Sen. Aaron Freeman

Increases the penalty for operating a motor vehicle containing passengers during the initial 180 day probationary period after issuance of a driver's license and permits license suspension for a violation. Allows a court to suspend the license of a person convicted of operating a motor vehicle after failing to take a prescribed medication.

Allows an employee who is reporting misconduct concerning the execution of a public contract to make an oral report or a report by electronic mail. (Current law requires that such a report be in writing.)

Removes schools and certain public libraries from the list of entities eligible for a specified defense to criminal prosecutions alleging: (1) the dissemination of material harmful to minors; or (2) a performance harmful to minors. Adds colleges and universities to the list of entities eligible for a specified defense to criminal prosecutions alleging: (1) the dissemination of material harmful to minors; or (2) a performance harmful to minors.

Urges the legislative council to assign to an interim study committee the topic of the administration of the Indianapolis Marion County police department.

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.

Amends the requirements for instruments and conveyances to be recorded. Adds instances in which an instrument is considered validly recorded for purposes of providing constructive notice. Defines certain terms.

Provides an annual salary increase for Indiana state police employees (peace officers), motor carrier inspectors, and capitol police officers. Provides that the increases are equal to 50% of the average annual salary percentage increase received by those state employees of the executive branch who are under a salary plan that is substantially similar to the salary matrix adopted by the state police board (board) for peace officers, motor carrier inspectors, and capitol police officers, respectively. However, provides that peace officers, motor carrier inspectors, and capitol police officers are not entitled to annual salary increases in a year in which those state employees of the executive branch who are under substantially similar salary plans did not receive increases. Requires the budget director to make the determination of those state employees of the executive branch who are under substantially similar salary plans and the average percentage amount of any salary increase those employees received, if any. Makes a technical correction.

Provides that in order for a precinct committeeman or a precinct vice committeeman (exercising the precinct committeeman's proxy) to participate in a caucus to fill a vacancy, the committeeman or vice committeeman must be entitled to vote for the office for which a successor is to be selected in the caucus. Specifies the manner in which to fill the vacancy if no precinct committeeman is entitled to vote. Makes a technical correction.

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.