Commerce & Technology

Farm and homestead food sales.

Access to public records.

Licensure of certified public accountants.

Regulation of hemp.

Workforce related programs.

Cannabis regulation.

Alkaline hydrolysis for animal remains disposal.

Indiana-Ireland trade commission.

Cybersecurity.

Foreign trade offices.

Craft hemp flower and THC products.

Office of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Consumer genetic testing providers.

Dissolution of human remains.

Marijuana advertising.

Indiana economic development corporation.

Indiana economic development corporation board.

Employee-owned business resource center.

Youth employment.

Occupational licensing.

Indiana economic development corporation.

Supplier diversity for political subdivisions.

Economic development.

Supplier diversity.

Minor use of mobile devices and social media.

Economic development incentive accountability.

Continuing education for professional geologists.

Medical cannabis.

Expiration of committees and interstate compacts.

Professional and occupational licensing.

Consumer data protection.

Indiana destination development corporation board.

Kratom.

Professional licensing.

Welding certifications on public works projects.

Breaded tenderloin as the state sandwich.

Surety bond for home improvement suppliers.

State purchasing.

State and local administration.

Housing task force.

Administrative rules review task force.

Consumer data protection.

Agency oversight and rulemaking procedures.

Cannabis legalization.

Legalization of cannabis.

Medical cannabis.

Economic development.

Enterprise zone renewals.

Craft hemp flower and hemp production.

Economic incentives reporting and classroom training.

Craft hemp flower and hemp production.

Governor's workforce cabinet.

Electronic document filing.

Provisional occupational license.

Indiana economic development corporation.

Shovel ready site development center.

Return of lost pets to owners.

Regulatory impact matters.

Licensure of behavior analysts.

Various gaming matters. Authorizes sports wagering at riverboats, racinos, a Vigo County casino, and satellite facilities. Provides for the administration and conduct of sports wagering. Imposes initial and annual fees on a licensed owner, operating agent, vendor, or permit holder conducting sports wagering. Imposes initial and annual licensing fees on vendors conducting sports wagering. Specifies that a vendor contracting with a certificate holder has the same authority to conduct sports wagering as the certificate holder. Provides that the Indiana gaming commission (IGC) may issue a temporary certificate of authority or a temporary license to conduct business under certain circumstances. Requires the IGC to deposit vendor license application fees in the sports wagering fund. Requires the IGC to deposit sports wagering service provider license application fees in the sports wagering fund. Sets forth duties for the IGC concerning: (1) sports wagering; and (2) granting certain gambling licenses. Requires the IGC to adopt administrative rules. Specifies that the IGC may act upon information received from a sports governing body in considering requests to prohibit wagering on particular events or to prohibit making wagers of a particular type. Establishes a sports wagering service provider license. Provides that certain items must be acquired from a person that holds a supplier's license or a sports wagering service provider license. Provides that certain services must be obtained from a person holding a sports wagering service provider license. Specifies that required background checks apply to employees engaged in activities related to sports wagering. Specifies permissible sports wagering wagers. Prohibits wagering on e-sports. Provides the process for withholding delinquent child support from sports wagering winnings. Imposes a sports wagering tax of 9.5% on adjusted gross receipts received from sports wagering. Requires 3.33% of the tax revenue received to be deposited in the addiction services fund. Provides that the Gary riverboat may transfer to an inland location if the licensed owner: (1) submits a request to relocate; and (2) pays a $20,000,000 fee. Caps the maximum number of gambling games that may be offered at a Gary casino. Requires the licensed owner of the relocated Gary casino to pay an additional fee of $20,000,000 if: (1) gaming operations are relocated; and (2) the licensed owner sells or transfers the owner's interest in the owner's license within five years of relocation. Requires the licensed owner of the relocated Gary casino to: (1) offer each employee at the riverboat a similar position at the inland casino; and (2) consider hiring and training individuals laid off from the riverboat in East Chicago before considering other applicants. Provides that if a request to relocate the Gary riverboat is submitted, the IGC shall accept applications and proposals to award an owner's license to operate an inland casino in Vigo County. Requires a license fee for the owner's license to operate in Vigo County in the amount of $5,000,000. Requires the fee for the Vigo County casino license to be deposited in the state general fund. Requires a licensed owner conducting gaming operations in Vigo County to make certain payments to the City of Evansville. Provides that a person may not have an ownership interest in more than six of any combination of: (1) riverboat licenses; and (2) gambling game licenses. Reduces the graduated wagering tax on gambling games at racinos and the wagering tax on gambling games at riverboats. Provides that beginning with state fiscal years after June 30, 2021, a licensed owner or racino may not deduct more than $9,000,000 from adjusted gross receipts from wagering on gambling games. Distributes wagering tax revenue from a riverboat located in a historic hotel district to the West Baden Springs historic hotel preservation and maintenance fund beginning in 2021. Provides that wagering taxes for the Gary relocated casino continue to be imposed as if two riverboats were in operation for four years. Provides that East Chicago, Hammond, and Michigan City may receive supplemental payments from wagering tax distributions that would otherwise be paid to Gary if certain conditions are met. Provides that the IGC shall approve wagering on table games at a racino beginning January 1, 2020. Makes technical corrections and other changes to conform with recent changes to the riverboat law.

Indiana defense task force. Repeals the military base planning council and reenacts it as the Indiana defense task force (task force). Makes changes to the membership of the task force. Repeals the requirement that the Indiana office of defense development (office) report annually to the lieutenant governor on the economic, workforce, and national security impact of the defense assets and defense industry in Indiana. Provides for the governor to appoint the director of the office. (Current law provides for the lieutenant governor to appoint the director of the office.) Requires the director to report directly to the governor. Allows for the director to be compensated in an amount set by the governor.

Regulation of hemp. Establishes the Indiana hemp advisory committee (committee) to provide advice to the office of the state seed commissioner (commissioner) regarding Indiana's hemp laws. Sunsets the committee on July 1, 2021. Prohibits the commissioner from regulating a hemp product. Changes references from "industrial hemp" to "hemp" and amends the definition of hemp. Adds a definition of "hemp product". Allows for aerial inspection of hemp crops. Removes the limitation on the number of inspections that the state police department may conduct on a licensed hemp operation. Allows the commissioner to perform a criminal background check of an applicant for

Professional licensing matters. Provides for an annual renewal process for appraisal management companies. Changes the designation of certified dietician to licensed dietician. Allows for a hearing aid dealer in training to fit or dispense hearing aids while under the supervision and direction of an individual who holds a temporary or valid hearing aid dealer certificate of registration. Defines a conviction of concern. Amends a provision concerning the way a conviction for a crime of concern affects an individual with a professional license or certification. Removes a provision that requires a dental hygienist to obtain and maintain a national provider identifier number. Allows for the state board of dentistry (board) to issue dental residency permits and dental faculty licenses. (Current law allows for the board to issue limited dental residency permits and limited faculty licenses.) Removes a provision that prohibits an Indiana dental school from having more than 10% of its full-time faculty licensed with an instructor's license. Makes various changes to provisions concerning how a conviction for a crime of concern affects an individual with a professional license or certification.

Consumer credit. Makes the following changes to the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC): (1) Repeals a provision specifying a reference base index for use by the department of financial institutions (department) in adjusting specified dollar amounts designated as subject to change throughout the UCCC. (2) Replaces: (A) the tiered credit service charge authorized for consumer credit sales; and (B) the 25% loan finance charge authorized for consumer loans; with a flat charge of 36% per year on the unpaid balances. (3) Increases the: (A) minimum credit service charge for consumer credit sales; and (B) minimum loan finance charge for consumer loans; from $30 (subject to indexing) to $50 (not subject to indexing). (4) Eliminates indexing of the authorized $5 delinquency charge for consumer credit sales and consumer loans. (5) Provides that a seller in a consumer credit sale may take a security interest in goods sold if the debt secured is at least $1,500 (not subject to indexing), versus $300 (subject to indexing) in current law. (6) Changes the authorized nonrefundable prepaid finance charge for consumer loans not secured by an interest in land from $50 to $100. (7) Repeals: (A) the definition of "supervised loan"; and (B) the provision establishing the authorized loan finance charge for supervised loans. Makes conforming amendments throughout the UCCC and the Indiana Code. (8) Provides that for a consumer loan: (A) with a loan finance charge greater than 25%; and (B) in which the principal is $4,000 or less (not subject to indexing); a lender may not contract for an interest in land as security. (Current law prohibits a lender from contracting for an interest in land as security if the loan principal is $4,000 or less (subject to indexing) without regard to the loan's finance charge.) (9) Provides that consumer loans having a loan finance charge exceeding 25% and in which the principal is $4,000 or less are payable over a period of not more than: (A) 37 months if the principal is more than $1,100 (versus $300, subject to indexing, in current law) but not more than $4,000; or (B) 25 months if the principal is $1,100 (versus $300, subject to indexing, in current law) or less. (Current law specifies these maximum loan terms for loans with a principal amount of $4,000 or less (subject to indexing) without regard to the loan's finance charge.) (10) Provides that a creditor in a consumer loan transaction may not contract for or receive a separate charge for property casualty insurance unless the amount financed exclusive of charges for the insurance is at least $1,000 (versus $300, subject to indexing, in current law), and the value of the property is at least $1,000 (versus $300, subject to indexing, in current law). Authorizes a lender that is licensed by the department to make small loans under the UCCC to make unsecured consumer installment loans under the same license. Defines an "unsecured consumer installment loan" as a loan: (1) with a principal amount that is: (A) more than $605 and not more than $1,500; and (B) payable in three or more substantially equal periodic payments; and (2) in which the lender holds one or more checks of the borrower for a specific period, or is authorized to debit the borrower's account on one or more occasions for a specific period, before the lender deposits the check or debits the account. Requires that the loan term for an unsecured consumer installment loan be at least six months but not more than nine months. Provides for the following with respect to unsecured consumer installment loans: (1) An authorized finance charge and monthly maintenance fee. (2) An annual fee assessed on lenders of $1,000 per license and $1,000 per Indiana branch location (after the first location), for financial education programs. Prohibits: (1) the renewal of an unsecured consumer installment loan; and (2) a borrower from having: (A) a small loan and an unsecured consumer installment loan; or (B) more than one unsecured consumer installment loan; outstanding at the same time. Establishes requirements for the licensure and conduct of persons issuing small dollar loans. Defines "small dollar loan" as a loan with a maximum loan amount of $3,000 and a term of: (1) at least 180 days; and (2) not more than 36 months. Provides that with respect to a small dollar loan, a lender may contract for a loan finance charge of not more than 72%. Provides for an annual fee assessed on lenders of $1,000 per license and $1,000 per Indiana branch location (after the first location), for financial education programs. Establishes the consumer financial education fund (fund) for the purpose of paying expenses incurred by the department relating to consumer financial education. Provides that the annual fees required to be paid by: (1) lenders licensed to make small dollar loans and unsecured consumer installment loans; and (2) lenders licensed to make small dollar loans; shall be deposited in the fund. Specifies that a "rate", for purposes of the loansharking statute, includes a nonrefundable prepaid finance charge. Replaces language conforming the loan rate for the criminal loansharking statute to the maximum loan finance charge for consumer loans under the UCCC, with language specifying that a loan is considered loansharking if it is made at a rate greater than 72% per year on the unpaid balance of the principal.

A SENATE RESOLUTION urging the legislative council to assign the topic of Employee Stock Ownership Plans to an appropriate study committee.

James Whitcomb Riley Home. Authorizes the Indiana state museum and historic sites corporation (corporation) to enter into negotiations with the owner of the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home (real property) for the conveyance of the real property to the corporation. Provides that, if the corporation and the owner of the real property come to an agreement that is acceptable to both parties, the corporation shall accept a conveyance of the real property in accordance with the terms of the agreement entered into by the corporation and the owner and administer the real property in perpetuity.

Financial services. Makes the following change to the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC): (1) Amends the provisions authorizing specified additional charges for consumer credit sales and consumer loans to: (A) permit a seller or a lender, as applicable, to contract for and receive a charge not to exceed $10 for procuring a credit report; and (B) in the case of a revolving loan account, permit a lender to contract for and receive a transaction fee that may not exceed the greater of: (i) 2% of the amount of the transaction; or (ii) $10. (Current law authorizes the lender to charge a transaction fee in the lesser of these two amounts.) (2) Replaces the authorized $5 delinquency charge (subject to indexing by the department of financial institutions) for consumer credit sales and consumer loans with a nonindexed delinquency charge of: (A) $5 if installments are due every 14 days or less; (B) $25 if installments are due every 15 days or more; or (C) $25, in the case of a single installment due at least 30 days after the consumer credit sale or consumer loan is made. (3) Specifies that a creditor may not charge or collect a delinquency charge on a payment that: (A) is paid within 10 days after its scheduled due date; and (B) is otherwise a full payment of the payment due for the applicable installment period; if the only delinquency with respect to a consumer credit sale or a consumer loan is attributable to a delinquency charge assessed on an earlier installment. Amends a provision in the chapter in the Uniform Commercial Code concerning secured transactions to provide that upon a secured party's failure to comply with the chapter in the case of a transaction in which consumer goods serve as collateral, a debtor or secondary obligor at the time of the secured party's failure may recover in an individual action specified amounts. (Current law does not specify that the specified amounts must be recovered in an individual action.)

Regulation of certain professions and occupations. Eliminates the professional licensing agency (PLA). Establishes the health professions licensing agency (HPLA) within the state department of health to license health professions. Requires the state health commissioner to appoint the director and deputy directors of the HPLA. Establishes the workforce licensing agency (WLA) within the department of workforce development to license occupations that are not health professions. Requires the commissioner of the department of workforce development to appoint the director and deputy directors of the WLA. Requires the WLA to operate and maintain the electronic registry of professions. Transfers responsibilities under the INSPECT program from the PLA to the HPLA. Removes the requirements that the directors of the HPLA and the WLA execute a surety bond. Establishes transition provisions. Makes conforming changes. Removes expired provisions. Makes technical changes.

Occupational licensing. Provides that the small business ombudsman (ombudsman) shall review a proposed rule that is an occupational regulation and imposes requirements or costs on persons subject to the occupational regulation. Requires the attorney general to disapprove a proposed rule if it violates federal antitrust laws. Requires that an agency file a statement concerning the economic impact of the proposed occupational regulation on persons who are subject to the occupational regulation. Requires the ombudsman to approve or deny the occupational regulation after determining if the least restrictive regulation is used. Requires a regulatory flexibility analysis that considers any less intrusive or less costly alternative methods of achieving the purpose of the proposed occupational regulation, including the establishment of the least restrictive regulation that is necessary to regulate the occupation or protect consumers. Establishes guidelines to analyze an occupational regulation to determine if it is the least restrictive regulation. Makes conforming changes to include regulated occupations in the laws that affect the adoption of rules that affect small businesses. Provides that an occupational regulation that is adopted by an agency during: (1) an odd-numbered year may not become effective until March 15 during the subsequent year; and (2) an even-numbered year may not become effective until May 1 during the subsequent year.

Cannabis compliance commission. Establishes the cannabis compliance commission to regulate all forms of legal cannabis in Indiana, including industrial hemp and low THC hemp extract.

Professional licensing agency matters. Allows a person who is enrolled in an architecture degree program to take the architect registration examination. Provides that the dietitians certification board is required to hold one regular meeting each year. (Current law requires two meetings.) Removes and repeals provisions concerning the application for and administration of the dietitian certification examination. Allows an individual to fit and dispense hearing aids while under the supervision and direction of a certified hearing aid dealer. Provides that certain duties of the medical licensing board are now duties of the committee of hearing aid dealer examiners. Requires that a

Improvements in historic districts. Provides that certain requirements for an alteration to a historic site or a historic structure do not apply to a construction project that is funded by the state and that involves the substantial alteration, demolition, or removal of a road or a sidewalk within the boundaries of the property of a historic site or a historic structure. Requires a person who intends to perform a construction project on a road or a sidewalk within the boundaries of the property of a historic site or a historic structure to submit an application for a certificate of approval

Criminal history checks for home health workers. Provides that an expanded criminal history check may be used instead of certain background checks and criminal history checks for home health care workers. Prohibits an expanded criminal history check to include certain criminal history information. Provides that an expanded criminal history check satisfies the division of aging's criminal history requirements.

Chiropractors. Amends the definition of "chiropractic". Removes certain acts that a chiropractor is prohibited from practicing. Provides that the board may adopt rules establishing health and sanitation standards for dry needling. Provides that accreditation of a chiropractic college for licensure purposes may be by a successor organization of the Accreditation Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Education. Requires that an applicant for a license to practice chiropractic must complete at least 90 semester hours of education after June 30, 2021. Prohibits an individual from using the title "chiropractor" unless the individual is a licensed chiropractor. Allows a chiropractor to perform

Small cell wireless structures. Specifies that the statute concerning permits for wireless facilities and wireless support structures applies to permits issued by a permit authority to a communications service provider. Provides that a resolution, ordinance, or other regulation: (1) adopted by a permit authority after April 14, 2017, and before May 2, 2017; and (2) that designates an area within the jurisdiction of the permit authority as strictly for underground or buried utilities; applies only to communications service providers and those geographic areas that are zoned residential and where all existing utility infrastructure is already buried. Provides that, with respect

Study of industrial hemp. Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the task of studying the regulation of industrial hemp and industrial hemp products.

Professions and occupations. Provides that the small business ombudsman (ombudsman) shall review a proposed rule that is an occupational regulation and imposes requirements or costs on persons subject to the occupational regulation. Requires the attorney general to disapprove a proposed rule if it violates federal antitrust laws. Requires that an agency file a statement concerning the economic impact of the proposed occupational regulation on persons who are subject to the occupational regulation. Requires the ombudsman to approve or deny the occupational regulation after determining if the least restrictive regulation is used. Requires a regulatory flexibility analysis that considers any less

Funding of 911 call centers. Provides that, after June 30, 2018, a county that contains more than one public safety answering point (PSAP) shall distribute funds to each PSAP in the county on a proportional basis according to the call volume received by each PSAP in the county during the immediately preceding calendar year. Provides that, in determining the amount to be distributed to each PSAP, the county may use the call data and statistics reported to the statewide 911 board (board) annually by the county's PSAPs. Requires the board to provide the relevant data and statistics to the county

Safety requirements for Class 2 structures. Provides that for purposes of the building code, a Class 2 structure townhouse may be separated from an adjoining unit by a one hour fire-resistance rated wall, if each adjoining unit contains an automatic sprinkler system. Prohibits the fire prevention and building safety commission or a state agency from adopting rules requiring the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system. Prohibits a political subdivision from adopting an ordinance or other regulation requiring the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system.

Small loans and unsecured consumer installment loans. Authorizes a lender that is licensed by the department of financial institutions (department) to make small loans under the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC) to make unsecured consumer installment loans under the same license. Defines an "unsecured consumer installment loan" as a loan: (1) with a principal amount that is: (A) more than $605 and not more than $1,500; and (B) payable in three or more substantially equal periodic payments; and (2) in which the lender holds one or more checks of the borrower for a specific period, or receives the borrower's authorization

Tanning facilities. Exempts from tanning facility regulation medical phototherapy treatment that meets certain requirements. Prohibits an individual less than 18 years of age from using a tanning device in a tanning facility. Requires the operator or owner of a tanning facility to include a statement in the written information required to be signed before an individual may use a tanning device that individuals less than 18 years of age may not use a tanning device. Requires a tanning facility operator to prohibit an individual who is less than 18 years of age from using a tanning device. Requires a tanning

Building codes. Requires the fire prevention and building safety commission (commission) to adopt a statewide residential code to be known as the Indiana Residential Code. Requires the commission to provide access to the statewide residential code on the commission's Internet web site. Prohibits a state agency or political subdivision from enforcing standards that exceed those established in the statewide residential code. Requires the commission to establish a review committee to make recommendations for amendments to the statewide residential code and provide a report on any fiscal impact of the recommended amendments. Provides that rules adopted by the commission are the

Preemption of local bans on short term rentals. Provides that a local unit of government (local unit) shall not adopt any ordinance that restricts or prohibits the use of a person's primary residence as a short term rental, except for the following purposes: (1) The protection of the public's health and safety. (2) Residential use and zoning related to noise, protection of welfare, property maintenance, and nuisance issues. Provides that, in the case of residential property that is not the person's primary residence, a local unit may require a special exception, special use, or zoning variance for the short term

Licensure of behavior analysts. Provides for licensure of behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts (rather than certification under current law). Specifies requirements for a license. Sets forth exemptions. Makes conforming amendments.

Eligibility for economic development incentives. Requires the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) to compile a list of all employers that relocate a call center to a foreign country and to disqualify employers on that list from state grants, loans, and tax credits. Requires an employer receiving a state grant, loan, or tax credit to notify the IEDC if it intends to relocate a call center. Imposes a civil penalty on an employer that does not notify the IEDC.

Government information. Provides standards for the access of the legislative services agency (LSA) to information held by a state or local governmental entity. Establishes the position of state data officer and a management performance hub (MPH) in the office of management and budget (OMB) to do the following: (1) Establish and maintain a program to collect, analyze, and exchange government information from executive state agencies. (2) Establish and maintain a program to make government information available to agencies, political subdivisions, educational institutions, researchers, nongovernmental organizations, and the general public. (3) Establish privacy and quality policies for government information that comply

Certified technology parks. Requires that a certified technology park be recertified every three years beginning January 1, 2018. (Under current law, a certified technology park is required to be recertified every four years.) Requires the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC), in conjunction with the office of management and budget (OMB), to develop metrics for measuring the performance of a certified technology park during a review period. Requires the IEDC to consult with local units of government in developing the metrics. Requires the metrics to include: (1) the criteria to be used to analyze and evaluate each category of information furnished

Opportunity to correct violation. Imposes a duty on certain state agencies under certain circumstances to give a person an opportunity to correct an alleged violation of a state rule or state statute that is discovered in an inspection.

Auto dealer services. Makes various changes to the motor vehicle law concerning dealerships, licensing of watercraft and automotive mobility dealers, and automotive salvage recycler recordkeeping. Establishes the consumer restitution fund.

Construction and construction permits. Amends the law requiring the state department of health to approve or disapprove a construction permit application in not more than 30 days to specify that the law applies to applications for permits for the construction of nonresidential onsite sewage systems. Provides that the construction, acquisition, or leasing of any sewage works by a municipality is initiated by the adoption, by the municipal works board or other appropriate body of the municipality, of a resolution (rather than by the adoption by the municipal legislative body of an ordinance).

Small business duplicative reporting. Requires the Indiana economic development corporation to: (1) develop a means for small business reporting of duplicative state reporting requirements through an Internet web page maintained on the corporation's web site; and (2) annually report the received information to the house of representatives' standing committee responsible for government reduction.

Various professional licensing matters. Eliminates the certificate of registration for professional corporations requirement. Eliminates student hearing aid certifications. Allows all boards under the authority of the professional licensing agency (agency) to impose sanctions on a licensee as a result of an administrative complaint filed by the attorney general after renewal or reinstatement of a license. Makes certain provisions concerning midwifery certification effective July 1, 2018. Allows immunizations to be administered under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Requires the boards under the authority of the agency to expedite the issuance or renewal of licenses, certificates, registrations, or permits to military spouses.

Regulation of food dispensing micro markets. Provides that a retail food establishment that is a micro market is not required to have a person in charge present at the micro market if certain requirements are met.

Accountants. Allows competency based learning through professional development opportunities to qualify accountants for accountant certificate renewal.

Healthy food initiative program. Establishes the healthy food initiative program (program) to be administered by the Indiana housing and community development authority (authority) to assist new businesses, existing businesses, and other legal entities to offer fresh or unprocessed foods within an underserved geographic area. Defines "underserved geographic area". Requires the authority to establish: (1) criteria for awarding grants and making loans under the program; and (2) terms and conditions for recipients of the grants and loans. Specifies the permissible uses of grants and loans. Establishes the healthy food initiative fund for purposes of awarding grants and loans under the program.

Vehicle inspection and maintenance program. Urges the legislative council to assign to the interim study committee on roads and transportation for study during the 2017 interim the topic of the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program in Lake and Porter counties and whether there are alternatives to the program that would satisfy regulatory requirements and have a comparable effect on air quality.

Regulation of naturopathic physicians. Provides for licensure of practitioners of naturopathic medicine.

Call center worker and consumer protection. Requires the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) to compile a list of all employers that relocate a call center to a foreign country and to disqualify employers on that list from state grants, loans, and tax credits. Requires an employer receiving a state grant, loan, or tax credit to notify the IEDC if it intends to relocate a call center. Imposes a civil penalty on an employer that does not notify the IEDC.

Economic development incentive accountability. Adds various job and employee definitions to the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) laws. Requires that all records related to taxpayer funded economic development incentives must be disclosed under the open records law. Requires that the IEDC's annual job creation incentives and compliance report must be published on the Indiana transparency portal Internet web site. Requires the IEDC and the department of state revenue to compile information on all job creation incentives granted, including the total amount of uncollected or diverted state tax revenues resulting from each incentive, and requires that this information must be included

Electronic pawnbroker records. Specifies certain information that must be included on a pawnbroker bill of sale. Requires a pawnbroker to create and maintain an electronic record of the information on each bill of sale and transmit the electronic record to the local law enforcement agency every 24 hours.

Notary fees. Increases the maximum fee of a notary public from $2 to $10 for each notarial act.

Sales of bullion or currency. Provides a sales tax exemption for transactions involving the sale of: (1) coins that are permitted investments by an individual retirement account under federal law; (2) bullion that is a permitted investment by an individual retirement account under federal law; or (3) legal tender. Authorizes the secretary of state to issue a temporary registration to a foreign entity that wishes to sell precious metals bullion or currency at a trade fair or coin show in Indiana and is not otherwise lawfully authorized to conduct business in Indiana. Provides that a registration issued to a foreign

Divestment from boycott Israel businesses. Requires the public retirement system to divest from businesses that engage in action or inaction to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel. Provides for notice to businesses, reinvestment, and civil immunity. Requires certain reports to the legislative council. Makes a conforming amendment.

Interim study committee. Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the topic of motor vehicle dealer and manufacturer licenses.

Franchise employment. Provides that, for purposes of the Indiana franchise law, a franchisor (as defined under federal regulations) is not considered to be an employer or co-employer of: (1) a franchisee (as defined under federal regulations); or (2) an employee of a franchisee; unless the franchisor agrees in writing to assume the role of an employer or co-employer.

Regulation of packaging materials. Amends the home rule statute to prohibit a local government unit from: (1) regulating: (A) certain activities with respect to reusable or disposable auxiliary containers designed for one time use or for transporting merchandise or food from food or retail facilities (auxiliary containers); or (B) a manufacturer of, a distributor of, or a food or retail facility that sells, provides, or otherwise makes use of, auxiliary containers, in connection with certain activities involving auxiliary containers; or (2) imposing any prohibition, restriction, fee, or tax with respect to auxiliary containers or to a manufacturer of, a distributor

Indiana economic development corporation. Provides that the office of small business and entrepreneurship may maintain: (1) a toll free telephone number; and (2) an Internet web page; to provide free access to the office's services related to the Indiana small business development center. Provides that the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) may (instead of "shall" as under current law) maintain a small business division to carry out its duties. Provides that, if the IEDC maintains a small business division, the IEDC shall provide free access to the division services through: (1) a toll free telephone number; and (2) an Internet

Meat preparation establishments. Provides that, if certain conditions are met, the state board of animal health (board) must issue a limited permit for the operations of an establishment that is used for slaughtering or preparing meat and that is exempt from antemortem inspection and postmortem inspection requirements. Authorizes the board to enter and inspect such an establishment. Provides that poultry products produced in an establishment operating under a limited permit must be labeled in accordance with rules adopted by the board and may only be distributed directly to a household consumer who: (1) is the last person to purchase the

Massage therapists. Provides that an individual must be licensed by the state board of massage therapy (board) to practice massage therapy. (Under current law, massage therapists are certified by the board but certification is not required to practice massage therapy.) Provides that the massage therapy licensing requirements do not apply to individuals who meet certain requirements. Amends the definition of "massage therapy" to include certain acts. Amends the definition of "massage therapist" to include a person who offers massage therapy. Removes provisions that prohibit: (1) membership in a professional massage therapy association being a requirement to serve on the board;

Licensing of electrical contractors. Establishes the electrical licensing board. Requires electrical contractors to be licensed. Establishes licensing requirements for electrical contractors. Adds references to electrical licensing to the statutes that affect licensing boards.

Distribution of tobacco products licensure. Requires an applicant for a license to distribute tobacco products to submit a letter from the manufacturer that will be supplying the applicant with tobacco products that states the manufacturer's intent to supply the applicant with tobacco products. Specifies that the statement of the manufacturer's intent does not apply to distribution of e-liquids.

Appraisal management practices. Provides that an appraisal management company that engages a real estate appraiser to perform an appraisal shall pay the real estate appraiser for the appraisal to be performed not later than: (1) the: (A) payment date; or (B) occurrence of a specified event upon which payment is to be made; that is set forth in the contract or agreement between the appraisal management company and the real estate appraiser; or (2) 30 days after the return of the appraisal to the appraisal management company by the real estate appraiser, if: (A) a contract or agreement between the

Real estate appraiser compensation rates. Requires real estate appraisal management companies to compensate real estate appraisers for performing appraisals at a rate that is customary and reasonable for appraisals performed in the market area in which the property that is appraised is located based on: (1) objective third party information, including government agency fee schedules, academic studies, and independent private sector surveys; or (2) customary and reasonable appraisal compensation rate schedules established by the real estate appraiser licensure and certification board.

Poultry from exempted slaughter operations. Specifies that an operation that slaughters poultry and is exempt from antemortem inspection and postmortem inspection: (1) must comply with certain public health requirements; (2) must sell directly to the last purchaser; and (3) may not sell the poultry to a food establishment or an institution. Provides that a food establishment may not sell or serve poultry that has been slaughtered or processed by an operation that is exempt from antemortem inspection and postmortem inspection. (The introduced version of this bill was adopted by the interim study committee on agriculture and natural resources.)

Cigarettes and tobacco sales. Prohibits the sale at retail of an electronic cigarette without a valid tobacco sales certificate issued by the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) and includes electronic cigarettes in the certification regulation statutes. Provides that the commission may not enforce an action regarding tobacco sales certificates and electronic cigarettes until after August 31, 2015. Permits smoking in certain cigar stores and bars. Removes the requirement that members of a club or fraternal club must vote to allow smoking on the premises. Provides that the club or fraternal club may allow guests in the designated smoking room or

State registration of privately certified individuals. Establishes a pilot project under which individuals who practice a certain occupation that is not a regulated profession under Indiana law can become "state registered" and be listed as practitioners of their occupation on the electronic registry of professions. However, provides that an individual may not be state registered in connection with any health care occupation or any occupation for which a person is licensed, certified, or registered by the Indiana plumbing commission. Provides that an individual, to become state registered, must hold a certification or credential from a supporting organization (a national organization

Preservation of public records. Changes the name of the state commission on public records to the Indiana archives and records administration (administration). Changes the name of the central micrographics laboratory to the state imaging and microfilm laboratory. Adds and changes certain terms to reflect changes in technology, materials, and processes. Specifies that the administration administers the law regarding preservation of public records for political subdivisions. Requires a county commission of public records to notify the administration within 30 days after selecting a chairman or secretary of the county commission. Provides that the administration may maintain damaged court record books. Requires

Condominium associations and homeowners associations. Requires the seller of a property that is subject to a homeowners association to make certain disclosures to the purchaser. Requires that a condominium declaration contain provisions allowing the co-owners to amend the declaration. Provides that the percentage of the votes required to amend a condominium's bylaws may not exceed 75%. Requires that the minutes of a condominium board's meetings be made available to a co-owner of the condominium for inspection upon request. Makes a provision under which a condominium's common areas can be conveyed or encumbered only with the votes of at least 95%

Real estate brokers and broker companies. Defines "broker company" as a partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or individual acting as a sole proprietorship that is licensed as a broker and, for consideration, undertakes or offers to undertake certain activities with respect to real estate. Provides that an individual, to obtain a broker license, must associate with a broker company (instead of with a managing broker). Provides that a partnership, a limited liability company, or a corporation, to obtain a broker license, must include a licensed broker who qualifies as a managing broker. Defines "managing broker" as an individual who is

Various workforce development matters. Reorganizes and recodifies the duties and programs of the department of workforce development (department). Allows the division of family resources and the department to enter into a memorandum of understanding concerning administering federal work requirements for public welfare programs. Permits the Indiana career council to meet only at the call of the chair rather than monthly. Repeals obsolete, expired, and superseded provisions. Updates cross-references and makes conforming and technical changes.

Synthetic plastic microbeads. Defines "synthetic plastic microbead" as a solid plastic particle that is: (1) less than five millimeters in its largest dimension; (2) not biodegradable; and (3) intentionally added to a personal care product that is used to exfoliate or cleanse and is subsequently rinsed off the human body or a part of the human body. Provides that: (1) after December 31, 2017, a person may not manufacture for sale a personal care product, except for an over the counter drug, that contains synthetic plastic microbeads; (2) after December 31, 2018, a person may not accept for sale a

Adult entertainment performers. Requires a holder of a retailer's permit that provides adult entertainment on the licensed premises to: (1) require adult entertainment performers to provide proof of age and proof of legal residency; (2) take a photograph of each adult entertainer who auditions to provide adult entertainment at the licensed premises and retain the photograph for at least three years; (3) require all employees to sign a document acknowledging their awareness of the problem of human trafficking; (4) display human trafficking awareness posters in at least two places in the licensed premises; and (5) cooperate with any law enforcement

Rural broadband. Urges the legislative council (council) to assign to the interim study committee on energy, utilities, and telecommunications (committee) the topic of the provision of affordable broadband services in unserved areas in Indiana. Provides that if the topic is assigned to the committee, the committee shall: (1) consider specific strategies to encourage the provision of affordable broadband services in unserved areas in Indiana; and (2) issue a final report, including any recommendations for legislation, to the council not later than November 1, 2015.

Motor vehicle manufacturer sales. Urges the legislative council to assign to the appropriate study committee for the 2015 interim the task of studying the sale by a motor vehicle manufacturer of new motor vehicles directly to consumers other than through an independent franchised new motor vehicle dealer that has a physical place of business capable of performing complete warranty service on motor vehicles produced by the manufacturer.

Publication of notice by political subdivisions. Provides that in certain circumstances, a political subdivision (other than a county) may publish notice in a locality newspaper that circulates in the political subdivision instead of in a newspaper that is published in the county and circulates in the political subdivision. Establishes requirements for locality newspapers that may publish notice.

Food desert grant program. Establishes the food desert grant program (program) within the state department of health (ISDH) to assist new and existing retail businesses in offering fresh and unprocessed foods within a "food desert" (an underserved geographic area where affordable fresh and healthy foods are difficult to obtain, as determined by the ISDH). Provides that a grant awarded under the program may be used to construct a new retail grocery store or to renovate, expand, or upgrade an existing retail business that increases the availability and quality of fresh produce and other healthy foods. Requires the ISDH to consider

Massage therapists. Provides that massage therapists are governed by the health professions standards of practice. (Under current law, massage therapists are governed by the professional licensing standards of practice.)

Real estate brokers and appraisers. Provides that after June 30, 2015: (1) the real estate commission (commission) must include one member who is licensed or certified as a real estate appraiser; and (2) the real estate appraiser licensure and certification board (board) must include one member who holds a broker's license issued by the commission. Makes changes to the statutes establishing the commission and the board to implement these changes.

Motor vehicle dealer training. Motor vehicle dealer training. Requires the secretary of state to establish a training program for dealers, transfer dealers, and wholesale dealers of motor vehicles that provides instruction upon the initial application for a license. Provides that the training program must include instruction regarding the duties pertinent to a license authorizing business as a dealer, transfer dealer, or wholesale dealer of motor vehicles.

Small business council established. Establishes the small business council (council) to provide oversight and guidance to the office of small business and entrepreneurship (office). Designates the membership of the council. Specifies the duties of the council. Requires the office to report to the council and the council to meet at least twice each year to hear the office's reports. Requires the council to submit an annual report to the legislative council. Specifies that the office may not refuse to provide assistance or information to an individual or entity because of the individual's or entity's income or other compensation, credit history,

Real estate. Specifies that the certain exceptions to the real estate licensing requirement that are granted to persons who sell or rent their own property do not apply if the person's only ownership interest is an equitable interest created by an executory contract for the sale of residential real estate before closing.