June 23rd 2010

Interesting Bills going through the Indiana House and Senate

Not that have nothing else to do but occasionally I am cruising through the list of Indiana House and Senate Bills and I found some interesting once that when they do are become final will affect the way we do things. There are more and this is not only real estate related.

Senate Bill# 111

Texting while driving. Makes it a Class C misdemeanor to use a handheld wireless communications device to transmit a text message or electronic mail message while operating a moving motor vehicle, and enhances the penalty for repeat offenses or if a person is injured or killed.

Senate Bill# 004

Homestead assessed value growth cap. Limits the annual increase in assessed value of a homestead to 5% unless: (1) ownership of the homestead changes during the year; or (2) the increase results from physical changes to the homestead.

Senate Bill# 0031

Motorcycle handlebar height. Provides that motorcycle handlebars may not rise higher than the shoulders of the driver when the driver is seated in the driver's seat. (Current law provides that the handlebars may not rise more than 15 inches above the driver's seat.)

Senate Bill# 0057

Local public question on county zoning. Allows a county legislative body to adopt a resolution to place a local public question on the ballot concerning whether the county should adopt a comprehensive plan, a zoning ordinance, or both. Provides that the results of the local public question are not binding on the county legislative body. Provides that only a registered voter who resides in an unincorporated area of the county may vote on the local public question.

Senate Bill# 0058

Tax liens. Provides that the department of state revenue may not initiate a proceeding to foreclose on a lien arising from a judgment on a tax warrant more than ten years after the judgment creating the lien is filed. Specifies that if the department does not initiate proceedings to foreclose on such a lien within ten years after the date the judgment is filed, the lien shall be released.

Senate Bill #0174

Reduction of state gross retail and use tax rate. Reduces the state gross retail and use tax rate from 7% to 6% effective January 1, 2011, if the joint resolution adopted by the 115th general assembly that proposes a constitutional amendment on property tax matters is not agreed to by the 116th general assembly before November 3, 2010. Makes corresponding changes.