AIM INITIATIVES

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING COMMISSION

• HB 1575 has been an ongoing bill designed to create a systematic, yearly review of state building codes with input from industry stakeholders. This week, the bill was modified to change the composition of the existing building code commission to include more industry representatives instead of creating a separate review commission.
• Aim has been working with stakeholders to ensure that any new state requirements or processes do not affect local ordinances, including architectural and design standards or zoning ordinances and does not impact the existing process for providing input and modifications to the building code that governs in a municipality.
• HB 1575, authored by Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) and sponsored by Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger), was heard this week in the Senate Local Government Committee but was held for a possible amend and vote at a future meeting.

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIAL TRAINING

• HB 1040 requires annual training for local fiscal officers, including controllers, clerks and clerk-treasurers. It also creates a process for unauditable communities to secure outside financial help if they continue to be unable to produce adequate financial statements. Amendments have been proposed to the bill to clarify the process for appointing outside financial help in the situation of a vacancy for the position of clerk-treasurer.
• Aim has worked with the State Board of Accounts on this bill to ensure that the requirements are not unnecessarily onerous and to provide partnership in annual training efforts.
• HB 1040, authored by Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and sponsored by Sen. Eric Bassler (R-Washington), is on second reading in the Senate awaiting the final round of amendments.

LIVESTREAMING AND ARCHIVING MEETINGS

• HB 1167 was amended in Senate Local Government this week to require governing bodies, including local legislative and fiscal bodies to begin livestreaming and archiving their meetings beginning July 1, 2025.
• Aim appreciates delaying the new requirement for two years to allow additional time to work with bill authors in future sessions on the potential hurdles for smaller communities and clarifying what happens in the event of a technological failure.
• HB 1167, authored by Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and sponsored by Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo), passed the Senate Local Government Committee on Thursday with a vote of 8-2.

FLOODPLAIN MAPPING

• Recently changed state requirements required local floodplain administrators to use new DNR floodplain maps resulting in portions of multiple cities and towns to now be considered in floodplains, raising insurance and development costs on those sites. SB 242 would allow those communities to go back to using the less restrictive FEMA maps.
• Aim supports this bill because of the increased local flexibility it provides for housing and commercial development projects without sacrificing responsible safety and zoning precautions.
• SB 242, authored by Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg) and sponsored by Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), passed the House Natural Resources committee Wednesday with a vote of 11-0.

“[HB 1167] is a good example of trying to talk through an issue with lawmakers. We’re having some great give and take on both sides. Senator Buck is recognizing the challenges of smaller communities and technology. They want to provide these [livestream] opportunities for their citizens but if it comes with so many strings attached that they can’t do, it will probably just reduce engagement.”

– Jennifer Simmons, Aim COO