CYBERSECURITY

DISASTER RELIEF

• SB 190 changes the state’s disaster relief fund in response to some of the tornados and other disasters that have recently hit Indiana communities. It expands eligible uses of the fund, makes it easier for local units to qualify for the fund, and increases the amount of money that can flow from the fund to an affected entity and impacted individuals.
• SB 190 is a priority bill of Governor Holcomb and Aim was pleased to support this bill in committee as it provides more assistance to communities when they have the greatest need and are at their most vulnerable.
• SB 190, authored by Sen. Cyndi Carrasco (R-Indianapolis), passed the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation committee on Tuesday, January 16 with a vote of 8-0.

LOCAL INCOME TAX DISTRIBUTION

• SB 263 would allow local income taxes in Johnson and Hamilton counties to be distributed based on where the taxpayers live in the county instead of on the basis of the tax levies of the individual taxing units.
• Aim is interested in moving to a LIT model where municipalities can control their own LIT rates and this distribution model is a test of the state systems’ ability to sustain a better LIT model. This bill will benefit some municipalities and cost others in the target counties so this specific bill will be worked through with local stakeholders.
• SB 263, authored by Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville), will be heard in the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy committee on Tuesday, January 23.

SECURITY AND MEETING DECORUM

• HB 1338 clarifies law enforcement authority to remove disruptive individuals from public buildings and offices if they are in violation of the functioning of those buildings. It also reinforces the ability of local units to establish policies for public meetings that limit testimony length, provide for an orderly meeting, and establish rules of decorum for elected officials and constituents alike.
• Aim supports this bill because it provides additional clarity for law enforcement to enforce public order in public buildings even in the face of disruptive individuals that insist they have access to every aspect of the local government. It also will help councils ensure their public meetings are conducted in an orderly and safe manner.
• HB 1338, authored by Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) passed the House Government and Regulatory Reform committee with a vote of 11-0.

EMINENT DOMAIN

• SB 155 creates a new compensation category for takings through eminent domain that reimburses ongoing business losses, called “going concern,” if a condemnation results in losses to a business. This applies to the use of eminent domain by government, including the state government through INDOT, as well as by utilities both investor-owned and municipal.
• Aim opposed SB 155 this week in committee alongside stakeholders from INDOT, other units of government, and public utilities. This change would increase the cost of this tool of last resort for all elements of government and could delay critical infrastructure projects. It received broad opposition from stakeholders alongside Aim.
• SB 155, authored by Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo), passed the Senate Local Government committee on Thursday, January 18 but was recommitted to the Tax and Fiscal Policy committee to address the fiscal impact to state entities.

Listen to more about this week on the second episode of the Market Street to Main Street Podcast Series, Aim’s legislative episodes of the Hometown Innovations Podcast and a supplement to this e-newsletter. This weekly podcast series will offer a rundown of what happened at the Statehouse, and important legislative action and issues our members need to know about. In addition, you’ll hear Aim’s expectations for the upcoming week and the team’s strategy for addressing critical legislation.

To listen to Market Street to Main Street, please visit The Terminal post and click the “play button” on the audio player. Or you can subscribe to Aim Hometown Innovations Podcast on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.