Sen. Jim Tomes

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 48) formally recognizes the link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide among military personnel and veterans. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of this critical issue affecting service members and veterans. The resolution was introduced by multiple senators and unanimously adopted in its first reading. It directly addresses the military and veteran communities by highlighting a recognized health concern.

Expands the eligibility requirements for admission to the Indiana Veterans' Home. Provides that the department of natural resources shall provide staff support for the Indiana semiquincentennial commission (commission). (Current law provides that the Indiana department of veterans' affairs provides staff support for the commission.) Adds a definition of an "eligible person" for purposes of administering grants for veteran services (GVS). Provides that a qualified entity may receive a GVS to provide certain services to support an eligible person. Makes changes to the qualifications to receive a veteran's burial allowance. Establishes the Medal of Honor license plate. Restores a provision of current law concerning certain disability ratings, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and educational cost exemptions. Provides that the disability ratings and educational cost exemptions apply to an individual whose parent enlisted in the armed forces after June 30, 2014 (instead of June 30, 2011). Updates references throughout the Indiana Code relating to the armed forces of the United States or uniformed services to include the United States Space Force. Changes references relating to military discharges. Makes technical changes to various references relating to the components of the armed forces of the United States. Makes technical corrections.

Repeals current home based vendor regulations. Provides that the Indiana department of health, a local unit of government, the health and hospital corporation of Marion County, or a local health department may not impose any rules, regulations, certifications, or licensing requirements on a small farm or home based vendor that are not required under federal law. Exempts public buildings used by small farms and home based vendors from certain public building regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 40) is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Bobby Pruett. It formally recognizes his service and contributions, likely in a military or civic capacity, though the resolution itself does not create new laws or affect any policies. The resolution was introduced by Senators Garten and Maxwell and adopted by the Senate on March 18, 2025, with numerous senators adding their support as co-authors. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Dr. David Bowden and was unanimously adopted by the Senate on March 17, 2025, with 37 senators coauthoring it. It recognizes Dr. Bowden's contributions but does not create any new laws or affect specific policies. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on constituents or legislation. The measure serves solely to acknowledge Dr. Bowden's service through formal Senate recognition.

Maddy summarySB 443 increases the exemption threshold for business personal property tax from $80,000 to $100,000. This means businesses purchasing equipment costing $100,000 or less will now qualify for the tax exemption, directly affecting small and medium-sized businesses that buy equipment within this range. The key provision adjusts the cost threshold at which the tax exemption applies, expanding coverage to more equipment purchases. The bill passed the House with 39 votes in favor and 7 against on February 13, 2025.

Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally operates a vehicle in: (1) a repeated or continuous manner with the intent of causing a rotational skid; and (2) a manner that endangers a person; commits dangerous spinning, a Class A misdemeanor. Provides that a person who, with the intent to obstruct traffic, operates a vehicle in (1) a repeated or continuous manner with the intent of causing a rotational skid; and (2) a manner that endangers a person; commits a Level 6 felony. Establishes a defense in certain circumstances. Specifies that a person may request specialized driving privileges at any time before the disposition of the case. Provides that a vehicle used by its owner to commit dangerous spinning or obstruction of traffic involving a rotational skid is subject to seizure for purposes of civil forfeiture. Makes conforming amendments.

Allows a taxpayer to claim a credit against state income tax liability for certain qualified railroad expenditures and qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures. Specifies the amount of the credit. Limits the total amount of credits that may be allowed in a state fiscal year to: (1) $10,000 for qualified railroad expenditures; and (2) $10,000 for qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures.

Establishes the 287(g) agreement grant program. Provides that a "287(g) agreement" refers to an agreement entered into under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Allows the department of homeland security to provide grants to assist certain local law enforcement authorities in entering into and carrying out law enforcement under a 287(g) agreement.

Maddy summaryHCR 27 is a symbolic resolution designating March 18, 2025, as "Indiana Senior Day" at the Indiana Statehouse. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group with policy changes; it simply recognizes seniors through a formal statehouse observance. The resolution has no funding requirements or regulatory mechanisms, as it is purely commemorative. This procedural bill has moved through initial readings but does not alter existing policies or obligations.