Sen. Eddie Melton

Requires the office of Medicaid policy and planning (office) to establish a program for northwest Indiana Medicaid recipients to enhance access to medical services closer to the recipient's residence with a priority on trauma care and pediatric services. Requires the office to submit a state plan amendment implementing enhanced access. Requires the office to review and analyze certain Medicaid reimbursement rates, statistics, and information concerning the Illinois Medicaid program in comparison to Indiana. Appropriates $20 million to northwest Indiana hospitals in state fiscal year 2024 for disproportionate share eligible hospitals that apply for funds to offset federal law changes in the disproportionate share program.

A SENATE RESOLUTION to honor Mary Lemieux for her years of service as a doorkeeper for the Indiana Senate.

A SENATE RESOLUTION honoring Senator Michael Griffin for his service to the Indiana Senate and the constituents of Senate District 1.

Allows a credit against a qualified taxpayer's state tax liability in an amount equal to either 25% or 30% of the qualified taxpayer's qualified expenses related to the rehabilitation of a qualified historic structure. Provides that, for a qualified taxpayer that is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the credit is equal to 30% of the qualified taxpayer's expenses. Provides that the credit is transferrable and may be carried forward for 10 years, but may not be carried back.

A SENATE RESOLUTION recognizing the humanitarian efforts of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for the Supporting Action For Emergency Responses (SAFER) Ukraine program.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring the late Governor Joe Kernan and urging the Indiana Department of Administration to place a memorial bust of Governor Kernan within the State Capitol.

Provides that a school corporation's required curriculum concerning the study of social studies and citizenship must include in each high school United States history course an enhanced study of: (1) the Holocaust; (2) Black History; and (3) the progress that the United States has made toward racial equality and integration. (Current law requires an enhanced study of the Holocaust.) Makes a technical correction.

Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply for an amendment to specified Medicaid waivers to increase reimbursement rates for services provided by direct care staff. Sets forth the manner in which the increased reimbursement may be expended and sets requirements on authorized service providers as a condition to retaining the additional reimbursement.

Establishes the blighted property demolition fund (fund). Provides that the Indiana housing and community development authority (authority) shall administer the fund. Allows the city of Gary (city) to apply to receive a grant from the fund to assist the city in paying the costs associated with demolishing a qualified property. Requires the department of state revenue to deposit, beginning after June 30, 2025, a portion of wagering tax revenue collected from a riverboat operating within the city in the fund.

Terminates the Gary Community School Corporation's (school corporation) status as a distressed political subdivision on June 30, 2024. Provides that the members of the governing body of the school corporation shall be elected at the municipal general election held on November 7, 2023, and take office upon taking the oath required by the Constitution of the State of Indiana not later than November 14, 2023. Requires the governing body to select a superintendent not later than February 1, 2024. Requires the emergency manager and chief financial officer to consistently inform the superintendent of the school corporation regarding the day to day operations of the school corporation. Requires the emergency manager to provide monthly financial and academic reports to the governing body. Provides that the current emergency manager's appointment terminates on June 30, 2024. Provides that the elected governing body assumes all powers, rights, duties, and obligations of the school corporation on July 1, 2024. Provides that, before the governing body sells real property, a building, or another structure owned by the school corporation, the governing body shall: (1) provide written notice to the mayor of the city of Gary at least 30 days before selling the real property, building, or other structure; and (2) provide public notice and hold at least one public hearing within the geographic boundaries of the school corporation to hear public testimony on the proposed sale. Transfers, not later than July 1, 2023, to the common school fund from the state general fund an amount sufficient to pay off all debts from advances and loans that were made to the school corporation from the common school fund. Removes or repeals provisions regarding the establishment and use of a school improvement fund.