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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Senate on Monday approved the first of several local government restructuring bills being considered this session – this one affecting election provisions.
Senate Bill 452 passed 32-18, with all of northeast Indiana’s senators in support.
The legislation does four major things:
•Prohibits employees of a political subdivision from serving on the legislative body of the unit. An example is police and firefighters on city and town councils. But it grandfathers those already in office and allows them to seek re-election.
•Moves municipal elections to even-numbered non-presidential years starting in 2014.
•Moves school board elections to the fall.
•Makes it optional for all counties to use vote centers, instead of a precinct system.
The bill moves to the House for consideration.
Legislation banning the use of cell phones while driving took a major hit Monday when the Indiana House accepted an amendment that limits the legislation to drivers younger than 18.
The amendment passed 50-47 and Rep. Vanessa Summers, D-Indianapolis, immediately withdrew House Bill 1242 from further consideration.
The Indiana House on Monday changed provisions in a statewide smoking ban bill to allow local governments to pass ordinances that are more restrictive.
Originally, House Bill 1213 had prohibited the more restrictive ordinances starting in 2010 – a provision Gov. Mitch Daniels opposed.
Another amendment Monday eliminated a requirement that casinos set aside 20 percent of their gaming positions in a non-smoking area.
Overall, the legislation bans smoking in public places and enclosed places of employment but has wide exemptions for bars, casinos and some small businesses.
