Sen. Eddie Melton

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION remembering Dr. Walter "Jerry" Watkins.

Requires that the distressed unit appeal board (DUAB) hold a public hearing on the Gary Community School Corporation's current status as a distressed unit before December 31, 2022. Establishes the distressed political subdivision school improvement fund (fund). Provides that DUAB administers the fund. Provides that the following amount of money withheld from the distribution of state tuition support for common school fund obligations of a school corporation that has been designated a distressed political subdivision must be deposited in the fund: (1) For state fiscal years 2021 through 2023, 100% of the money that the state board of finance withholds from the distribution of state tuition support. (2) For state fiscal years 2024 through 2026, 75% of the money that the state board of finance withholds from the distribution of state tuition support. (3) For state fiscal years 2027 through 2030, 50% of the money that the state board of finance withholds from the distribution of state tuition support. Provides that the deposit of withheld state tuition support amounts into the fund ends July 1, 2030. Requires the state board of finance to extend the term of the common school fund obligations to account for the deposits into the fund. Provides that a school corporation that has been designated as a distressed political subdivision may submit a request to DUAB for money from the fund for projects approved by the DUAB after recommendations from the mayor of the city in which the school corporation is located. Provides that the governing body of a school corporation may enter into a public-private agreement for the construction of new school buildings after review of the agreement by the budget committee. Provides that, if the Gary community school corporation sells real property, a building, or other structure owned by the school corporation, the proceeds from the sale must be deposited into the fund.

Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the task of studying pregnancy and childbirth accommodations and the fiscal impact on businesses within Indiana.

Establishes the healthy food financing fund (fund) and healthy food financing program (program) under the administration of the Indiana housing and community development authority (IHCDA). Provides that the purpose of the fund is to provide financing in the form of loans or grants for projects that increase the availability of fresh and nutritious food in underserved communities. Defines an "underserved community" as a census tract determined to be an area with low supermarket access: (1) by the United States Department of Agriculture; or (2) as identified through a methodology used by another healthy food initiative. Provides that the IHCDA may contract with one or more nonprofit organizations or community development financial institutions to administer the program through a public-private partnership. Provides that an applicant for a grant or a loan must demonstrate the capacity to successfully implement the project and the ability to repay the loan. Provides that an applicant for a grant or a loan must agree to satisfy certain conditions. Requires the IHCDA to monitor projects receiving financing and submit a report annually to the legislative council that includes the number and types of jobs created, and the health initiatives associated with the program.

Prohibits billing a patient who receives emergency services: (1) from an out of network provider; and (2) at specified facilities that are in network; for amounts that exceed the cost paid by the patient's insurance plus any deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance amounts. Requires certain health care providers to provide, upon request from the patient, a good faith estimate to the patient for the cost of care at least five business days before a health care service or procedure is provided. Sets forth requirements of the good faith estimate. Requires the patient to acknowledge in writing receipt of the estimate and indicate whether to proceed with the service or procedure.

Requires testing of the drinking water in every school building in Lake County at least once in each period of two calendar years to determine whether the drinking water exceeds the lead action level for drinking water established by regulations of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Allows the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply for a Medicaid state plan amendment to allow school corporations to seek Medicaid reimbursement for medically necessary, school-based Medicaid covered services that are provided under federal or state mandates. Specifies possible services for Medicaid reimbursement. Adds physical therapy to the list of services a school psychologist may refer a student. Allows a school psychologist to make referrals to physical therapists for mandated school services.

Declares that, absent any authorized legislative conveyance before February 14, 2018, the state of Indiana owns all of Lake Michigan within the boundaries of Indiana in trust for the use and enjoyment of all citizens of Indiana. Provides that an owner of land that borders Lake Michigan does not have the exclusive right to use the water or land below the ordinary high water mark of Lake Michigan. Declares that the citizens of Indiana have a vested right to: (1) enjoy the natural scenic beauty of Lake Michigan; (2) enjoy and use the natural resources of Lake Michigan; and (3) use Lake Michigan for recreational purposes. Authorizes the department of natural resources to adopt rules to identify the location of the ordinary high water mark on the land adjoining the waters of Lake Michigan for purposes of administering the navigable waterways law.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring Beverly Brown upon her retirement from the Indiana Senate.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring Indiana University in recognition of its Bicentennial Anniversary on January 20, 2020.