Indiana Senate Majority Caucus
200 West Washington Street – Indianapolis , Indiana 46204
NEWS RELEASE 07.27.05
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(STATEHOUSE) Senate President Pro Tempore Robert D. Garton today announced his appointments to various statutory committees and commissions. Senate Minority Floor Leader Richard D. Young made recommendations to Garton regarding the appointments of Minority Caucus members and certain laymembers.
The Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission will educate Indiana residents and the nation about Indiana 's important role in the life of our 16 th president. The panel will assist local governments and organizations with planning, preparation and grant applications for bicentennial events and projects. Members will coordinate state, local and nonprofit organizations' bicentennial activities and will be a point of contact for federal or other state organizations. The group will seek federal grants and philanthropic support, as well as plan and implement appropriate events to commemorate the occasion.
Members: Sen. Jim Merritt; Sen. David Long; Sen. Richard Young; Sen. Jim Lewis
The Administrative Rules Oversight Committee (AROC) is charged with handling any citizen complaints concerning agency rules or practices; violations by agencies that do not meet the time frame in which they must create and adopt rules; and proposed agency rules that have an economic fiscal impact of $500,000 or more. The committee also may recommend legislation to correct an agency practice or regulation that represents a misapplication of Indiana law.
Members: Sen. Luke Kenley; Sen. Mike Young; Sen. Lindel Hume; Sen. Richard Young
The Air Pollution Compliance Advisory Panel carries out duties established by Section 507 of the federal Clean Air Act. The Act requires states to establish this committee, which is charged with rendering advisory opinions concerning the effectiveness of the Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP), difficulties encountered and the degree and severity of enforcement actions. The panel must develop and disseminate the reports and advisory opinions made through the SBAP, as well as review and assure that information for small businesses is easily understandable.
Members: Sen. Beverly Gard – Chairman; Sen. Lindel Hume
The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Senile Dementia Task Force assists the Department of Health in its duties related to Alzheimer's disease and related senile dementia, including the development of state rules.
Members: Sen. Marvin Riegsecker; Sen. Allie Craycraft
The Indiana Commission on Autism studies the service delivery system for individuals with autism and their families. Members will review the number of Indiana citizens who have autism, as well as funding amounts, sources and residential options of individuals with autism. The commission will oversee and update the development of a comprehensive plan for services for individuals of all ages with autism.
Members: Sen. Marvin Riegsecker – Chairman; Sen. Ryan Mishler; Sen. Allie Craycraft; Sen. Connie Sipes
Laymembers: Hugh Beebe ( New Haven ); Mike Carmin ( Upland ); Leah Helvering ( Anderson )
The Budget Committee prepares the budget report and the budget bill. The committee serves as liaison between the legislative and executive branches and provides information to the General Assembly with respect to the management of the state's fiscal affairs.
Members: Sen. Robert Meeks – Chairman; Sen.Vi Simpson; Sen. Tom Wyss; Sen. Lindel Hume
The Census Data Advisory Committee must advise and assist the Bureau of the Census in the preparation and organization of census data and assist them in defining boundaries of census blocks. Members will study the cost and other relevant aspects of the acquisition by the state of a geographic information system (GIS) and make recommendations to the General Assembly regarding changes or amendments to election law. The committee also was charged by the Legislative Council to study the effectiveness of the state Election Commission structure.
Members: Sen. Connie Lawson – Chairman; Sen. Sue Landske; Sen. Billie Breaux; Sen. Allie Craycraft
The Committee on Child Care will study the system of child care regulation.
Members: Sen. Connie Lawson; Sen. Rose Antich-Carr
Laymembers: Mary Jane Scamahorn (Greencastle); Kimberly Armstrong (Brownsburg); Mark Young ( Greensburg )
The Child Custody and Support Advisory Committee is responsible for reviewing the child support guidelines adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court and must make recommendations concerning any amendments to the guidelines. The members are charged with reviewing custody, educational expenses and any other items relating to the welfare of a child whose family is no longer intact. The Legislative Council also required the committee to examine child support for post-secondary education.
Members: Sen. David Ford – Chairman; Sen. Brent Steele; Sen. Anita Bowser; Sen. Billie Breaux
Laymembers: John Brandt ( Ft. Wayne ); Bruce Pennamped ( Indianapolis )
The Civil War Flags Commission solicits donations for the purpose of restoring and preserving Civil War flags. Members advise the Indiana War Memorials Commission on the use of the money in the Civil War Flags Fund.
Members: Sen. Allen Paul; Sen. Allie Craycraft
The Clean Manufacturing Technology Board is charged with planning, monitoring and funding the Indiana Clean Manufacturing Technology and Safe Materials Institute.
Members: Sen. Beverly Gard; Sen. John Broden
The Code Revision Commission functions as an advisory board to the Legislative Council and assists with supervising the compilation of the Indiana Code and the publication of the Indiana Register. Members assist in developing and revising the standards, techniques and formats used in preparing legislation.
Members: Sen. Luke Kenley; Sen. Sue Landske; Sen. Rose Antich-Carr; Sen. Anita Bowser
Laymembers: Gene Leeuw, Esq. ( Indianapolis ); Prof. William Harvey ( Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis )
The Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for Elderly and Disabled Board establishes the state's long term goals for the continuum of care for the elderly and disabled. The board also reviews state policies on community and home care services and makes recommendations on legislative changes affecting these services. Members will examine the cost effectiveness, quality and feasibility of a state administered system of community and home care services and develop policies that support the participation of families and volunteers in meeting the long term care needs of individuals.
Members: Sen. Greg Server; Sen. Rose Antich-Carr
Members of the Corn Marketing Council help promote the production and marketing of renewable fuels and new technologies that use corn as well as the development of new or larger domestic and foreign markets for corn. The group helps capture federal dollars to assist the state with these projects.
Members: Sen. Brandt Hershman
The Board of Directors of the Corporation for Educational Technology advises the governor and the state superintendent of public instruction on education-related technology initiatives and directs donations made to the corporation to the appropriate recipients. The board also administers the “Buddy System Project,” which focuses on family involvement and curriculum-integrated use of computers and the Internet. Thousands of families across Indiana participate in the program.
Members: Sen. David Ford; Sen. Lindel Hume
Serving as a resource to the newly-formed Indiana Department of Homeland Security, the Counterterrorism and Security Council helps develop a strategy to enhance the state's capacity to prevent and respond to terrorism. This includes the creation of basic counterterrorism curriculum for use in basic police training and for advanced in-service training of veteran law enforcement officers.
Members: Sen. Tom Wyss
This year, the County Redistricting Commission must divide Lake County into three single-member districts for the election of the county commissioners.
Members: Sen. Sue Landske; Sen. Sam Smith
Members of the Commission on Courts review all requests for new courts or changes in jurisdiction of existing courts and make recommendations regarding the requests to the General Assembly for the upcoming legislative session.
Members: Sen. Richard Bray – Vice Chairman; Sen. David Long; Sen. John Broden; Sen. Tim Lanane
Laymembers: Judge G. Michael Witte, Dearborn Superior Court (Lawrenceburg); David A. Lewis ( Charlestown )
The Board of Trustees of the Criminal Justice Institute establishes plans for the criminal and juvenile justice systems and promotes coordination and cooperation between the systems. The board also will encourage and assist the organization of an academic consortium for research.
Members: Sen. Richard Bray
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission guides those activities and programs designed to commemorate the birthday of the civil rights leader.
Members: Sen. Tom Wyss; Sen. Billie Breaux
The Commission for a Drug Free Indiana is a bi-partisan panel that coordinates alcohol and other drug abuse efforts at both the state and local levels. The purpose of the commission is to reduce instances of duplication of anti-drug efforts and enhance current programs.
Members: Sen. Dennis Kruse; Sen. Earline Rogers
The Education Commission of the States helps state leaders shape education policy. The commission holds state, regional and national seminars, workshops and conferences providing policymakers and educators with opportunities to share ideas and learn from one another.
Members: Sen. Teresa Lubbers
Members of the Education Roundtable make recommendations to the governor, superintendent of public instruction, General Assembly and the Board of Education. This year, the Legislative Council assigned the committee an additional topic—high school drop out rates in Indiana .
Members: Sen. Teresa Lubbers; Sen. Earline Rogers
The Education Technology Council advises the state superintendent of public instruction and the governor on education and related technology initiatives.
Members: Sen. David Ford; Sen. Connie Sipes
Members of the Indiana Emergency Management, Fire and Building Services, and Public Safety Training Foundation administer funds to designated public safety entities. The group also may receive donations of real property to be sold on the open market, to the state, or to a unit of local government with proceeds to be donated to public safety entities.
Members: Sen. Tom Wyss; Sen. Larry Lutz
The Environmental Adjudication Director Selection Panel recommends an appointee to the governor in case of a vacancy in the director position.
Members: Sen. Beverly Gard
The Environmental Crimes Task Force will conduct studies necessary to prepare a final report that includes summaries of environmental crime statutes in other states; requirements of federal environmental programs delegated to states; and federal criminal sentencing guidelines. The report also must include recommendations about determining penalties for environmental law violations. The task force may make recommendations for legislation, including a set of specific statutory standards for determining criminal violations.
Members: Sen. Luke Kenley – Chairman; Sen. John Broden
Laymembers: Gordon Durnil ( Indianapolis )
Members of the Environmental Quality Service Council provide legislative oversight to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and review environmental public policy issues. This year, the committee will study mercury recovery issues, confined feeding operations, and agricultural-based fuel alternatives.
Members: Sen. Beverly Gard – Chairman; Sen. Lindel Hume; Sen. Marvin Riegsecker; Sen. Vi Simpson
The Evansville State Hospital Advisory Committee will study proposed uses of the hospital property and the existing historic buildings.
Members: Sen. Greg Server – Chairman; Sen. Larry Lutz
The Forensic Diversion Study Committee will evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of forensic diversion programs within Indiana . The commission will review the adequacy of funding provided for the programs.
Members: Sen. David Long – Chairman; Sen. Tim Lanane
The FSSA Evaluation Committee studies the organizational structure of the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services, the state's largest agency. After implementing major changes during the 2005 legislative session, legislators plan to use this committee to evaluate the results of those changes and propose additional reforms.
Members: Sen. Patricia Miller; Sen. Greg Server; Sen. Connie Sipes; Sen. Tim Skinner
The Government Efficiency Commission makes recommendations to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs associated with any board or commission. The panel will recommend to the governor whether each board or commission should be continued, reorganized or combined with another existing entity. Members will make recommendations to reform K-12 education funding and budgeting as it relates to non-classroom expenditures so that adequate dollars are available for teacher training and classroom instruction.
Laymembers: James K. Baker – Co-Chairman (Columbus); Thomas E. Reilly, Jr. (Indianapolis); Dr. Theressa Wright (Indianapolis); Kristin Altice (Indianapolis); former State Senator Morris Mills (Ladoga); Tom Taylor (Indianapolis); Khadijah Muhammad (Indianapolis); Terry White (Evansville); Jimmy Neal (Columbus); Donald R. Cook (Milltown); Steven L. Holloway (Mooresville)
The Health Care Account Advisory Board makes recommendations to the governor, the Budget Agency, and the General Assembly concerning the priorities for appropriation and distribution of money from the Indiana Health Care Account.
Members: Sen. Patricia Miller; Sen. Vi Simpson
The Health Finance Commission was established to study health finance in Indiana . This year, the committee was specifically charged with studying the cost of infertility treatment; certificates of need and a moratorium on construction of nursing home beds; and problems surrounding childhood and adult obesity.
Members: Sen. Patricia Miller – Chairman; Sen. Billie Breaux; Sen. Gary Dillon, M.D.; Sen. Beverly Gard; Sen. Marvin Riegsecker; Sen. Connie Sipes; Sen. Connie Lawson; Sen. Ryan Mishler; Sen. Greg Server; Sen. Vi Simpson; Sen. Tim Skinner
The Indiana Heritage Trust Committee determines whether proposed Heritage Trust projects should be approved. The purpose of the Indiana Heritage Trust Program (IHT) is to acquire state interests in real property that are examples of outstanding natural resources and habitats or have historical or archaeological significance or provide areas for conservation, recreation, protection or restoration of native biological diversity within the state of Indiana .
Members: Sen. Gary Dillon, M.D.; Sen. Jim Lewis
The Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs identifies and researches issues affecting the Hispanic and Latino communities. The commission will promote cooperation and understanding between Hispanic and Latino communities and other communities across Indiana .
Members: Sen. Tom Wyss; Sen. Vi Simpson
Laymembers: Dr. Mary Ilu Altman ( Lafayette ); Juana Watson ( Columbus ); Manuel Gonzales ( Carmel ); Salvador Soto ( Ft. Wayne )
The Human Resource Investment Council acts as the state advisory body under several federal laws, including the Job Training Partnership Act and the Adult Education Act. The council will make recommendations to the governor concerning Indiana 's human investment needs and the human resource system in Indiana .
Members: Sen. Jeff Drozda; Sen. Glenn Howard
The goal of the Integrated Public Safety Commission is to enhance the safety of Indiana residents. The commission is charged with focusing on a statewide wireless voice and data communications system.
Laymember: Former State Senator Richard Worman (Leo)
The Interagency State Council on Black and Minority Health identifies, studies, and recommends solutions and preventive measures for special health care needs of various minority groups. Members will help monitor statewide health initiatives and other public policies in terms of their effect on the health status of minorities.
Members: Sen. Tom Wyss; Sen. Billie Breaux
The Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations addresses issues of joint state and local concern.
Members: Sen. Beverly Gard – Chairman; Sen. Joe Zakas; Sen. Allie Craycraft; Sen. Glenn Howard
Laymembers: Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson; Elkhart City Councilman Mary Olson; Bartholomew County Councilman Sue Paris; Monroe County Commissioner Joyce Poling; Columbus Township Trustee Fred Barkes; Kokomo resident Richard Hamilton
The State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision is responsible for the appointment of the commissioner who shall serve on the interstate commission from that state.
Members: Sen. Joe Zakas
The Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council will conduct and participate in a rail passenger network financial and economic impact study with participating states.
Members: Sen. Bob Jackman
The ISTEP Program Citizens' Review Committee will determine whether an essay question or a scoring rubric complies with specific statutory requirements.
Members: Sen. Greg Server; Sen. Earline Rogers
Laymembers: Alice Taulman ( Edinburgh ); Yvonne Sheek ( Greenwood )
The Kids First Trust Fund Board is charged with approving projects and recommending which projects will receive funding. The trust's mission is to provide funds for community programs that prevent child abuse and neglect and for community programs that reduce infant mortality.
Laymembers: Lynn Lucas ( Columbus ); Becky Buse ( Terre Haute )
The goal of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission is to educate Hoosiers about Indiana 's important role in the Lewis and Clark expedition. It also will assist local governments and organizations with planning, preparation and grant applications for bicentennial events.
Members: Sen. Murray Clark; Sen. Jim Merritt; Sen. John Waterman; Sen. Jim Lewis; Sen. Connie Sipes; Sen. Richard Young
The Library and Heritage Study Committee has been charged with the evaluation and creation of a Department of the State Library and Heritage and will examine the executive oversight of the proposed department.
Members: Sen. Jim Merritt – Chairman; Sen. Brent Waltz; Sen. Richard Young; Sen. Jim Lewis
The Lobby Registration Commission deals with matters pertaining to lobbyist registration. The commission's goal is to make available to the public a general profile of lobbying activity in the state of Indiana . The group maintains lobbyist records and publishes an annual report.
Laymembers: Jan P. Abbs ( Muncie ); former State Representative Dennis Heeke (Dubois)
The Local Government Efficiency and Financing Study Commission studies local government financing. This year, they are charged specifically with studying the replacement of all property taxes, the administration of personal property tax collection, smart growth and local planning issues, and the fiscal impact of public lands on local government units.
Members: Sen. Marvin Riegsecker – Vice Chairman; Sen. David Long; Sen. Tim Lanane; Sen. Frank Mrvan
Laymembers: Phil R. Stiver, Elkhart County Commissioner; Sam Talarico, Jr., Fort Wayne City Council President; Jean P. Lushin, Center Township Trustee (Howard County); Paul Ricketts, Lawrence Township Assessor (Marion County); Ann Devore, Columbus City Councilman
The Local Government Tax Control Board examines, considers and makes recommendations concerning appeals from civil taxing units regarding levy limitations.
Members: Sen. Beverly Gard
The Marion County Consolidation Study Commission will study the consolidation of local government in Marion County , including the consolidation of functions as proposed in the “Indianapolis Works” plan.
Members: Sen. Mike Young (R-Indianapolis) – Chairman; Sen. Billie Breaux (D-Indianapolis)
Laymembers: Dan Gammon, Wayne Township Trustee; Paul Ricketts, Lawrence Township Assessor; Detective Sgt. Rick Snyder, Marion County Sheriff's Dept.; Vince Huber, President of the Fraternal Order of Police; Joe Anderson, Washington Township Fire Chief; Tom Hanify, President, Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana; Dr. Philip Borst, Marion County City-County Councilman; Monroe Gray, Marion County City-County Councilman; Cathy Burton, President, Marion County Alliance of Neighborhood Associations; John S. Myrland, President, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce
The Medicaid Advisory Committee acts in advisory capacity to the Office of Medicaid Planning and Policy and the Children's Health Policy Board.
Members: Sen. Luke Kenley
The Select Joint Commission on Medicaid Oversight will determine if Medicaid contractors are properly fulfilling the terms of their contract, study procedures that could help reduce the time it takes to process Medicaid claims, and study other matters related to Medicaid.
Members: Sen. Patricia Miller – Chairman; Sen. Robert Meeks; Sen. Gary Dillon, M.D.; Sen. Rose Antich-Carr; Sen. Billie Breaux; Sen. Vi Simpson
The Medicaid Work Incentives Council is charged with evaluating the feasibility of establishing a program to subsidize employer-sponsored health care coverage and providing personal care assistance to individuals participating in a Medicaid buy-in program.
Members: Sen. Connie Lawson
The Commission on Mental Health will study the funding systems for managed care providers of mental health services, provisions of mental health services delivered by community managed care providers and state operated hospitals. Members will review the implementation of managed care programs for all populations of the mentally ill that are eligible for care that is paid for, at least in part, by the state.
Members: Sen. Connie Lawson – Chairman; Sen. Vi Simpson
The Commission on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities makes recommendations regarding the implementation of the comprehensive plan prepared by the developmental disabilities task force. The commission also makes recommendations regarding the development by the Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitative Services of a statewide plan to address quality assurance in community based services. Members also will study the Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities program.
Members: Sen. Marvin Riegsecker – Chairman; Sen. Rose Antich-Carr
The Methamphetamine Abuse Task Force is charged with evaluating information concerning harm caused by meth; determining the extent to which meth use is affecting law enforcement, fire departments, education and health agencies; and reviewing efforts in other states to stop the spread of meth. The task force also will hold hearings about the drug's consequences.
Laymember: Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi
The Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact Commission was created to promote the development of intercity passenger rail service in the Midwest, coordinate interaction among regional states about rail issues and develop long-range plans for high speed rail passenger service in the Midwest and other areas.
Members: Sen. Sue Landske
The members of the Midwestern Higher Education Commission will serve as Indiana 's representatives on the multi-state commission of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact (MHEC). This group is charged with promoting interstate cooperation and resource sharing in higher education, accomplishing this through three core functions: cost savings programs, student access and policy research.
Members: Sen. Teresa Lubbers
Members of the Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs will study matters relating to veterans and veterans affairs and matter relating to the active and reserve members of the Armed Forces. Given our country's involvement overseas, the General Assembly utilizes the committee to improve current veterans' services and to study the implementation of new benefits.
Members: Sen. Tom Wyss – Chairman; Sen. Allen Paul; Sen. Allie Craycraft; Sen. Tim Skinner
Laymembers: John Dahman ( Ft. Wayne ); Ken Hodges ( Bedford )
The Military Base Planning Council is charged with identifying support necessary to improve mission efficiencies and development and expansion of military bases in Indiana . It is also challenged with guarding against encroachment on military bases.
Members: Sen. Lindel Hume
The Commission on Minority and Women's Business Enterprises studies and makes recommendations regarding minority and women's business development within state government.
Members: Sen. Greg Server; Sen. Billie Breaux
The Native American Indian Affairs Commission shall study problems common to Native Americans in Indiana in the areas of employment, education, civil rights, health and housing.
Members: Sen. John Waterman
The Natural Resources Study Committee was established to examine laws relating to the Department of Natural Resources, to advise DNR in programming its activities, and oversee the Indiana Water Resource Management Program.
Members: Sen. Tom Weatherwax; Sen. John Waterman; Sen. Jim Lewis; Sen. Richard Young
The New Harmony Commission must recommend legislation to protect the New Harmony area from environmental degradation and to assure development of the historic, scenic, aesthetically pleasing, cultural, educational and recreational nature of the community. The panel also will organize activities that are necessary for promotion and enhancement of the area. Furthermore, the commission will conduct a survey of existing New Harmony memorabilia and establish a plan for restoring the memorabilia to the community. The law also requires the commission to cooperate with the Department of Transportation on recommending access and egress from New Harmony .
Members: Sen. Greg Server; Sen. Larry Lutz
The Northwest Indiana Advisory Board will monitor permit applications, disseminate information to the public, make recommendations to the Department of Environmental Management and assist any department regional offices that affect Northwest Indiana .
Members: Sen. Sue Landske
The Northwest Indiana Transportation Study Commission is charged with studying Northwest Indiana transportation, infrastructure and economic development issues.
Members: Sen. Sue Landske – Vice Chairman; Sen. Marvin Riegsecker; Sen. Joe Zakas; Sen. Rose Antich-Carr; Sen. Frank Mrvan; Sen. Earline Rogers
The Pension Management Oversight Commission will study local government pension relief distribution delays, the repealing of the expiration of deferred retirement option plan (DROP) and volunteer public safety officers' health benefits.
Members: Sen. Joe Harrison – Chairman; Sen. Mike Young; Sen. Allie Craycraft; Sen. Larry Lutz
Laymembers: Steve Meno (New Palestine ); Kip White ( Covington )
The Prescription Drug Advisory Committee was established to study pharmacy benefit programs and proposals and make recommendations to the governor for programs that address pharmaceutical costs for low-income seniors.
Members: Sen. Marvin Riegsecker; Sen. Vi Simpson
The Probate Code Study Commission will study and recommend any necessary changes to the General Assembly concerning the probate code and trust code. The panel will also discuss Indiana 's laws regarding living wills.
Members: Sen. Murray Clark – Chairman; Sen. Joe Zakas; Sen. Rose Antich-Carr
The Property Tax Replacement Fund (PTRF) Board may authorize early distributions of PTRF funds to provide aid to school corporations.
Members: Sen. Tom Weatherwax
The duty of the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission is to ensure that adequate services for disabled persons are available throughout the state. These include legal services and advocacy services for the rights of developmentally disabled persons.
Members: Sen. Bob Jackman
The members of the Indiana Public Defender Commission will make recommendations concerning defense services for the indigent.
Members: Sen. Joe Zakas; Sen. Tim Lanane
The Public Highway Private Enterprise Review Board will review laws and practices concerning highway contracts. This board will address the issue of governmental competition with private enterprise in the areas of construction and maintenance of highways. The panel will recommend to the Legislature whether or not there should be legislation concerning this issue next session.
Members: Sen. John Waterman; Sen. Allie Craycraft
The Public Officers Compensation Advisory Commission, made up of private citizens, reviews salaries of public officers. The commission makes recommendations for suitable salaries but does not enact policy. Because members of the legislature are public officers, they cannot participate on this panel.
Laymembers: Mary Fink ( Ft. Wayne ); Jon O'Bannon (Floyd Knobs)
The members of the Rail Corridor Safety Committee will study the safety of rail corridors, including overpasses, underpasses, crossings, and railroad safety records. The panel also will encourage cooperation among the railroads and all levels of government to enhance safety.
Members: Sen. Ron Alting; Sen. Bob Jackman; Sen. Rose Antich-Carr; Sen. Allie Craycraft
The Indiana Recycling and Energy Development Board will investigate energy development and recycling alternatives and programs for the state, including the use of Indiana products.
Members: Sen. Ryan Mishler; Sen. Glenn Howard
The Regulated Amusement Device Safety Board is concerned with the safety of amusement devices, such as carnival rides. Tragic accidents in recent years motivated the General Assembly to create this review panel.
Laymember: Max R. Fitzpatrick (Whiteland)
The Regulatory Flexibility Committee addresses issues pertaining to the public telephone network in Indiana . The panel will study the effects of competition on available subsidies used to maintain universal service; the status of modernization and potential enhancements of infrastructure; the effectiveness of current regulations; and current phone service pricing. The committee will discuss similar issues as they pertain to electric utilities, including the effect of legislation passed by the U.S. Congress.
Members: Sen. Tom Wyss – Co-Chairman; Sen. Jim Merritt; Sen. Greg Server; Sen. Beverly Gard; Sen. Gary Dillon, M.D.; Sen. Vic Heinold; Sen. Brandt Hershman; Sen. Allie Craycraft; Sen. Earline Rogers; Sen. Connie Sipes; Sen. Larry Lutz
The Select Committee on the Reorganization of Child Services will study the organization of child services provided in Indiana and consider which agency should administer each program. This will include studying the way in which different departments should cooperate, studying the administrative functions used by more than one agency providing child services, and studying any other matter the committee determines is relevant to the reorganization of child services in Indiana.
Members: Sen. Connie Lawson – Chairman; Sen. Vi Simpson
The Rural Development Administration Advisory Board will make recommendations concerning the expenditure of money from the Rural Development Administration Fund. The Legislature established this fund to create, assess, and assist a pilot project to enhance the economic and community development in a rural area; establish a local revolving loan fund for an industrial, a commercial, an agricultural, or a tourist venture; provide a loan for an economic development project in a rural area; provide technical assistance to a rural organization; assist in the development and creation of a rural cooperative; address rural workforce development challenges; and assist in addressing telecommunication needs in a rural area.
Members: Sen. Vic Heinold; Sen. Richard Young
The Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Board has complete policy and administrative control of the school.
Members: Sen. Teresa Lubbers
The School Property Tax Control Board will assist the Department of Local Government Finance in deciding the merits of appeals filed under legislation this session or in respect of a school corporation.
Members: Sen. Tom Weatherwax
Laymembers: Ken Barnes ( Delphi ); Joseph Bronnert (Hope)
The Sentencing Policy Study Committee will evaluate sentencing laws as they relate to the criminal justice and corrections systems, the availability of sentencing options, and the inmate population in the department of corrections. The committee will also discuss pretrial diversion programs, pretrial service fees while on bail, and reducing correctional costs.
Members: Sen. David Long –Chairman; Sen. Richard Bray; Sen. Glenn Howard; Sen. Anita Bowser
The Shoreline Development Commission will have the task of preparing a plan for development of shoreline in Northwest Indiana . The commission will establish guidelines for evaluating shoreline grant applicants.
Members: Sen. Sue Landske; Sen. Earline Rogers
The Simplified State Sales Tax Administration Delegates will review and/or amend the agreement embodying the simplification of a sales and use tax system.
Members: Sen. Luke Kenley
The Commission on the Social Status of Black Males studies and makes proposals to alleviate and correct the underlying causes of the social status of black males.
Members: Sen. Gary Dillon, M.D.; Sen. Sam Smith
Laymembers: Michael Cunegin ( Ft. Wayne ); Mindy Lewis ( Columbus ); Reppard M. Horne ( Ft. Wayne )
The State Fair Advisory Committee will serve as a liaison between the State Fair Board and the General Assembly. The committee will review policies and budgets that effect the commission, fairground facilities, and other property concerning the State Fair Board. The group will provide long-range guidance and make recommendations for any necessary legislation.
Members: Sen. Jim Merritt – Chairman; Sen. David Ford; Sen. Allie Craycraft; Sen. Jim Lewis
The State House Museum Committee has been charge with studying and evaluating the creation of a State House museum, visitor's center and gift shop within the State House.
Members: Sen. Jim Merritt; Sen. Brent Waltz; Sen. Richard Young; Sen. Jim Lewis
The Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy studies the state, county and city tax structures for revenue producing characteristics and the effects upon the economy of Indiana ; equalities and fairness; enforcement policies and administrative practices; and the costs of collection in relation to the burden of the tax. Additionally, the commission was assigned by the Legislative Council to study the fiscal impact of federal mandates on local schools.
Members: Sen. Luke Kenley – Chairman; Sen. Tom Wyss; Sen. Lindel Hume
The members of the Tobacco Farmers and Rural Community Impact Fund Advisory Board make recommendations concerning expenditures of money from that fund. The fund is used for agricultural grant and loan programs to assist tobacco quota owners and tobacco growers transition from tobacco production to other agricultural enterprises. It also funds value-added cooperatives, incubators, and other enterprises or facilities established for the purpose of assisting tobacco quota owners and tobacco growers to capture additional revenues from non-tobacco agricultural commodities. The fund assists agricultural mentoring programs; entrepreneurial leadership development; tuition and scholarships to assist displaced tobacco growers in acquiring new training and employment skills; academic research to identify new transitional crop enterprises to replace tobacco production; market facility development; and planning services for entities that suffer a negative financial impact from the loss of tobacco production.
Members: Sen. Johnny Nugent; Sen. Jim Lewis
The Tourism Council will assist in developing goals and objectives for the tourism office, analyze effectiveness of grants made by the office, and create unity among tourism groups. The council will work to encourage public and private participation for the promotion of tourism, will make recommendations concerning grants from the tourism information and promotion fund and will study the impact of the school start date on tourism. The council will also make budget recommendations to the lieutenant governor.
Members: Sen. Dennis Kruse; Sen. Connie Sipes
The Water Resources Study Committee will study and may make recommendations concerning the usage, quality, and quantity of both surface and ground water resources.
Members: Sen. Tom Weatherwax – Chairman; Sen. Johnny Nugent; Sen. John Waterman; Sen. Jim Lewis; Sen. Larry Lutz; Sen. Richard Young
The Indiana White River State Park Development Commission may design and implement a plan for the establishment and development of park, exposition, educational, athletic and recreational projects to be located near the banks of the White River in Indianapolis .
Members: Sen. Teresa Lubbers; Sen. Billie Breaux
The duties of the Indiana Commission for Women include the assessment of needs of Indiana women and their families, and the promotion of women's participation in all aspects of society. The group's mission is t o eliminate barriers to equality by informing leaders of business, education, governments and media of the nature and scope of the problem of sex discrimination with a view to enlisting their support in working toward improvement. The commission serves as a liaison between government and private interest groups concerned with services for women, and it promotes the consideration of qualified women for all levels of government positions.
Members: Sen. Sue Landske; Sen. Vi Simpson
Laymembers: Mary Jane Blessing (Trafalgar); Ann Wendley ( Seymour )
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