Rep. Bob Morris

Enacts an article concerning the retail sale of dogs. Provides that restrictions on ordinances concerning the retail sale of dogs do not apply to a city or incorporated town that adopts an ordinance before January 1, 2023. Defines a "hobby breeder". Provides that restrictions on the retail sale of dogs apply to certain cities and incorporated towns. Defines a "kennel" to include an establishment that is liable for the payment of a county option dog tax.

Authorizes the attorney general to assess a civil penalty of $1 million on a corporation with a market capitalization of at least $100 billion for each instance in which the corporation knowingly makes available child sexually abusive material, and establishes a procedure for the investigation of a complaint relating to child sexually abusive material. Establishes the child sexually abusive material facilitation prevention fund. Specifies that money in the fund shall be used to: (1) fund the Internet crimes against children fund; and (2) offset forgone tax remittances. Makes an appropriation.

Provides that for school board offices, each candidate's affiliation with a political party or status as an independent candidate must be stated on a petition of nomination and on the ballot. Specifies: (1) requirements that apply to a candidate who claims affiliation with a major political party; and (2) a process to challenge a candidate's statement that the candidate is affiliated with a major political party. Makes conforming changes.

Provides that a sexually oriented business may not operate within 1,000 feet of specified facilities that cater to minors. Exempts pre-existing businesses that have been in continuous operation. Establishes a civil enforcement mechanism. Repeals the existing law concerning sexually explicit materials. Makes conforming amendments.

Removes the requirement that a decal or sticker issued by the bureau of motor vehicles must be displayed on a vehicle as proof of registration of the vehicle.

Imposes a receipts tax on the provision of water utility services and a corresponding use tax on the consumption of water utility services. Provides that the taxes apply to receipts received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023, and to the consumption of water utility services billed after December 31, 2023. Provides that the tax rate for both taxes is 1.4%. Requires tax revenues to be distributed to the cities, towns, and counties from which the taxes were derived. Requires cities, towns, and counties to use tax revenues for infrastructure necessary to promote economic development.

Provides that a storage yard or towing service that conducts a search of the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System or an equivalent and commonly available data base may not be charged a fee by the bureau of motor vehicles to access the data base.

Provides that before July 1, 2023, the state police board (board) shall establish a new salary matrix for police employees. Provides that the base salary of a police employee with the rank of trooper (excluding longevity increases) must be equal to or greater than the average of the 10 highest base salaries (excluding longevity increases) for a nonpromoted patrolman employed by any law enforcement department in Indiana. Requires the natural resources commission to categorize conservation officer years of service through the fifteenth year after June 30, 2023, rather than through the twentieth year. Provides that the department of natural resources shall adjust the salaries of conservation officers in accordance with changes made by the board. Requires the department of workforce development to provide certain information relating to salaries to the board. Provides that, after June 30, 2023, the number of salary increase increments for each rank for state police officers and conservation officers is reduced from 20 years to 15 years.

Amends the twenty-first century scholars program eligibility requirements for certain students.

Repeals the law that requires a person to obtain a license to carry a handgun in Indiana. Specifies that certain persons who are not otherwise prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun are not required to obtain or possess a license or permit from the state to carry a handgun in Indiana. Prohibits certain individuals from knowingly or intentionally carrying a handgun. Creates the crime of "unlawful carrying of a handgun" and specifies the penalties for committing this crime. Allows particular individuals who do not meet the requirements to receive a handgun license and are not otherwise prohibited to carry a handgun in limited places. Allows a resident of Indiana to obtain in certain circumstances a license to carry a handgun in Indiana. Makes theft of a firearm a Level 5 felony. Defines certain terms. Makes conforming amendments and repeals obsolete provisions.