Photo of Eric Bassler
R Indiana Senate · District 39

Sen. Eric Bassler

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Total votes
2,574
all sessions
Attendance
88%
314 missed
Lower than 99% of chamber peers
With party
91%
of cast votes
Lower than 79% of chamber peers
Bipartisan score
5%
crosses aisle rarely
Higher than 84% of chamber peers
Sponsored
486
bills & resolutions
Lower than 97% of chamber peers
Committees
4
assignments
486 bills and resolutions

Sponsored bills

Total
486
Primary
136
Co-sponsor
350
This page
486
matching current filters
Primary SB 294
In committee · Indiana Senate · Lead sponsor
Medical cannabis.

After marijuana is removed as a federal schedule I controlled substance, permits the use of cannabis by a person with a serious medical condition as determined by the person's physician. Establishes a cannabis program (program) to permit the cultivation, processing, testing, transportation, and sale of cannabis by holders of a valid permit. Establishes the Indiana cannabis commission (ICC) as a state agency to oversee, implement, and enforce the program, and establishes the ICC advisory committee to review the effectiveness of the program. Requires that permit holders take steps to prevent diversion of cannabis to unauthorized persons. Requires that cannabis and cannabis products be properly labeled, placed in child resistant packaging, and tested by an independent testing laboratory before being made available for purchase. Prohibits packaging cannabis in a manner that is appealing to children. Authorizes research on cannabis in accordance with rules set forth by the ICC. Establishes a procedure for the expungement of a cannabis related conviction if the act constituting the conviction becomes legal. Makes conforming amendments.

In committee Jan 22, 2024 0 co-sponsors
Co-sponsor SB 138
In committee · Indiana Senate · Co-sponsor
Driving privilege cards.

Provides that an individual who is an Indiana resident and cannot provide proof of identity and lawful status in the United States may apply for a driving privilege card to obtain driving privileges. Sets forth the requirements to obtain a driving privilege card. Provides that a driving privilege card may not be used as identification for any state or federal purpose (other than to confer driving privileges), for the purpose of voting, or to verify employment. Requires an individual who holds a driving privilege card and operates a motor vehicle to verify and continuously maintain financial responsibility on any motor vehicle operated by the individual who holds the driving privilege card in the amount required by law. Provides that the bureau of motor vehicles may not disclose certain information unless presented with a lawful court order or judicial warrant. Requires an applicant for a driving privilege card or driving privilege card renewal to sign up for selective service. Requires the bureau of motor vehicles to submit an annual report to the legislative council and the interim study committee on roads and transportation. Makes conforming amendments. Makes technical corrections.

In committee Jan 22, 2024 1 co-sponsor
Primary SB 265
In committee · Indiana Senate · Lead sponsor
Elimination of property tax on homesteads.

Changes the credit for excessive property taxes for homesteads from the amount by which a person's property tax liability attributable to the person's homestead exceeds 1% of the gross assessed value of the property that is the basis for determination of property taxes for the calendar year to an amount equal to the person's property tax liability attributable to the person's homestead. Excludes from the credit any portion of a person's property tax liability that was approved by voters in a referendum and that would not ordinarily be subject to a credit for excessive property taxes. Allows a county's adopting body to adjust the tax rate imposed on the adjusted gross income of local taxpayers in the county based on the actual property taxes that were due and payable during 2024 to compensate for the amount of any tax revenue shortfall incurred as a result of the reduction in tax revenue attributable to the increase in the credit amount. For years beginning after December 31, 2024, requires the department of local government finance (department) to, before July 1 of the year in which property taxes are first due and payable, estimate the amount of any tax revenue shortfall incurred by the county in the year in which the property taxes are first due and payable as a result of the reduction in tax revenue attributable to the increase in the credit amount. For years beginning after December 31, 2024, allows a county's adopting body to adjust the tax rate imposed on the adjusted gross income of local taxpayers in the county in accordance with the estimate to compensate for the amount of any property tax revenue shortfall incurred by the county in the year in which the property taxes are first due and payable as a result of the reduction in tax revenue attributable to the increase in the credit amount. Provides that the maximum tax rate that may be imposed on the adjusted gross income of local taxpayers in a county after an adjustment may not exceed 2.9% in addition to: (1) the maximum allowed property tax relief rate in the county; (2) the maximum allowed local income tax expenditure rate in the county; and (3) the maximum allowed special purpose tax rate in the county. Provides that a county's adopting body, at its discretion, may increase the adjustment by an additional rate of 0.25%. Requires the revenue collected as a result of the adjustment to the tax rate imposed on the adjusted gross income of local taxpayers in the county to be treated as property taxes for all purposes. Requires the department to approve, in a manner determined by the department, the estimate, the corresponding adjustment, and the use of the revenue for each county. Increases, from $3,000 to $9,000, the amount an individual who rents a dwelling for use as the individual's principal place of residence may deduct from the individual's adjusted gross income. Makes conforming changes.

In committee Jan 16, 2024 0 co-sponsors
Co-sponsor SB 296
In committee · Indiana Senate · Co-sponsor
Administrative proceedings.

Provides that the office of administrative legal proceedings (OALP) is the ultimate authority for agencies subject to the jurisdiction of the OALP. Provides that a court conducting a judicial review hearing shall review questions of law and fact de novo. Makes conforming amendments.

In committee Jan 16, 2024 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor SB 1
Signed into law · Indiana Senate · Co-sponsor
Behavioral health matters.

Provides that, subject to certain procedures and requirements, the office of the secretary of family and social services may apply to the United States Department of Health and Human Services: (1) for a Medicaid state plan amendment, a waiver, or an amendment to an existing waiver to require reimbursement for eligible certified community behavioral health clinic services; or (2) to participate in the expansion of a community mental health services demonstration program. Requires the division of mental health and addiction to establish and maintain a help line: (1) to provide confidential emotional support and referrals to certain resources to individuals who call the help line; and (2) that is accessible by calling a toll free telephone number. Establishes the Indiana behavioral health commission (commission) and sets forth the commission's membership. Changes the name of the "9-8-8 crisis hotline center" to "9-8-8 crisis response center". Makes conforming changes.

Signed into law May 4, 2023 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor SB 4
Signed into law · Indiana Senate · Co-sponsor
Public health commission.

Defines "core public health services" for purposes of public health laws. Adds members to the executive board of the Indiana department of health (state department). Removes a provision allowing the state department to establish branch offices. Provides that the state department may provide services to local health departments. Requires each local board of health to establish a local public health services fund to receive state funding. Provides a method of allocation of state funding to local boards of health, subject to state appropriations. Specifies the percentage of how additional funding may be expended on core public health services. Allows the local health department to enter into contracts or approve grants for core public health services. Allows the state department to issue guidance to local health departments. Requires the state department to make annual local health department reports available to the public. Changes the qualification requirements for a local health officer and requires certain training. Requires the state department to identify state level metrics and county level metrics and requires certain local health departments to report to the state department activities and metrics on the delivery of core public health services. Requires the state department to annually report on the metrics to the budget committee and publish information concerning the metrics on the Internet. Requires that a local health department post a position or contract for the provision or administration of core public health services for at least 30 days. Requires a local health department to provide certain education before administering a vaccine. Requires a multiple county health department to maintain at least one physical office in each represented county. Provides that a new city health department cannot be created after December 31, 2022, but allows current city health departments to continue to operate. Creates the Indiana trauma care commission. Allows a school corporation that cannot obtain an ophthalmologist or optometrist to perform the modified clinical technique vision test to conduct certain specified vision screenings. Requires the school to send to the parent of a student any recommendation for further testing by the vision screener. Allows for standing orders to be used for emergency stock medication in schools. Allows the state health commissioner or designee to issue a statewide standing order, prescription, or protocol for emergency stock medication for schools. Removes the distance requirement for an access practice dentist to provide communication with a dental hygienist. Repeals provisions concerning the Indiana local health department trust account.

Signed into law May 4, 2023 1 co-sponsor
Co-sponsor SB 486
Signed into law · Indiana Senate · Co-sponsor
Education matters.

Repeals teacher training requirements regarding: (1) criminal gang organizations awareness; (2) certain information concerning homeless students; and (3) recognizing the signs and symptoms of seizures and the appropriate steps to be taken to respond to the symptoms; and requires that information concerning these subjects be included within the curriculum of teacher preparation programs. Provides that the department of education (department) may establish or license for use an online platform to provide information and training concerning these and other subjects. Removes certain requirements regarding annual performance evaluation plans for certificated employees, including: (1) certain content requirements; and (2) certain requirements that a plan be discussed. Amends requirements to be considered a probationary teacher and professional teacher. Provides that, after a school corporation has assigned an evaluator to perform a certificated employee's evaluation, the certificated employee may request the school corporation to assign another evaluator. Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the task of studying current school assessments in an effort to reduce and streamline assessments for Indiana students. Removes a provision that requires a school employer to discuss certain items with the exclusive representative of certificated employees and provides that a school employer may discuss: (1) with a certificated employee or group of certificated employees; or (2) at one or more meetings that are open to all certificated employees; any topic that significantly impacts a certificated employee's working conditions or impacts the educational quality of the school employer's students. Repeals provisions concerning: (1) requirements regarding the adoption of model evaluation plans and an approval process for the plans; (2) the obligation to discuss certain items not requiring either party to enter into a contract, agree to a proposal, or make a concession; and (3) the definition of "discuss" for purposes of the collective bargaining provisions.

Signed into law May 4, 2023 1 co-sponsor
Primary SB 458
Signed into law · Indiana Senate · Lead sponsor
Money transmitters.

Effective January 1, 2024, repeals the Indiana Code chapter governing the licensing and regulation of money transmitters by the department of financial institutions (department). Adds to the Indiana Code a new chapter codifying the Money Transmission Modernization Act (Act), to take effect January 1, 2024, and to be administered by the division of consumer credit within the department. Sets forth provisions contained in the Act that address the following: (1) Purposes of the Act. (2) Definitions of terms. (3) Exemptions from the Act's requirements. (4) The supervisory authority of the department under the Act. (5) The licensing of money transmitters. (6) The acquisition of control of a licensee. (7) Reporting and records requirements. (8) Authorized delegates of licensees. (9) Refunds of, and receipts for, money received for transmission. (10) Prudential standards for licensees. (11) The enforcement authority of the department. (12) The application of the Act to licensees that have been issued a license under the current statute. (13) Criminal penalties. Makes conforming references to provisions in the Indiana Code that cite the current money transmission statute.

Signed into law May 4, 2023 0 co-sponsors
Primary HB 1382
Signed into law · Indiana House · Lead sponsor
Robotics programs.

Establishes the robotics competition program to provide grants to eligible robotics competition teams (eligible teams) in order to expand opportunities to increase interest and improve skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through participation in competitive robotics programs. Provides a procedure for eligible teams to apply to the department of education (department) to receive a grant. Establishes the robotics competition program fund. Provides that the department shall establish guidelines to: (1) award grants to eligible teams for allowable expenses; and (2) accommodate the participation of students with disabilities on eligible teams or in robotics competitions.

Signed into law May 4, 2023 0 co-sponsors
Primary HB 1454
Signed into law · Indiana House · Lead sponsor
Department of local government finance.

Provides that the term of any judgment funding bond with regard to either: (1) the city of Hobart; or (2) the Merrillville Community School Corporation; issued for the purpose of paying a property tax judgment rendered against Lake County for assessment year 2011, 2012, 2013, or 2014 shall be 25 years. Changes the sunset date for the procedure for selling certain bonds to July 1, 2025, and makes corresponding changes. Adds nonprofit building corporations created by a municipal corporation to a provision concerning the purchase of municipal securities by the treasurer of state and provides that such a security must have a stated final maturity of not more than 25 years after the date of purchase. Specifies expenses eligible for funding from the READI fund. Prohibits the department of local government finance from approving a county reassessment plan before the assessor provides verification that the land values determination has been completed. Removes language from a statute allowing a taxpayer to elect a special property tax valuation method for mini-mill equipment that prohibited the election if any outstanding bond obligations would be impaired as a result of the election. Requires an assessor determining land values to submit the values to the county property tax assessment board of appeals (PTABOA) and the department. Establishes procedures for rental property assessment appeals. Makes changes to a provision granting a property tax exemption to cemetery owners. Requires the land of controlled environment agriculture property to be classified and assessed as agricultural and the improvements to be classified and assessed as an agricultural greenhouse for property tax assessment. Prohibits a PTABOA determination of assessed value following a hearing that exceeds the original appealed assessed value at issue. Provides that a qualified taxing unit located in Lake County that has experienced a property tax revenue shortfall in one or more tax years: (1) resulting from erroneous assessed valuation figures; and (2) which was, or will be, at least $5,000,000, or 20% of its net tax levy, as a result of the erroneous assessed valuation amount; may apply to the treasurer for a loan from the counter-cyclical revenue and economic stabilization fund. Describes procedures, limitations, and uses for such loans. Limits the amount of loans to all qualified taxing units to $35,000,000. Prescribes a formula for determining a population growth of 150% for purposes of the exclusion from maximum ad valorem property tax levy limits for municipalities that meet specified criteria. Makes changes to statutes concerning maximum property tax levies for: (1) Sugar Creek Township Fire Protection District; and (2) Otter Creek Township. Amends an exclusion from the definition of "controlled project" for projects required by a court order. Extends through 2026 the authority for certain school corporations to allocate circuit breaker credits proportionately but imposes limitations with respect to school corporation eligibility to allocate such credits. Repeals the provision establishing the division of data analysis of the department. Prohibits a county auditor from denying an application for a standard deduction for a homestead because the applicant does not have a valid driver's license with the address of the homestead property. Provides that when a county auditor submits a certified statement of assessed value to the department, the county auditor shall exclude the amount of assessed value for any property located in the county for which an appeal has been filed and for which there is no final disposition. Provides that a county auditor may appeal to the department to include the amount of assessed value under appeal within a taxing district for that calendar year. Provides for the expiration of certain supplemental county property tax levy provisions on the later of: (1) January 1, 2045; or (2) the date on which all bonds or lease agreements outstanding on July 1, 2023, for which a pledge of tax revenue is completely paid. Imposes reporting and publication requirements for those bonds and leases. Removes the requirement that a PTABOA quorum must include at least one certified level two or level three assessor-appraiser. Prescribes additional duties for the department. Provides that the distressed unit appeal board (DUAB) may employ staff (instead of an executive director). Provides that the department may (instead of shall) support the DUAB's duties using money from the department's budget funding. Repeals provisions requiring the DUAB to pay the emergency manager's compensation and to reimburse the emergency manager for actual and necessary expenses. Repeals the fiscal and qualitative indicators committee (committee). Replaces references to the committee with references to the DUAB. Provides that, in the assessment of tangible property, confidential information may be disclosed to an official or employee of a county assessor or auditor. Provides that the required annual visit between a representative of the department and each county may take place virtually. Requires a township or county assessor to document any changes made to the parcel characteristics of real property from the previous year's assessment in an assessment of the real property. Provides that a township may elect to establish a township firefighting fund and a township emergency services fund in lieu of the township firefighting and emergency services fund. Provides that the excess of the proceeds of the property taxes attributable to an increase in the property tax rate for a participating unit of a fire protection territory that is established after the establishment of a tax increment financing area located outside of Marion County shall be allocated to and distributed in the form of an allocated property tax revenue pass back to the participating unit of the fire protection territory and not to the redevelopment district. Provides that the fiscal body of a county may adopt an ordinance to establish a property tax amnesty program and require a waiver of interest and penalties added before January 1, 2023, on delinquent taxes and special assessments on real property in the county if certain conditions are met. Amends provisions excluding the part of a participating unit's proceeds of property taxes imposed in certain tax increment finance areas for an assessment date with respect to which the allocation and distribution is made that are attributable to property taxes imposed to meet the participating unit's obligations to a fire protection territory. Reduces the fee, from 15% to 10%, that the department of state revenue may charge a debtor for any debts collected as a collection fee for the department's services, not including local collection assistance fees. Establishes a tax credit for an eligible taxpayer that employs certain individuals with a disability. Provides that contributions to a 529 college savings account or 529A ABLE account made after December 31, 2023, shall be considered as having been made during the taxable year preceding the contribution if certain conditions are met. Beginning in taxable year 2024, allows the Indiana economic development corporation to award a qualified taxpayer a historic rehabilitation tax credit equal to 25% or 30% of the qualified expenditures incurred in the restoration and preservation of a qualified historic structure, depending on the type of historic structure. Provides a maximum tax rate that a county fiscal body may impose for correctional facilities and rehabilitation facilities. Provides that part of the tax revenue that is allocated to public safety may be distributed to certain township fire departments, volunteer fire departments, fire protection territories, or fire protection districts. Provides that the difference between the amount of special fuel purchased by a compressed natural gas product fuel station and the amount of compressed natural gas product produced and sold by the compressed natural gas product fuel station is exempt from the special fuel tax. Imposes taxes on the distribution of cigars. Requires each local unit that imposes a food and beverage tax to annually report information concerning distributions and expenditures of amounts received from the food and beverage tax. Provides that food and beverage taxes currently authorized under IC 6-9 and that do not otherwise contain an expiration date (other than the stadium and convention building authority food and beverage tax and the historic hotels food and beverage tax) shall expire on the later of: (1) January 1, 2045; or (2) the date on which all bonds or lease agreements outstanding on May 7, 2023, are completely paid. Requires each local unit that imposes a food and beverage tax that is subject to the expiration to provide to the state board of accounts a list of each bond or lease agreement outstanding on May 7, 2023, and the date on which each will be completely paid. Requires Monroe County and the city of Bloomington to each develop a written plan before December 1 of each year that includes certain information related to the use of food and beverage tax funds. Specifies that the written plan must be submitted to the department of local government finance and be made available on the gateway website within 30 days of submission. Requires the county and the city to spend money from the applicable food and beverage tax receipts fund before July 1, 2025. Provides that if the county and city do not spend money from the applicable food and beverage tax receipts fund as specified, the ordinance to impose the food and beverage tax is void and food and beverage tax revenue may not be collected. Provides that Monroe County may not adopt a new food and beverage tax ordinance after June 30, 2025. Authorizes the following municipalities to impose a food and beverage tax: (1) The city of Columbia City. (2) The town of Merrillville. (3) The city of Jasper. Authorizes Decatur County to impose a food and beverage tax. Makes certain changes regarding the distribution of revenue from the Tippecanoe County innkeeper's tax. Authorizes Parke County to impose its innkeeper's tax at a rate of 8% under the uniform innkeeper's tax statute (instead of 5% under current law). Authorizes Hamilton County to impose an innkeeper's tax under a separate innkeeper's tax statute at a rate of not more than 8% (rather than 5% under the uniform county innkeeper's tax). Requires notice if a county adopting body makes any fiscal decision that has a financial impact to an underlying local taxing unit or adopts an ordinance to reallocate revenue received from a local income tax. Specifies a statute of limitations for certain property tax appeals based on a claim of error in determining whether the property is or is not eligible for a standard homestead deduction. Makes changes to the timing for certain property tax appeals. Extends the sunset of the current calculation and allocation of certified shares among civil taxing units in Hamilton County from 2024 to 2026 and modifies the city of Carmel's certified shares determination under the calculation. Clarifies the term "video service". Modifies a provision concerning county membership on the governing and advisory boards of a community mental health center. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, an "eligible individual" for purposes of the achieving a better life experience (ABLE) program means an individual who during a taxable year: (1) is entitled to benefits based on blindness or disability under Title II or Title XVI of the federal Social Security Act and the blindness or disability occurred before the individual became 46 years of age (rather than 26 years of age under current law); or (2) has a disability certification that has been filed as set forth in Section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code. Increases amounts for which state educational institutions and school corporations may award contracts. Makes changes to the geothermal device deduction. Removes provisions that require a county to meet certain qualifications before it is authorized to adopt an emergency medical services local income tax rate. Provides that if the sale price of distressed property exceeds $50,000, a redevelopment commission must obtain two independent appraisals before purchasing the property. Provides (beginning on or after January 1, 2024) that the legislative body of a town that has a mayor as a result of a reorganization may hire or contract with competent attorneys and legal research assistants on terms it considers appropriate. Repeals a statute requiring the county recorder to provide to the county auditor a list of recorded mortgage releases. Makes changes to various definitions in the Indiana Code chapter concerning rail transit development districts and makes a corresponding change to the local income tax increment fund. Changes the dates on which the department of state revenue determines base period amounts and increment revenue for the purpose of the Indiana Code chapter concerning rail transit development districts and allows the state department (if necessary) to redetermine base period amounts and increment revenue. Removes language under current law relating to salaries of the members of a flood control board who hold a lucrative office. Provides that a political subdivision may not inspect a rental unit or impose a fee pertaining to the inspection of a rental unit, if the rental unit, in addition to meeting certain other requirements, provides a written report that the rental property has been inspected or that a sample of the rental community has been inspected if the sample size complies with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's Rural Development for Real Estate Assessment Center inspections. Allows the county legislative body of a county in which a fire protection district includes all of the incorporated and unincorporated area of the county to adopt an ordinance to establish a nine member fire protection district governing board (governing board). Provides that on the date set forth in the ordinance establishing the governing board: (1) the governing board has the powers and duties of the board of fire trustees; and (2) the board of fire trustees acts solely as an advisory body to the governing board. Provides that the president and vice president of a redevelopment commission shall not have the same appointing authority. Expires on June 30, 2027, the amended changes made to the residential housing development program statute by the general assembly in the 2023 session or subsequent session, and on July 1, 2027, reinstates the residential housing development program statute as it appears in current law. Expires on June 30, 2027, the provisions added in HEA 1157 for a residential housing program in Marion County. Specifies information reporting requirements regarding residential housing development programs. Allows a redevelopment commission to expend revenues from a tax increment financing district that are allocated for police and fire services on both capital expenditures and operating expenses. Requires a redevelopment commission to provide an annual spending plan listing planned expenditures for the next calendar year. Provides that, for 2023, an ordinance or resolution to establish or expand a fire protection territory is adopted after the legislative body holds at least three public hearings to receive public comment on the proposed ordinance or resolution in which: (1) at least one public hearing must be held at least 25 days before the legislative body votes on the adoption of the ordinance or resolution; and (2) at least two additional public hearings must be held not later than five days before the legislative body votes on the adoption of the ordinance or resolution. Provides a property tax exemption for certain continuing care retirement communities or licensed health care facilities for taxes first due and payable in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Authorizes the emergency manager for the Gary school corporation to make a one-time transfer of non-federal dollars to any school corporation fund. Provides certain interest wavier provisions for weather related disaster events. Makes certain changes and technical corrections to provisions contained in SEA 2 (P.L.1-2023) (Taxation of pass through entities) and SEA 271 (Certified technology parks). Resolves a conflict with SEA 325, SECTION 2 (IC 6-1.1-12-37). Makes conforming changes and resolves other conflicts. Resolves a conflict with SEA 327 and HEA 1492 (IC 20-40-2-10). Resolves a conflict with HEA 1016 (IC 36-8-11-15). Makes certain changes to broadband service speed provisions. Provides that trailers with a declared gross vehicle weight of 3,000 pounds or less that are registered or renewed after December 31, 2023, are excluded from the following taxes beginning after December 31, 2023: (1) motor vehicle excise tax; (2) county vehicle excise tax; and (3) municipal vehicle excise tax.

Signed into law May 4, 2023 0 co-sponsors
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