Sen. Rodney Pol

Requires a unit to amend its zoning ordinance to specify the use, development standards, and findings of fact required to approve, deny, or make a recommendation on a special exception, special use, contingent use, conditional use, or use variance from the zoning ordinance with regard to a short term rental property. Provides that a property rented once during each of two consecutive years becomes ineligible for the standard homestead deduction.

Increases the amount of worker's compensation and worker's occupational diseases compensation benefits available under current law for injuries and disablements occurring on and after July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025, by: (1) 10% on and after July 1, 2025; (2) 6% on and after July 1, 2026; (3) 4% on and after July 1, 2027; (4) 4% on and after July 1, 2028; (5) 4% on and after July 1, 2029; and (6) 4% on and after July 1, 2030. (Under current law, the worker's compensation and worker's occupational diseases compensation benefits increase by 3% on and after July 1, 2025, relative to the amount for injuries and disablements occurring on and after July 1, 2024, and before July 1, 2025, and 3% on and after July 1, 2026, relative to the amount for injuries and disablements occurring on and after July 1, 2025, and before July 1, 2026.)

Prohibits the bureau of motor vehicles (BMV) from selling the personal information of an individual who: (1) is less than 21 years of age; (2) is 65 years of age or older; or (3) opts out of the sale of the individual's personal information. Prohibits a person to which the BMV provides such information from selling or disclosing the information (sales prohibition). Requires the BMV to provide an easily understandable and easily accessible means by which an individual may opt out of the sale of the individual's personal information. Permits the state board of finance, upon approval by the governor, to transfer funds to the BMV to offset a shortfall in funding for the BMV that occurs in a state fiscal year beginning before July 1, 2027, as a result of the sales prohibition.

Requires a court to specify how much of a settlement must be allocated against the tort claim act liability cap when: (1) the cap applies to two or more defendants; (2) one, but not all, of the defendants settle the case; and (3) the defendants have not agreed on the allocation of the claim.

Maddy summarySB 406 increases the maximum annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for local government pension funds supporting police officers and firefighters, raising the cap from 3% to 5%. This change directly affects current and future retirees in these professions who rely on pension benefits tied to inflation. The bill modifies the existing pension fund's funding rules to allow larger annual adjustments, aligning pension payments more closely with rising living costs. It does not create new benefits but adjusts the formula governing existing pension payments.

Provides that the superior court judges of Lake County are elected as are other superior court judges. Provides that the change to the election of a judge does not occur until the general election that occurs immediately before the expiration of the term of a judge sitting on the court under current law. Repeals superseded provisions.

Requires the driver education advisory board to consult with the commissioner of the bureau of motor vehicles (commissioner) and the state police department, and advise the commissioner in the administration of the policies of the commission and the bureau of motor vehicles (bureau) regarding driver education in: (1) the procedures of a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop; and (2) the actions a person should take during a traffic stop, including appropriate interaction with a law enforcement officer. Requires the bureau to include in any driver education manual published by the bureau the following: (1) A description of the procedures of a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop. (2) An explanation of the actions a person should take during a traffic stop, including appropriate interaction with a law enforcement officer. Provides that driver education curriculum must include instruction about actions to take during a traffic stop and the appropriate interaction with a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop.

Allows certain convicted persons who have a chronic medical condition or are terminally ill or gravely disabled to file a petition for sentence modification, without the consent of the prosecuting attorney. Defines "chronic medical condition" and "terminally ill or gravely disabled" for purposes of filing a petition for sentence modification. Specifies that a court may not, without the consent of the prosecuting attorney, reduce or suspend a convicted person's sentence: (1) that was not authorized by a plea agreement; or (2) that is below the sentence that the court was authorized to impose at the time of sentencing. Provides certain criteria that the court must consider when ruling on a petition for sentence modification. Allows the court to grant or deny a petitioner's request for sentence modification, summarily dismiss the petition, or hold a hearing.

Amends the definition of "wage credits". Specifies the rate for unemployment insurance benefits for initial claims filed by an individual who is totally unemployed for any week beginning after June 30, 2025. Specifies, for initial claims filed for any week beginning after June 30, 2025: (1) the maximum weekly benefit amount; and (2) an additional weekly benefit for eligible and qualified individuals with dependents.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 1) honoring Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch for her service upon her retirement. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a symbolic gesture recognizing her role. The resolution was introduced by Senators Bray and Yoder, adopted unanimously by voice vote on January 8, 2025, and has no binding effect or direct impact on constituents.