Sen. Dennis Kruse

A SENATE RESOLUTION honoring Bob Vollmer upon his retirement from the Department of Natural Resources.

Provides that the annual permit fee for a micro market shall not exceed $60. Provides that the annual permit fee for a vending machine shall not exceed $8. Specifies that a political subdivision may not charge an installation fee for a micro market or vending machine. Provides that any provision of an ordinance, measure, enactment, rule, or policy or exercise of proprietary authority by a political subdivision or an employee or agent of a political subdivision acting in an official capacity that modifies or conflicts with the statutory requirements concerning: (1) annual micro market permit fees; (2) annual vending machine permit fees; or (3) micro market or vending machine installation fees; is void. Specifies that the annual renewal date for micro market and vending machine permit fees is June 1. Allows the person or entity responsible for the annual collection of micro market and vending machine permit fees to adjust or pro rate, as applicable, a micro market or vending machine permit fee for the purpose of synchronizing micro market and vending machine renewal cycles. Makes conforming amendments.

Provides that attorney's fees may be awarded against a governmental entity in a case where a court finds that the claim brought by the governmental entity was frivolous, unreasonable, or groundless, but provides that the application of the law to governmental entities may not be interpreted to waive sovereign immunity. Includes individuals in the list of parties that may seek reasonable fees and expenses in a civil suit against a state agency. Increases the amount of fees and expenses awarded against a state agency from $10,000 to $25,000, and from $30,000 to $75,000, if more than three parties in a case are eligible for an award.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring Judge John G. Baker upon his retirement from the Indiana Court of Appeals.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the importance of career and technical education during Career and Technical Education Month.

Requires the natural resources commission to establish a roster of low head dams in the state that are capable of creating hazardous currents that pose safety issues. Establishes requirements concerning low head dams for the department of natural resources (department) and owners of low head dams. Except for purposes of an inspection, maintenance, or removal, prohibits a person from accessing a low head dam. Prohibits wading, boating, swimming, or accessing the waters within 50 feet of a low head dam when warning signs are present. Provides that the state is not liable for any death or injury that occurs on or resulting from a low head dam that is not owned by the state. Provides for a penalty for violations. Requires the department to prepare a report that includes recommendations concerning the creation of a low head dam removal program and any recommendations concerning low head dam safety legislation.

Requires the family and social services administration, the department of education, the commission for higher education, and the professional licensing agency to include in an application for a benefit, financial assistance, a service, or a professional credential questions asking: (1) "Have you served in the armed forces of the United States or their reserves, in the National Guard, or in the Indiana National Guard?". (2) "Are you the surviving spouse of someone who served in the armed forces of the United States or their reserves, in the National Guard, or in the Indiana National Guard?". Provides that the applications must state that the applicant has the option to decline to answer the questions. Requires the agencies to keep the information submitted in a data base and to share the information with the Indiana department of veterans' affairs. Allows the Indiana department of veterans' affairs to use the shared information to develop outreach programs for veterans and their families.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing FFA and all of its work to advance the quality of agricultural education both locally and nationally.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the 21st Century Scholars Program for 30 years of helping Hoosiers afford a college education.

Provides that the members of the Indiana kids first trust fund board (board) serve terms of four years (rather than two years under current law) and provides for the terms of the appointed members of the board to be staggered. Provides that at least two meetings of the board each year must be conducted with at least a quorum of the members of the board. Provides that not later than 10 days after a meeting of the board, the board shall post a draft of the minutes of the meeting on the board's Internet web site. Requires the board to study to the topic of establishing a nonprofit subsidiary corporation and provide a report to the general assembly with the board's findings. Allows the board to create a nonprofit subsidiary corporation to solicit and accept private funding, gifts, donations, bequests, devises, and contributions.