Key state bills uncertain as Thursday midway deadline looms

Key Senate bills
• Beginning in fall 2012, Indiana schools may not be allowed to start classes before Labor Day and must end before June 10. The bill provides an exception for year-round schools but will apply to accredited private schools.

• Hoosiers might be allowed to buy alcohol on election days. Bars and restaurants would be able to  sell alcohol until 3 a.m. on Mondays, as opposed to the current closing time of 12:30 a.m.

• The Senate also approved a bill that would allow Sunday carry-out sales by microbreweries.

• The Senate approved a resolution to place a gay marriage ban in the state constitution. The proposal needs to pass through the Democratic-led House before this session ends and pass through both chambers next session. Finally, it must be approved in a statewide referendum.

Key House bills
• On Tuesday, the House voted 95-3 to impose a possible $500 fine on those caught texting or sending e-mails while driving.

• The House approved legislation to place a property tax cap in the state constitution. A few days later, the Senate sent the amendment to a referendum, which will take place in November.

The proposal is projected to save taxpayers roughly $450 million this year and more in years to come.

Opponents say the amendment could lead to layoffs in local government.

• A bill that would allow Hoosiers to decide if they want to keep their township board and assessors on a county-to-county basis is being criticized for potentially allowing inconsistencies throughout the state.

The Senate approved a bill that would abolish township boards statewide, which is pending referendum as well.

Key bills in the balance
After being bombarded by amendments, a bill that would ban smoking in all Indiana public places has only today to pass through the House.

The bill originally exempted only casinos and off-track betting sites, but amendments to allow smoking in bars, taverns, and tobacco shops have been added.

Bloomington already has bans on smoking in all restaurants and bars.