House Bill 1416 (Remote Worker Grants and Remote Work Sites), authored by Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne), would have established the remote worker grant program, which the Chamber sees as a vehicle communities all across the state can use to attract talent and new, taxpaying residents. However, HB 1416 died this week when the House Ways and Means Committee did not take up the measure. The bill previously passed the House Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee. But all may not be lost. Late this week, we pressed the issue with key legislators and received indication that there may be a willingness to amend the remote worker legislation into a related bill coming over from the Senate, such as any on broadband. Many communities around the country are developing successful programs to attract these workers and Indiana needs to continue competing for the best talent. This is a top priority item for the Chamber, and we will continue to pursue all avenues to see it become law this session.
House Bill 1125 (Deceptive Lead Generation), authored by Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne), aims to corral misleading advertisements. The measure overwhelming passed the House 97-1. The bill was initiated by Cook Group, a Chamber member, and it assists in removing harmful, misleading medical device and legend drug ads that promote litigation. We will continue assisting the Cook Group to secure approval in the Senate.
House Bill 1309 (Pregnancy Accommodation), authored by Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown), cleared the full House 95-2. Senate sponsors of the legislation are Sen. Phil Boots (R-Crawfordsville) and Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette). The Chamber previously testified that we support the bill and it’s a good compromise from HB 1358 (which we deemed too prescriptive for employers). We anticipate HB 1309 will get a hearing in the Senate – most likely in the Senate Pensions and Labor Committee – and will work to secure passage of the bill in its current form.
House Bill 1454 (Nonemergency Ambulance Service and Physician Order), authored by Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle), was favorably amended this week in committee after a meeting with all stakeholders, including the Chamber. The bill previously raised reimbursements to out-of-network ambulance providers. That Chamber-opposed portion was removed and now the bill requires a submission of cost data to the Family and Social Services Administration by ambulance providers. The bill has now moved to third reading and is eligible for consideration by the full House. With the amendment, the Chamber moves its position from oppose to neutral. We will keep a close watch on this legislation as it moves ahead to make certain the scope remains the same.
Senate Bill 220 (Worker’s Compensation), authored by Sen. Karen Tallian (D-Portage), would increase worker’s compensation benefits by 2% each year for three years beginning in July. The measure easily passed the Senate this week 43-3. We expect the bill to be assigned to the House Employment and Labor Committee. We will be working with its chairman, Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo), to find a solution so that the benefit increase is not simply for employees but also for employers. We don’t disagree that a benefit increase is warranted; there hasn’t been one since 2016 (enacted in 2013). However, a comparable business consideration is in order as well.
Resources: Adam H. Berry at (317) 264-6892 or email: aberry@indianachamber.com; Mike Ripley at (317) 264-6883 or email: mripley@indianachamber.com
