Sen. Brian Buchanan

Authorizes the governing body of a charter school to establish a charter school building fund (fund) for the purpose of accepting charitable contributions to be used to fund one or more capital projects of the charter school. Provides an individual adjusted gross income tax credit for contribution to a fund equal to 50% of the aggregate amount of charitable contributions made by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Caps the total amount of tax credits provided at $10,000,000.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the ongoing military efforts of the USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) and its crew.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the ongoing military efforts of the USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) and its crew.

A SENATE RESOLUTION memorializing Senator Jack Sandlin.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing South Bend Police Officer Brian Meador.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing South Bend Police Officer Brian Meador.

A SENATE RESOLUTION to honor Senator Eddie Melton upon his retirement from the Indiana Senate.

Provides that the office of administrative legal proceedings (OALP) is the ultimate authority for agencies subject to the jurisdiction of the OALP. Provides that a court conducting a judicial review hearing shall review questions of law and fact de novo. Makes conforming amendments.

Defines "teacher" for the next generation Hoosier educators and next generation Hoosier minority educators scholarship programs and funds. Provides that an applicant may meet certain scholarship qualifications by being employed as a full-time teacher or full-time school counselor for five years. Increases the amount of the tax credit allowed to individuals for contributions to a postsecondary educational institution or related foundation in Indiana from $100 to $200 in the case of a single return and from $200 to $400 in the case of a joint return.

Requires the department of education to prepare and submit a report that includes the department's recommendations regarding the major themes and content areas that should be developed and maintained in Indiana education law. Amends the: (1) definition of "eligible student" for purposes of eligibility under the Indiana education scholarship account program (program); (2) definition of "ESA qualified expenses" under the program to include additional items; and (3) state fiscal year used to determine the annual grant amount under the program. Provides that the treasurer of state shall accept applications July 1 through June 30 of each year for the immediately following school year. (Current law requires applications to be submitted for an eligible student not later than September 1 for the immediately following school year.) Establishes requirements regarding using grants under the program for computer hardware or other technological devices. Removes the following provisions: (1) Certain program agreement requirements regarding enrollment in a school that receives tuition support. (2) References in the program provisions regarding plans developed under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.