Lanane Legislation Addresses Various Concerns, Including Anderson Airport

By Senator Tim Lanane

Now that the 2009 Indiana General Assembly is underway, I have introduced several bills that I will work to move through the legislative process.

A few of these include:

• Electric companies would be required to supply a percentage of the total electricity output from renewable energy sources under Senate Bill (SB) 36. The bill would also require the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, in consultation with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, to develop a strategy to attract renewable energy manufacturing facilities, including wind turbine component manufacturers, to Indiana.

• SB 456 would provide more autonomy to local units of government in enforcing air quality control restrictions. This change would encourage local action through the allowed establishment of local air pollution control agencies.

• SB 37 would establish an Office of the Child Advocate. Duties would include taking all possible action to ensure the legal, civil and special rights of children. Appointed by the governor, the Child Advocate would operate independent of all other government offices and be called on to report about the state of Hoosier children's education and welfare.

• Bias crimes legislation would be added to state law with the passage of SB 91. Among other provisions of the bill, law enforcement officers would be required to receive training in identifying, responding to and reporting bias crimes.

• SB 38 requires a state employee health benefit plan and a contract that provides coverage for prescription drugs to provide coverage for smoking cessation drugs.

• University and college police would be allowed to exercise their police powers in any part of Indiana under SB 54.

• The goal of SB 489 is to designate Anderson Airport as an Airport Development Zone to provide several tax incentives so the area could attract business development.

Feel free to contact me to express your views on pending legislation or if you need any assistance. I look forward to hearing from you.