measure only the controlled substance and not the metabolites of the controlled substance. Repeals the term "marijuana" and replaces with the term "cannabis". Makes conforming changes.

Requires the behavioral health and human services licensing board to administer the professional counselors licensure compact (compact). Adopts the compact. Sets forth requirements of a member state. Sets forth the duties and authority of the counseling compact commission (commission). Allows a counselor in a home state to practice via telehealth in a member state. Allows each member state to have one delegate on the commission. Establishes the procedure to withdraw from the compact. Makes conforming changes.

Establishes a proceeding for the commitment of an individual who suffers from substance abuse. Provides that the petitioner must agree to pay the cost of the respondent's commitment. Establishes requirements before the court may issue an order for commitment. Allows the court to order the respondent to receive treatment and to appear at an evaluation.

Removes the requirements 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. Repeals law 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.