Bills to Watch

FROM IDS REPORTS

Indiana Senate

The Ginseng Bill (Bill No. 498)

Summary: Requires a person to be licensed to grow or harvest ginseng. The bill requires a grower to provide the Indiana Department of Natural Resources with a summary of the harvest. Prohibits the purchase, sale or possession of wild ginseng by a ginseng dealer unless approved by the DNR.

Authors: Sen. R. Michael Young, R-Indianapolis, and Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Bremen

Latest Action: Passed Senate 44-6; referred to House Feb. 15

House Sponsor: Dick Dodge, R-Pleasant Lake

Call Dodge to comment on the bill: 800-382-9841


The Lawsuit by Schools Bill (Bill No. 495)

Summary: Prohibits the governing body of a school corporation from using funds received from the state to file suit against the state unless the school corporation is challenging an adverse decision by a state agency, board or commission.

Authors: Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Middlebury, and Sen. Jim Banks, R-Columbia City 

Latest Action: Passed Senate 33-16; referred to House Feb. 17

House Sponsor: Rep. Robert Behning, R-Indianapolis

Call Behning to comment on bill: 800-382-9841


The Casket Bill (Bill No. 467)

Summary: Prohibits casket suppliers from removing, covering, altering or making unreadable a country of origin on a casket.

Authors: Sen. Allen Paul, R-Richmond, and Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg

Latest Action: Passed Senate 39-0; referred to House Feb. 10

House Sponsor: Rep. Tom Saunders, R-Lewisville

Call Saunders to comment on bill: 800-382-9841

—Vince Zito