Sen. Jeff Raatz

Authorizes the Indiana destination development corporation (corporation) to employ a music commissioner. Authorizes the corporation to establish a music production incentive program. Requires the corporation, in coordination with the office of management and budget, to provide a report to the interim study committee on fiscal policy concerning: (1) music production incentives offered in other states; and (2) a recommendation on the type of incentive that should be offered in Indiana.

Provides that, subject to the approval of a county adopting body, a fire protection district or a qualified fire protection territory may apply for distributions of tax revenue. Provides that a township that provides fire protection or emergency medical services (other than a township in Marion County) may apply to a county adopting body for a distribution of tax revenue for public safety purposes. Requires the adopting body to conduct a public hearing to review and approve the application. Specifies the method for determining the amount of the distribution to the qualified township.

Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate study committee the task of studying requirements regarding the first day of school dates and school calendars.

Removes the topic of the department of education's responsibility for licensing teachers from the list of statutes that the legislative council is urged to assign to a study committee during the 2021 legislative interim. Removes the topic of high ability students (including high ability curriculum) from the list of statutes that the legislative council is urged to assign to a study committee during the 2021 legislative interim. Adds certain education topics to the list of statutes that the legislative council is urged to assign to a study committee during the 2023 legislative interim. Removes an expired proposed study topic.

Reduces the required percentage amount of the motor vehicle highway account distributions that counties, cities, and towns must use for the construction, reconstruction, and preservation of highways from 50% in current law to 40% in calendar years beginning January 1, 2022, and ending December 31, 2023. Provides that, for a period in which the reduction applies, the term "preservation" includes both snow removal and expenditures for deicing road salt or similar deicing agents. Requires counties, cities, and towns that apply the reduced required percentage amounts authorized under the bill to submit to the local technical assistance program at Purdue University in conjunction with the Indiana department of transportation (LTAP) a detailed itemization of the uses of the funds in the calendar year that were for: (1) purposes other than construction, reconstruction, and preservation; and (2) preservation that included only snow removal and expenditures for deicing road salt or similar deicing agents. Requires the LTAP to present a statewide aggregate report of the results received from counties, cities, and towns to the state budget committee for each year.

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 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.

Provides that the bureau of motor vehicles shall place an identifying symbol on certain driver's licenses, permits, and identification cards to indicate the use of a service animal due to a person's disability.

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.

Requires the family and social services administration, the department of education, the commission for higher education, and the professional licensing agency to include the following questions in an application for a benefit, financial assistance, a service, or a professional credential: (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.