Urges the legislative council to assign to the appropriate interim study committee the topics of: (1) death sentences; (2) life imprisonment without the possibility of parole; and (3) circumstances justifying the imposition of: (A) a death sentence; or (B) life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Provides, with certain exceptions, that the following apply to annexations for which an annexation ordinance is adopted after May 14, 2021: (1) A municipality initiating an annexation must file a petition with the court signed by: (A) at least 51% of the owners of land that is not exempt from property taxes in the annexation territory; or (B) the owners of more than 75% in assessed valuation of land that is not exempt from property taxes in the annexation territory. (2) If the petition filed by the municipality has enough signatures, the court must hold a hearing to review the annexation. (3) Adds provisions regarding the validity of a signature on an annexation petition. (4) Eliminates the remonstrance procedure for annexations and reimbursement of remonstrator's attorney's fees and costs. (5) Provides that remonstrance waivers are void for annexations for which the annexation ordinance is adopted after May 14, 2021. (6) Provides that a settlement agreement in lieu of annexation that is executed after May 14, 2021, is void. (7) Eliminates provisions regarding the contiguity of a public highway. Eliminates provisions that prohibit an annexation from taking effect in the year preceding the year that a federal decennial census is conducted.
Provides civil tort immunity for damages arising from COVID-19 on the premises owned or operated by a person, on any premises on which the person or an employee or agent of the person provided property or services to the individual, or during an activity managed, organized, or sponsored by the person, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct (including fraud and intentionally tortious acts). Defines "COVID-19 protective product" and provides civil tort immunity for harm that results from the design, manufacture, labeling, sale, distribution, or donation of a COVID-19 protective product, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct (including fraud and intentionally tortious acts). Prohibits class action suits.
Establishes a new procedure for civil forfeiture, and treats seized property in which a person asserts an ownership interest differently from seized property that is abandoned or unclaimed. Permits seized property that is not abandoned or unclaimed to be forfeited to the state only if the person who owned or used the property has been convicted of a criminal offense. Establishes procedures by which a property owner may regain custody of seized property pending a final determination of the forfeiture action. Specifies which law enforcement costs are recoverable in a forfeiture action. Repeals a provision permitting the state to turn over seized property to the federal government. Makes conforming amendments and repeals an obsolete section.
Provides that an artisan distiller may sell liquor to a retailer or dealer that is located within 30 miles of the artisan distiller's distillery.
Establishes a procedure for the general assembly to call itself into session at times not specifically scheduled in statute. Provides that: (1) the initial state of disaster emergency may not continue longer than 30 days following the initial date of the declaration; and (2) a state of disaster emergency may not be renewed or extended by the governor without the approval of the general assembly. Provides that if the governor calls a special session, the special session shall be limited only to consideration of the purpose for which the initial state of disaster emergency was declared.
Renames the judicial nominating commission as the commission on judicial nominations and qualifications. Provides that one commission member is selected by attorneys licensed in Indiana, one commission member is appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, and one commission member is appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate. Requires that, of the three members appointed by the governor, at least one commission member must be an attorney. Prohibits a person who is a lobbyist from serving on the commission. Provides for the governor to fill a vacancy on the supreme court or the court of appeals from nominees recommended by the commission, subject to confirmation by the senate. Provides that a justice of the supreme court or a judge of the court of appeals serves until July 1 of the tenth year after the justice's or judge's appointment is confirmed by the senate or the justice's or judge's retention in office is confirmed by the house of representatives. Provides that if a justice or judge wants to serve a new term, the justice or judge must apply to the house of representatives for retention. Specifies that a judge or justice will be retained, unless: (1) the judge or justice does not apply to the house of representatives for retention; or (2) at least 60% of the members of the house of representatives vote against retention. Amends the provisions concerning impeachment proceedings for a justice or judge. Provides a transition for justices and judges serving at the time of the adoption of these amendments to the constitution. This proposed amendment has not been previously agreed to by a general assembly.
Provides that the true tax value of commercial real property used for retail purposes that is occupied by the original owner or by a tenant for which the improvement was built shall be determined by the cost approach for the first 10 years of occupancy of the property, less normal depreciation and normal obsolescence under the rules and guidelines of the department of local government finance. Provides that the taxpayer and the assessing official are required to participate in mandatory mediation of an appeal of an assessment of the commercial real property, instead of the preliminary informal meeting process under current law. Requires the county property tax assessment board of appeals (county board) to designate one member of the county board to serve as the mediator for the mediation conference, and specifies certain procedures that apply. Provides that, if a mandatory mediation conference is not held due to the failure of a party or the party's representative to appear, the county board's determination of the assessment may not be appealed to the Indiana board of tax review by the party that failed to appear at the mediation conference. Provides that a taxpayer shall (not may) enter into a written agreement with a redevelopment commission in which the taxpayer waives review of any assessment of the taxpayer's property in an allocation area during the term of any bond or lease obligations that are payable from allocated property taxes, unless the redevelopment commission waives the requirement in writing. Provides that a county fiscal body may adopt an ordinance to provide that the county assessor be reimbursed for legal costs (in addition to other specified costs under current law) incurred by the county assessor in defending an appeal that is uncommon and infrequent in the normal course of defending appeals.
Prohibits an employer from requiring, as a condition of employment, an employee or prospective employee to receive any immunization if the immunization is medically contraindicated for the employee or receiving the immunization is against the employee's religious beliefs or conscience. Allows for a civil action against an employer for a violation.
Provides that the licensed premises of a beer dealer, liquor dealer, or wine dealer that is a drug store may include the drug store parking lot or an area adjacent to the drug store, which may be used for the purpose of conveying alcoholic beverages and nonalcoholic items to a customer.
