Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Legislative Updates Archive

Just as Indy Chamber leadership cautioned, Indiana’s proposed same-sex marriage amendment continued to take up valuable time during the latest week of session. In an unusual procedural move, House Speaker Brian Bosma moved HJR3 and HB1153 to a different committee. Both measures passed 9-3 and move to the floor for votes beginning Monday. While national publications focused on one Indiana issue, your Business Advocacy team saw a number of key priorities from the legislative agenda advance.

HB1321 advanced out of House Education Thursday and would provide Indianapolis Public Schools greater flexibility to contract with charter school operators or school management organizations, paving the way for innovation within Indiana’s largest K-12 education system.
 
Two different approaches to elimination of the business personal property tax earned consideration.SB1 passed out of committee and would relieve smaller businesses’ obligation, while HB1001 would authorize counties to exempt new property from the tax. The Indy Chamber supports elimination of this tax only if there is an equitable, non-local income tax revenue replacement for municipalities regionally and statewide.
 
Rep. Ed Clere’s HB1215 was introduced in House Ways and Means and would greatly expand the state’s Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, spurring redevelopment and investment in commercial and residential properties.
 
The 2014 summer study curriculum also began to take shape. HB1020, a study of state and local economic development tax incentives, passed the House unanimously and headed to the Senate for consideration during the second half of session. SB271 would assign the water resources study committee the task of determining the elements a statewide water plan should contain.
 
Tuesday, mass transit legislation faces its first hurdle as SB176 faces an 8:30am hearing before Senate Tax & Fiscal Policy. Local elected officials and supportive organizations are busy preparing to make the case for improved connectivity throughout the Indianapolis region. Please call or email the following committee members and urge them to move this important bill forward:
 
Sen. Brandt Hershman - 317.232.9840
Sen. Travis Holdman - 317.232.9807
Sen. Luke Kenley - 317.232.9453
Sen. Ryan Mishler - 317.233.0930

Please click here for a list of all bills the Indy Chamber business advocacy team will track throughout the 2014 session.