Sen. Rick Niemeyer

Provides that, subject to the approval of a county adopting body, a fire protection district or a qualified fire protection territory may apply for distributions of tax revenue. Provides that a township that provides fire protection or emergency medical services (other than a township in Marion County) may apply to a county adopting body for a distribution of tax revenue for public safety purposes. Requires the adopting body to conduct a public hearing to review and approve the application. Specifies the method for determining the amount of the distribution to the qualified township.

Provides that certain planned reductions in graduated tax imposed on the adjusted gross receipts received from riverboat gambling games take effect in state fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2023 (instead of June 30, 2021). Makes technical corrections.

Provides civil tort immunity for damages arising from COVID-19 on the premises owned or operated by a person, on any premises on which the person or an employee or agent of the person provided property or services to the individual, or during an activity managed, organized, or sponsored by the person, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct (including fraud and intentionally tortious acts). Defines "COVID-19 protective product" and provides civil tort immunity for harm that results from the design, manufacture, labeling, sale, distribution, or donation of a COVID-19 protective product, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct (including fraud and intentionally tortious acts). Prohibits class action suits.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION congratulating Lowell High School junior Karina James for winning the IHSAA Cross Country Championship.

Establishes a procedure for the general assembly to call itself into session at times not specifically scheduled in statute. Provides that: (1) the initial state of disaster emergency may not continue longer than 30 days following the initial date of the declaration; and (2) a state of disaster emergency may not be renewed or extended by the governor without the approval of the general assembly. Provides that if the governor calls a special session, the special session shall be limited only to consideration of the purpose for which the initial state of disaster emergency was declared.

Increases to 46 years of age the maximum age limit at which an individual may initially become a police officer or firefighter member of the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund (1977 fund).

Requires the department of environmental management, at least once per year, to conduct an onsite inspection of every concentrated animal feeding operation or "CAFO" (which, under the definition in federal regulations, is: (1) a large CAFO, at which more than 1,000 head of beef cattle, 700 dairy cows, 2,500 swine weighing more than 55 pounds, or 125,000 broiler chickens are confined onsite for more than 45 days during a year; (2) a medium CAFO, at which 300 to 999 head of beef cattle, 200 to 699 dairy cows, 750 to 2,499 swine weighing more than 55 pounds, or 37,500 to 124,999 broiler chickens are confined onsite for more than 45 days during a year, and from which pollutants are discharged directly or through a manmade device into waters of the United States; or (3) a small CAFO, at which fewer animals are confined than at a medium CAFO but which has been determined to be a significant contributor of pollutants to waters of the United States).

Provides that the supplemental county property tax levy in: (1) Lake County that is distributed to school corporations in Lake County; (2) Dearborn County that is distributed to school corporations in Dearborn County; and (3) Ripley County that is distributed to a school corporation located in both Ripley County and Dearborn County; expire January 1, 2022. Provides that after 2021, a school corporation in Lake County may impose a property tax levy for the school corporation's operations fund equal to the school corporation's distribution from the supplemental county property tax levy in Lake County in 2021. Provides that after 2021, a school corporation in Dearborn County (including a school corporation located in Dearborn County that also extends into Ripley County) may impose a property tax levy for the school corporation's operations fund equal to the school corporation's distribution from the supplemental county property tax levy in Dearborn County in 2021. Provides that the department of local government finance shall: (1) decrease the Lake County government's maximum permissible ad valorem property tax levy in 2022 by the amount of the property tax levy distributed to school corporations in Lake County in 2021; (2) decrease the Dearborn County government's maximum permissible ad valorem property tax levy in 2022 by the amount of the property tax levy distributed to school corporations in Dearborn County in 2021; and (3) decrease the Ripley County government's maximum permissible ad valorem property tax levy in 2022 by the amount of the property tax levy distributed to school corporations in Ripley County in 2021.

Prohibits the use of Class B firefighting foam containing an intentionally added PFAS chemical: (1) for training purposes; and (2) for testing purposes, unless the testing facility has implemented appropriate measures to prevent releases of the firefighting foam to the environment.

Provides that in order for the commission on Hispanic/Latino affairs to take action at a meeting, at least: (1) 11 members must be present; and (2) a majority of the members present at the meeting (instead a majority of members appointed to the commission) must vote in favor of the action.