Sen. Gary Byrne

A SENATE RESOLUTION memorializing Master Trooper James R. Bailey.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the National FFA Organization and the Indiana FFA Association for exemplary work in the advancement of agricultural education in Indiana and across the country.

Establishes a procedure: (1) to allow a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in a school to submit a complaint that a book in the school library is inappropriate; and (2) for the school to respond to the complaint. Establishes an appeal procedure. Provides that a school library may not make a book available that contains obscene matter or matters harmful to children. Removes schools 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.

Requires the governor to administer a program under which historical murals depicting milestones in Indiana's history as a territory and a state will be created and permanently displayed in prominent places around the state capitol campus in celebration of the 2026 semiquincentennial of the United States. Provides that the governor shall consult with specified individuals concerning the selection of historical murals for placement around the state capitol campus, at least one of whom must be an individual from a minority group. Empowers the governor, in collaboration with the department of administration, to decide the number and size of the historical murals, the locations where the historical murals will be displayed, the milestones of Indiana history to be depicted, and the design and terms of the competitive process through which artists will be chosen to create the historical murals. Specifies that the department of administration shall do the following: (1) Determine the manner by which a mural is displayed. (2) Provide for the mural's maintenance and upkeep. (3) Ensure that each label or plaque that will be fixed on or near each historical mural is accessible to an individual who has a vision impairment or a hearing impairment.

Enacts an article concerning the retail sale of dogs. Provides that restrictions on ordinances concerning the retail sale of dogs do not apply to a city or incorporated town that adopts an ordinance before January 1, 2023. Defines a "hobby breeder". Provides that restrictions on the retail sale of dogs apply to certain cities and incorporated towns. Defines a "kennel" to include an establishment that is liable for the payment of a county option dog tax.

Excepts an alley from the maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour. Increases the maximum speed limit for a vehicle having a declared gross weight greater than 26,000 pounds from 65 miles per hour to 70 miles per hour when the vehicle is operated on a highway that is: (1) on the national system of interstate and defense highways located outside an urbanized area with a population of at least 50,000; or (2) the responsibility of the Indiana finance authority.

Provides that if the county executive of a county determines that the maximum speed permitted is greater or less than reasonable and safe under the conditions found to exist on a street or highway, or part of a street or highway, under the jurisdiction of the county, the county executive may determine and declare a reasonable and safe maximum limit on the street or highway, or part of the street or highway, without performing an engineering and traffic investigation. Provides that the maximum limit declared by the county executive may decrease the limit on the street or highway in the county, or part of the street or highway in the county, but not to less than 35 miles per hour.

Legalizes the action of the county commissioners of Washington County dissolving the town of Hardinsburg. Repeals an 1893 act that legalized the incorporation of the town of Hardinsburg.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION honoring Indiana 4-H and recognizing February 7, 2023, as Indiana 4-H Day at the Statehouse.

Provides that for school board offices, each candidate's affiliation with a political party or status as an independent candidate must be stated on the ballot. Standardizes language relating to what events cause a vacancy on the governing body of a school corporation and the method by which a vacancy is filled. Repeals superseded statutes.