INDIANAPOLIS- The 2010 legislative session of the 116th General Assembly ended on March 13, with 115 bills sent to the governor. State Senator Tim Skinner (D-Terre Haute) sponsored or authored a number of bills that gained approval by the legislature and are awaiting final action by the governor or set to become law. These include:

Public employee pension funds
Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 172, coauthored by Sen. Skinner, allows a member of the 1977 Police Officers' and Firefighters' Pension and Disability Fund to designate one or more beneficiaries to receive the member's contributions plus interest if the member dies without receiving retirement or disability benefits and without a spouse, child or parent entitled to receive survivor benefits. The bill provides that, if the member does not designate a beneficiary, the member's contributions and accumulated interest shall be refunded to the member's estate. The bill was approved by a unanimous vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. SEA 172 was signed by the governor on March 12 and becomes effective immediately.

Redevelopment commissions and military base reuse authorities
SEA 249, coauthored by Sen. Skinner, helps local communities redevelop land previously used for military purposes. The bill allows the local community to redevelop and reuse the Newport Chemical Depot near Terre Haute. Formerly the Newport Army Ammunition Plant, the facility was built during World War II where it stored RDX and VX nerve agents. The chemicals were neutralized at the plant in 2005. The legislation would allow Vermillion County to reuse this land for community development purposes. The bill was approved by a unanimous vote in both chambers and is awaiting final consideration by the governor. If enacted, SEA 249 will become effective July 1.

Tracking ephedrine purchases
House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1320, cosponsored by Sen. Skinner, would prohibit a retailer from selling, and a purchaser from purchasing, more than 3.6 grams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine on one day, or nine grams of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (PSE) in a 30-day period. To help customers understand the legal restrictions on these pharmaceutical ingredients, HB 1320 requires a retailer who sells drugs containing ephedrine or PSE to post a sign warning that the purchase of more than 3.6 grams of the substances in one day is a criminal offense. Both drugs are commonly found in cold medicines and are used in the production of methamphetamine. The bill was approved by a unanimous vote in both chambers and is awaiting final consideration by the governor. If enacted, HEA 1320 will become effective July 1.

For more information on Senator Skinner, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.in.gov.                                         

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