Signed HB 1001 Ends State of Emergency, Protects Rights of Businesses

Last night, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed HB 1001 (Administrative Authority), authored by Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne), paving the way to end Indiana’s two-year public health emergency due to the pandemic. Previously, the measure passed the Senate 32-18 on Tuesday and was concurred on by the House yesterday.

As noted last week, with continual Chamber advocacy, this bill was amended to remove all of the anti-employer provisions contained in the House-passed version. Employers that require employee vaccinations will no longer be required to pay for testing for employees who refuse to get vaccinated. Religious and medical exemption standards will be tied to federal Title VII standards instead of a separate, more expansive state standard.

The Chamber’s position on the passed bill was neutral.

One adjustment that is still needed for 1001 is due to be addressed next week before the end of session. The Chamber met with Rep. Lehman and expressed concern about the adopted amendment that required COVID-19 tests to be federally approved when they are still under emergency use authorization.  The lawmaker agreed that it would be fixed and the plan is to add that language into a trailer bill.

Key Workers’ Comp Matter Moves Forward

House Bill 1153 (Workers’ Compensation), authored by Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne), unanimously passed the Senate on third reading. Senator Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) amended out of the bill “not to exceed language” that the hospitals wanted. The bill as it stands puts ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) under the definition of a medical service facility and capped their reimbursement rate at 200% of Medicare (effective January 1, 2023). The bill also provides a worker benefit increase of 3% per year for four years starting July 1, 2023. In recent discussions with Rep. Lehman, he seemed to be agreeable to the Senate version and most likely will concur on the language. Although, as of this date, he has not filed the motion to concur. The Chamber is in full support of the bill in its current form.

Resource: Mike Ripley at (317) 264-6883 or email: mripley@indianachamber.com