INDIANAPOLIS — Hoosier lawmakers have only until Wednesday to win either House or Senate approval for their proposals, or the legislation effectively is dead for the year.
Next week, House-approved measures will go to the Senate, and Senate-endorsed plans to the House, to determine what ultimately will advance to Gov. Mike Pence for his signature or veto.
Here's a look at some of the proposals, many sponsored by Northwest Indiana lawmakers, that passed the House or Senate last week:
Teacher scholarship — House Bill 1002, sponsored by House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, and state Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, creates the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. Up to 200 students annually could receive $7,500 for their college educations if they agree to teach in Indiana schools for five years after earning their degrees.
"In today's economy, we realize our top-performing students have many college and career options," Bosma said. "This proposal is part of an overall effort this session to encourage our best and brightest to consider teaching in Indiana classrooms as a lifelong career."
Corrections — House Bill 1102, sponsored by state Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, improves access to community corrections programs and provides for mental health treatment at county jails.
"This is an opportunity to lower the rate of criminal activity in Indiana while providing individuals with the care they need to improve their mental health and prepare themselves for re-entry into society," Lawson said.
Sex crimes — House Bill 1199, sponsored by Lawson and state Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point, requires a person convicted of promoting child prostitution to register as a sex offender.
Traffic accidents — House Bill 1048, sponsored by state Reps. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, and Charlie Brown, D-Gary, obligates motorists involved in a minor crash to move their vehicles out of traffic if it can be done safely.
Veterans — Senate Bill 233, sponsored by state Sen. Jim Arnold, D-LaPorte, provides Hoosiers an option on their income tax form to donate their tax refund, or any amount, to Indiana's Military Family Relief Fund.
Plastic bags — House Bill 1053 pre-empts local governments from enacting a ban or tax on use of plastic shopping bags or foam containers by retailers or food service companies.
Israel — House Bill 1378 mandates the Indiana Public Retirement System divest from businesses that participate in boycotts or sanctions aimed at harming the economy of Israel.