A proposed House Bill was brought to the attention of North Judson Town Council members during a special meeting Monday night.
Council President Wendy Hoppe informed council members that House Bill 1313 is currently being considered by the House of Representatives. She explained that if enacted, it would affect the bidding process.
Hoppe said, “What the state is trying to say is the bidder can bid it and we have no way that we can check their background; who they are, what they are, what their work is. Where now we do have that [capability] and that in a nutshell is what that bill is about.”
Hoppe said this is a relevant change to legislation, as the town will have to bid out a number of projects for proposed water and wastewater upgrades this year.
Clerk-Treasurer Andrew Rowe said that a letter of opposition was sent to legislators which read,
“On behalf of Town Council President, Wendy J. Hoppe, the Town of North Judson is strongly opposed to the passage of House Bill 1313 and we would like to convey our clear communication to not pass this bill which would negatively impact our town and local governments across the State of Indiana.”
Rowe said he received a few responses indicating that those concerns would be taken into account when the bill is voted on.
The bill, authored by Repbulican Representative Doug Miller, had its first reading on January 16th. It was then referred to the committee of Employment, Labor and Pensions. The committee has yet to act on the bill. A representative for the General Assembly stated that after committee consideration, two more readings are needed at the House level before it will be eligible for passage.
To view the full version of the bill and to keep up-to-date with the actions taken on it, click here.
