Sen. Tyler Johnson

A SENATE RESOLUTION recognizing March 21, 2023, as World Down Syndrome Day.

Limits the civil liability of contractors that provide specified services under a contract with the department of child services (DCS).

A SENATE RESOLUTION memorializing Master Trooper James R. Bailey.

Provides that a building is exempt from property taxation if it is owned by a nonprofit entity and is: (1) registered as a continuing care retirement community; or (2) licensed as a health care facility. Makes various changes to a provision granting a property tax exemption to cemetery owners.

Defines "science of reading". Provides that a school corporation and charter school shall report certain information regarding reading and writing curriula, remedial programs, and administrative contact information on the school corporation's or charter school's website. Provides that the state board of education and the department of education (department): (1) must implement an academic standard for reading based on the science of reading; and (2) may not implement an academic standard for reading based on the three-cueing model. Provides that, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, a superintendent, advisory committee, or governing body or the equivalent for a charter school: (1) must adopt curriculum that is based on the science of reading; and (2) may not adopt curriculum for reading that is based on the three-cueing model. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2024, the department shall review teacher preparation programs for alignment with guidelines requiring the use of curriculum or content that instructs teacher candidates on the science of reading. Provides that, after June 30, 2025, the department may not grant an initial practitioner license as an elementary school teacher to certain individuals unless the individuals successfully pass a foundation of reading examination.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the National FFA Organization and the Indiana FFA Association for exemplary work in the advancement of agricultural education in Indiana and across the country.

Provides that the contents of an investigative demand issued by the attorney general are to be kept confidential. Defines charitable organization. Expands the definition of "public benefit corporation" to include a domestic corporation that serves a public benefit with an operating budget that is supported by public funds or authorized to spend public funds in furtherance of its mission. Provides that a court may dissolve a corporation under certain circumstances. Specifies procedural requirements that the attorney general must take before petitioning the court for dissolution of a corporation for certain reasons. Provides exceptions. Allows the attorney general to petition a court for additional remedies against a corporation, in addition to or as an alternative dissolution, for certain violations. Provides that upon a showing of reasonable cause, a court may appoint a receiver to manage a corporation under certain circumstances. Requires a corporation to keep certain records for at least three years. Allows the attorney general to inspect records of certain corporations. Prohibits a state agency from imposing a filing or reporting requirement on a charitable organization that is more burdensome than Indiana law allows. Provides exceptions. Allows the attorney general to take certain actions if the attorney general finds that a corporation has failed to comply with certain record requirements. Makes conforming changes.

Establishes a procedure: (1) to allow a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in a school to submit a complaint that a book in the school library is inappropriate; and (2) for the school to respond to the complaint. Establishes an appeal procedure. Provides that a school library may not make a book available that contains obscene matter or matters harmful to children. Removes schools from the list of entities eligible for a specified defense to criminal prosecutions alleging: (1) the dissemination of material harmful to minors; or (2) a performance harmful to minors. Adds colleges and universities to the list of entities eligible for a specified defense to criminal prosecutions alleging: (1) the dissemination of material harmful to minors; or (2) a performance harmful to minors.

Provides that a physician owned hospital that is ineligible to receive Medicaid disproportionate share payments is not considered to be a hospital for purposes of the hospital assessment fee.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring Indiana 4-H and recognizing February 7, 2023, as Indiana 4-H Day at the Statehouse.