Sen. Lonnie Randolph

Repeals a provision that requires a political party to nominate the candidate for the office of lieutenant governor at a state convention and instead requires the candidate for the office of lieutenant governor to be elected jointly in a primary election with a candidate for the office of governor. Specifies that the lieutenant governor shall discharge the powers and duties of the lieutenant governor's office that are designated to the lieutenant governor by the governor. Repeals all statutory duties of the lieutenant governor and designates these duties to the governor. Makes conforming changes.

Makes certain changes to the qualification requirements and credit amount for the over 65 circuit breaker credit. Makes certain changes to the qualification requirements and deduction amount for the property tax deduction for disabled veterans who are either totally disabled or at least 62 years of age with a partial disability.

Provides that a student may be suspended or expelled only upon: (1) a determination that the student's suspension or expulsion will prevent or substantially reduce the risk of interference with an educational function or school purposes, disruption of the school learning environment, or physical injury to the student, other students, school employees, or school visitors; and (2) in the case of an expulsion, a determination that all other available and appropriate disciplinary and behavioral interventions have been exhausted. Provides that notice to a parent of: (1) a student's suspension or expulsion must include the rationale for the length of the suspension or expulsion; and (2) the right to appear at an expulsion meeting must include the behavioral and disciplinary interventions attempted, if any, and the rationale for the length of the expulsion. Provides that if a student is suspended, the student must be provided: (1) appropriate and available support services, as determined by the school, during the suspension period; and (2) an opportunity to receive credit for completion of make up work.

Requires the department of insurance (department) to establish, not later than January 1, 2026, a voluntary family leave insurance program (program) for the purpose of providing benefits to employees who elect to participate in the program. Sets forth requirements for the program. Allows the department to contract with an outside vendor to administer the program. Requires the department, not later than November 1, 2025, to submit a report to the legislative council and the budget committee concerning the proposed program. Establishes the voluntary family leave insurance program trust fund (trust fund) for the purpose of paying program benefits. Provides that the trust fund consists of employer or employee contributions, appropriations from the general assembly, and money received from any other source. Provides that certain employers are entitled to an adjusted gross income tax deduction equal to the total amount of contributions made by the employer to the trust fund during the taxable year multiplied by 200%.

Provides that the superior court judges of Lake County are elected as are other superior court judges. Provides that the change to the election of a judge does not occur until the general election that occurs immediately before the expiration of the term of a judge sitting on the court under current law. Repeals superseded provisions.

Authorizes a town, city, or county to establish or designate an agency to act for the town, city, or county as a local air pollution control agency (agency). Requires the commissioner of the department of environmental management (department) to enter into a contract with the agency of a town, city, or county if the agency is willing to enter into the contract. Provides that a contract between the department and the agency of a town, city, or county must: (1) require the department to advise, consult, cooperate with, and provide technical assistance to the agency; (2) authorize the agency to undertake air pollution control activities on behalf of the department or initiate enforcement of ordinances of the town, city, or county; and (3) provide for the payment of fair monetary compensation for the air pollution control activities performed by the agency. Provides that: (1) the compensation paid to an agency under a contract must be at least sufficient to cover the agency's staffing and operating costs; and (2) the rate of compensation must be adjusted each year according to changes in the Consumer Price Index.

Requires the driver education advisory board to consult with the commissioner of the bureau of motor vehicles (commissioner) and the state police department, and advise the commissioner in the administration of the policies of the commission and the bureau of motor vehicles (bureau) regarding driver education in: (1) the procedures of a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop; and (2) the actions a person should take during a traffic stop, including appropriate interaction with a law enforcement officer. Requires the bureau to include in any driver education manual published by the bureau the following: (1) A description of the procedures of a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop. (2) An explanation of the actions a person should take during a traffic stop, including appropriate interaction with a law enforcement officer. Provides that driver education curriculum must include instruction about actions to take during a traffic stop and the appropriate interaction with a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop.

Provides that an employer may not discriminate against an employee with respect to compensation and benefits from the employer or terms and conditions of employment based on: (1) the employee's filing of a petition for a protective order, whether or not the protective order has been issued; or (2) the actions of an individual against whom the employee has filed a protective order.

Increases the amount of an allowable claim from the violent crime victims compensation fund for funeral, burial, or cremation to $10,000 if the victim is a minor (currently limited to $5,000).

Prohibits a person from carrying a firearm in or near: (1) a chute; (2) polls; (3) certain areas where voters congregate or are likely to congregate; or (4) any room where ballots are being counted. Provides that the offense is a Class C misdemeanor. Enhances the offense to a: (1) Class A misdemeanor if the person has a prior unrelated conviction for the offense; or (2) Level 6 felony if the firearm is pointed at another person. Specifies: (1) a defense; and (2) certain notice requirements. Prohibits other defenses. Defines particular terms. Makes conforming amendments. Changes the minimum age required to carry a handgun to 21 years of age.