Bills to Watch

Ind. Senate

The ISTEP Bill (Bill No. 519)

Summary: Replaces the ISTEP test program with the Measures of Academic Progress assessment system
Author: Sen. John Waterman, R-Shelburn
Latest Action: First reading (1/18/2011): referred to the Committee on Education and Career Development
CALL Sen. Waterman to comment on his bill: 317-232-9400

The Handgun Bill (Bill No. 506)

Summary: Allows a person to carry a handgun without being licensed to do so if:
1. That person is on their leased, owned or rented property or vehicle
2. That person is lawfully present on another person’s leased, owned or rented property or vehicle
3. That person is at a shooting range, attending a firearms course or engaged in legal hunting activity
4. The gun is unloaded and securely wrapped
Authors: Sen. Jim Tomes, R-Wadesville and Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn
Coauthors: Sen. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City; Sen. Johnny Nugent, R-Lawrenceburg; Sen. Jim Smith, R-Charlestown; Sen. Scott Schneider, R-Indianapolis  and Sen. Brent Waltz, R-Greenwood.
Latest Action: First reading (1/18/2011): referred to the Committee on Corrections, Criminal and Civil Matters
CALL Sen. Tomes or Sen. Kruse to comment on their bill: 317-232-9400
Related Bills: Senate Bill No. 147 and House Bill No. 1546

Ind. House of Representatives

The Law Enforcement Protection Bills (Bill No. 1345 and Bill No. 1347)

Summary: 1) Makes it a Class D felony if a law enforcement animal is mistreated or interfered with
2) Makes it a Class D felony if battery is committed against a law enforcement officer or against a person summoned and directed by the officer while the officer is engaged in the execution of official duty
Author: Rep. Tim Neese, R-Elkhart
Latest Action: First reading (1/13/2011): referred to the Committee on Courts and Criminal Code
CALL: Rep. Neese to comment on his bill: 1-800-382-9841