Sen. Frank Mrvan

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 1) honoring Senator Brandt Hershman for his retirement after serving District 7 in the Indiana State Senate since 2000. The resolution formally expresses the Senate's gratitude for his service, highlighting his leadership roles (including Majority Floor Leader and Committee Chair) and his work on tax policy improvements. The key mechanism is directing the Senate Secretary to send a copy of the resolution to Senator Hershman and his wife. It does not create new laws or affect any policy, as it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

A SENATE RESOLUTION honoring Senator Karen Tallian upon her retirement from the Indiana Senate.

Provides that certain eligible applicants for higher education cost exemptions are entitled to a 100% reduction in educational costs.

Provides that any funds that Indiana receives under the American Rescue Plan Act or any other federal funds that Indiana receives for the purpose of providing funding for early childhood education, including prekindergarten, or kindergarten: (1) must be used for early childhood education, including prekindergarten, or kindergarten; (2) may not be used for any other purpose; and (3) may not revert to the state general fund or any other fund to be used for any other purpose.

Provides a property tax deduction for an individual or surviving spouse of an individual who has been rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable.

After December 31, 2022, increases the minimum wage paid to certain employees in Indiana from $7.25 an hour to $15 an hour. Provides that after December 31, 2023, and each subsequent December 31, the hourly minimum wage increases at the same percentage as any increase in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding calendar year. Makes technical corrections and conforming amendments.

Provides that a county or city service officer must: (1) be an honorably discharged veteran who has at least six months of active service in the armed forces of the United States; and (2) have resided in Indiana for at least six months before the service officer's start date. (Current law permits a county or city service officer to have experience as a service officer assistant in lieu of being an honorably discharged veteran and permits nonresidents of Indiana to be hired upon the condition of establishing residence in Indiana within six months.)

Permits a voter who is qualified to vote in person to vote by absentee ballot. Removes all other qualifications for a voter to vote by absentee ballot except for a voter with disabilities who is unable to make a voting mark on the ballot or sign the absentee ballot secrecy envelope. (Such a disabled voter is currently required to vote before an absentee voter board.) Makes conforming changes.

Provides that any funds that Indiana receives under the American Rescue Plan Act or any other federal funds that Indiana receives for the purpose of providing funding for child care: (1) must be used for child care; (2) may not be used for any other purpose; and (3) may not revert to the state general fund or any other fund to be used for any other purpose.

Requires a school corporation's health education curriculum to include mental health wellness education. Provides that the governing body of a school corporation may provide mental health screenings to students. Provides that the department of education shall provide a school corporation with resources regarding mental health wellness upon request by the school corporation.