More than 80 new bills signed by Gov. Daniels

While IU students lounged on the beach, hung out at home and enjoyed their spring break, Gov. Mitch Daniels decided to do some spring cleaning and signed more than 80 bills into law. From “bath salts” to the sale of poultry at farmers markets, here are some of the highlights.

Synthetic drugs (HB 1196)

This law bans synthetic drugs known as “bath salts” that mimic marijuana. This strengthens a bill Gov. Daniels signed last year banning similar drugs known as “spice.”

Outdoor stage equipment (SB 273)

In response to the deadly stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair last summer, this law adopts rules to regulate outdoor stage equipment under the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission.

Sale of motorcycles on Sunday (SB 192)

Just like alcohol sales, it was previously illegal to sell a motorcycle on Sunday in Indiana. This law permits the purchase, sale or trade of motorcycles on Sunday.

Operating a motorboat while intoxicated (SB 154)

It was already illegal to operate a motorboat while intoxicated, but now the law is under criminal law and procedure rather than under natural resources in the Indiana Code.

Election law matters (HB 1004)

Among other provisions, this law states that, for any contested election of any office in a municipality, all nominees must be shown on the ballot.

Sale of poultry at farmers’ markets (HB 1312)

Farmers can now sell their poultry raised at their primary residence or at property owned or leased by the individual.

Before this law, farmers could sell at roadside stands and farmers markets only if they raised their poultry at home.

Alcoholic beverage matters (HB 1054)

Along with restrictions on alcoholic beverage permits near historic districts, this law now states that a 30,000-barrel production limit for Indiana’s craft breweries does not apply to beer made for sale outside Indiana.

It also states that the sale of beer on Sundays is allowed from any address owned by a brewery with a brewer’s permit in the same city.

Regional water, sewage or waste districts and utilities (HB 1117)

According to this law, sewage utilities using eminent domain cannot take an easement of more than 50 feet. It limits a penalty to $100 daily for failing to connect to a sewer system.

Blue lights on vehicles (HB 1212)

This law defines a funeral escort vehicle and states that a funeral escort vehicle may have certain flashing lights in certain colors. For example, the vehicle leading a procession must display a flashing red light, flashing red and white lights or a flashing amber light.

This does not include authorized emergency vehicles used in funeral processions.

Libraries and historic matters (HB 1283)

This bill states that Indiana’s official rifle is the “Grouseland Rifle.” The same bill repeals a requirement that the historical bureau maintain and sell commemorative medallions, specifies the format for historic markers installed after 1945 and for the Indiana Civil War centennial commission, requires the commemoration of George Rogers Clark (a general in the American Revolutionary War who fought in Indiana) and tweaks the list of who can be issued a library card at different kinds of libraries.

Credit transfers at state educational institutions (SB 182)

The Commission for Higher Education must now create a common course numbering system to allow for easier transfer of courses.

It also stipulates that an individual who has met at least 30 semester credit hours in core education requirements is eligible for an associate degree.

Sex offenders (HB 1080)

A sex offender is a person who commits sexual misconduct with a child and is subject to lawful detention.

The law allows for a defense if the child is 14 or 15 years old and the person is less than 18 years old, if the person is within four years of the child’s age and they were in a dating relationship, and if other conditions apply.

It also makes touching someone sexually when that person is unaware that the touching is occurring a charge of sexual battery, a class D felony.

Golf carts in unincorporated areas (SB 113)

This law sets four important stipulations for the use of golf carts in Indiana. It requires that golf cart operators own a driver’s license and that fines levied against golf cart drivers are deposited in the general fund of the county where the offense occurred.

It also sets a limit on the number of passengers in a golf cart and allows golf cart drivers to cross a highway at a right angle to get from one side to the other.

— Charles Scudder