The 2016 legislative session reached the halfway point this week, with House Republicans moving forward on passing agenda items focusing on road funding, supporting public educators and curbing illegal drugs:
House Bill 1001 would establish a comprehensive plan to fund Indiana’s short- and long-term infrastructure needs at the state and local level.
House Bill 1002 would create the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship to attract high school students to the teaching field.
House Bill 1395 would eliminate ISTEP and establish a commission to create a framework for implementing a more streamlined test in 2017.
House Bill 1004 would enhance teacher licensing and career opportunities by allowing educators holding a valid out-of-state teaching license to teach in Indiana if they meet certain requirements.
House Bill 1005 would allow schools to devise and implement their own Career Pathways and Mentorship Program in order to support educators just entering the field as well as recognize and reward experienced teachers’ work beyond the classroom.
House Bill 1235 would provide that minimum sentences for the worst drug dealers cannot be suspended.
House Bill 1390 would allow consumers to purchase medications containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) without a prescription if they have a prior relationship with a pharmacy or purchase a smaller dose. A prescription would only be required in the small number of cases where a person does not have a pre-existing relationship with a pharmacy and refuses the smaller dosage or tamper-resistant options.
House Bill 1157 would prevent drug felons from obtaining PSE and includes penalties for illegal possession of the drug.
House Bill 1211 would create a new criminal charge and establish a reporting requirement for meth fires, and House Bill 1102 would enhance substance abuse and addiction treatment.
If you have questions or input as we continue moving Indiana forward, please contact me at (317) 232-9648 or h58@iga.in.gov.
Sincerely,
State Rep. Woody Burton
