House Passes Bill to Limit Pseudoephedrine Sales

Posted on Author WKVI

pseudoephedrineHoosier allergy sufferers could soon face tougher limits on how much over-the-counter cold medication they can purchase. A bill to set an annual cap on pseudoephedrine purchases passed the House by a vote of 91-1. The goal of the legislation is to curb the manufacture of methamphetamine by crimping the supply of one of the drug’s main ingredients. Plymouth Mayor and former Indiana State Police Trooper Mark Senter testified in support of the limits during a House hearing on the bill. Cold medications containing pseudoephedrine are already sold behind the counter in pharmacies in limited quantities, and purchasers must show a photo identification to buy them. The 61 gram per person limit is about an eight-month supply of the current law’s monthly limit. The bill now goes back to the Senate for consideration of a few minor changes before it can be sent to Governor Mike Pence for consideration.

 

New Law Looks to Protect Hoosier Farmers

Posted on Author WKVI

A bill that would prevent a property tax increase for Hoosier farmers is currently awaiting the governor’s final approval. Co-authored by Senator Richard D. Young, Jr., Senate Bill 319 would revert the factors that determine soil productivity to the levels set in March 2011. This is the first bill to be approved by both Chambers of the Indiana General Assembly.

Young said it’s a very important bill that would prevent a lot of financial troubles for farmers.

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Lawmakers Join Forces Against Hoosier Hunger

Posted on Author WKVI

Members of the General Assembly have found a common goal: fighting against hunger in Indiana. By partnering with a statewide association of food banks, lawmakers have begun work to raise awareness and help relief efforts throughout the state during the month of February. The legislators, along with Feeding Indiana’s Hungry – an association of Feeding America-related food banks, are looking to shed light on the issue of hunger and bring Hoosiers together to prevent anyone in the state from worrying about where to find their next meal.

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Proposed Legislation May Add to Voucher Program, Put Cops in Schools

Posted on Author WKVI

The Indiana General Assembly may soon propose another expansion to what is already the nation’s largest school voucher program as lawmakers convene Monday. More than 9000 students are expected to receive vouchers this year.

In the next few months, legislators are expected to consider the possibility of removing the requirement that students attend public school for a year before being eligible for the voucher program, and they will also consider increasing the amount of aid available to younger students.

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New Law Assists Low-Income Families In Home Energy Costs

Posted on Author WKVI

The cost of home energy will be a bit more affordable for low-income families, thanks to House Enrolled Act 1141 – one of 161 new laws approved this year by the Indiana General Assembly. The new law dedicates nearly $30 million in mortgage foreclosure settlement funds in an effort to assist families who rely on assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program to pay for high heating or air-conditioning bills. The program is a federal program offering financial assistance to low-income households who qualify and need support to pay home energy bills.

The program is funded from $145 million that the state received from the multi-state legal settlement concerning issues in mortgage foreclosures, and is administered through local community action agencies.

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Three New Laws Approved Regarding Education

Posted on Author WKVI

The Indiana General Assembly approved 161 new laws this year, many of which will become effective July 1. The changes in state law taking place this summer impact a variety of issues including education.

Senate Enrolled Act 267, or, “Erin’s Law,” requires the Department of Education to work in cooperation with the Department of Child Services and other organizations to provide public school systems with a curriculum to educate teachers, school personnel and children about child sexual abuse and how to report suspected abuse of students. The Department of Education will provide schools with education materials, response policies, and reporting procedures for grades two through five.

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