Sen. Daryl Schmitt

Allows a principal or superintendent of a public school, including a charter school, to employ, or approve as a volunteer, a school chaplain if certain requirements are met. Allows a school chaplain to provide: (1) secular advice, guidance, and support services; and (2) nonsecular advice, guidance, and support services if certain conditions are met. Provides that, with exceptions, communications made by a student to a school chaplain are privileged and confidential.

Allows a local officeholder to take a leave of absence from office when the local officeholder: (1) is caring for a child after the birth of the child or placement of the child with the local officeholder for adoption or foster care; (2) is caring for a spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition; (3) has a serious health condition and is unable to perform the duties of the office; (4) is called into active duty in the armed forces of the United States or national guard; and (5) is eligible for qualifying exigency leave arising out of the fact that the local officeholder's spouse, child, or parent is ordered into active duty in the armed forces of the United States or national guard. Sets forth notice requirements. Provides that the local officeholder's office must be filled by a temporary appointment in the same manner as a vacancy created by a resignation is filled. Makes corresponding changes.

Provides that, if a county transfers or gifts any unencumbered funds to a school corporation, the county executive may establish a local board to have oversight and manage the use of the funds. Provides that the expenses of the local board shall be paid by the county.

Prohibits a county, city, or town (unit) from adopting or enforcing an ordinance that prevents a person from cultivating a vegetable garden on certain property. Allows a unit to adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that imposes the same standards and requirements as those imposed on certain property. Allows a unit to adopt ordinances and regulations regarding the keeping of livestock on property.

Requires a social media operator to restrict a minor user's viewing of social media without first obtaining verifiable parental consent for the minor user. Defines a "minor user" as an individual who is less than 16 years of age. Allows the attorney general to: (1) bring an action against a social media operator that fails to implement a verifiable parental consent method; and (2) issue a civil investigative demand if the attorney general has reasonable cause to believe that any person is engaged in a violation.

Provides that a recipient may appeal to the legislative body an enforcement action issued or taken by a local health officer under IC 16-20-1 in response to a food establishment inspection. Adds provisions concerning limited meat product sales. Prohibits a grocery store from selling, offering for sale, or distributing an alternative meat product misbranded as a meat product. Requires a food manufacturer to label alternative meat products as "THIS IS AN IMITATION MEAT PRODUCT".

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.

Reduces the period during which in person absentee voting may occur at the office of the circuit court clerk or a satellite office established by the county election board to a 14 day period ending at noon on the day before election day.

A SENATE RESOLUTION to honor the West Baden Renewal Project for its efforts in restoring the West Baden (Colored) First Baptist Church in West Baden Springs, Indiana.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SCR 14), not a policy bill. It formally honors Bella Bauer, founder of the Purple Project, for her advocacy work supporting children and teens with epilepsy. The resolution expresses legislative recognition of her contributions but does not create any new laws or affect any policies or individuals.