Legislation

Increased the death benefits for survivors of Indiana National Guard members who die when on active duty, from $8800 to $20,000. It also extends state survivor benefits to spouses and children. In addition, active duty Guards would be considered state employees for worker’s compensation. Also, service awards and scholarship opportunities are increased.

Unlawful encroachment: Allows law enforcement personnel to order a person approaching a situation to stay back 25 feet if the officer thinks that the person may interfere with the officer’s duties.

Would require that state agencies and institutions recognize certificates of graduation from nonpublic, non accredited high schools as being confirmation that graduates have completed their schools requirements.

Campaign finance: Prohibits foreign nationals from making campaign contributions or contributions to certain public questions. Also prohibits campaign officials from knowingly accepting such contributions.

Various election matters: Outlines election day responsibilities of county circuit court clerks, registration requirements for candidates, and many other matters. Includes authorizing the use of electronic transmission of requests for voter registration applications and absentee ballots. Would allow voters to photograph their ballots.

1) Would allow poll watchers, poll book holders, and challengers to enter, leave and reenter multiple polling stations during the course of election day. 2) Would require county registration officials to require proof of citizenship from registrants who use ID numbers from temporary IDs. 3) Ban the use of PO Boxes or commercial mailing boxes as residences. 4) Requires a person who receives a completed candidate nomination form that contains inaccurate or fraudulent information to report the matter to the county election board. 5) Requires that absentee ballot affidavits must contain a dated signature to be considered to be valid. 6) Permits a voter who resides in ANY precinct to challenge a voter or proposed voter in a primary election.

Voter Registration: Would ban the use of IDs such as school or university ID for new registrants.

Parental Rights: Would prohibit the government from withholding information concerning a child from a parent. This could potentially jeopardize a child who has been victimized by a parent.

Teacher compensation: Increases base pay for teachers to $45,000.

Natural gas and propane as clean energy resources: Extends current policy to include these fossil fuels with clean resources such as wind and solar.

Family and social services matters: 1) Would insure that those released from adult or juvenile detention facilities after 30 days or more and who are Medicaid eligible be enrolled in Medicaid. 2) Would remove the requirement that, upon hiring, childcare providers be tested for tuberculosis. 3) That all employees of childcare providers be trained in pediatric first aid and CPR. 4) That a child care provider be present at all times when a child is in the provider’s care.