The short (non-budget) session is moving quickly now that the debate over right-to-work has concluded.  The session is scheduled to end no later than March 14.

This session has been unique in that no negative architecture related bills (stock school plans, tax on services, interior design registration) were introduced. This fact is very good news. More good news is that two proactive positive measures (historic preservation tax credit and regulation of outdoor stage equipment) are still moving through the legislative process.

Unfortunately, there has been some bad news this session for AIA Indiana. Bills regarding PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) and mass transit are dead. Both measures will be introduced again in the 2013 session. AIA Indiana is already planning lobbying efforts that will begin immediately after this session.

In the meantime, there is still plenty of work to do at the Statehouse and your help is needed! Detailed information regarding AIA Indiana legislative issues and how you can use your clout to make a positive impact are explained below.

HB 1111, historic preservation tax credit, authored by Rep. Ed Clere (R-New Albany) and co-authored by Rep. Mary Ann Sullivan (D-Indianapolis), Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) and Rep. Mike Speedy (R-Indianapolis), passed out of the House with a vote count of 96-0! The aforementioned vote count sends a strong positive message to Senate regarding this legislation.

The bill is now eligible for consideration in the Senate. HB 1111 has been assigned to the Appropriations Committee. Senate sponsors of the bill include Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis), Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen), and Sen. John Broden (D-South Bend).

HB 1111 makes multiple positive changes to the current law including a phased in increase to the annual statewide cap on the credit with a cap of $2 million. The current cap is $450,000. 

Please contact your state senator and ask them to support HB 1111, historic preservation tax credit!

State Senate Phone - 800/382-9467

CLICK HERE to email your state senator.

CLICK HERE to view HB 1111, historic preservation tax credit. 

CLICK HERE to view view the AIA Historic Preservation Tax Crecit Issue Brief. 

SB 273, regulation of outdoor stage equipment, passed out of the Senate with a vote count of 45-5. AIA Indiana was successful in amending the bill to include "licensed architects." A special thank you goes to Sen. Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) for working with AIA Indiana on this effort!

The bill is authored by Sen. Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) and Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) and co-authored by Sen. Tom Wyss (R-Fort Wayne), Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville), Sen. Jim Arnold (D-LaPorte), and Sen. Pat Miller (R-Indianapolis).

SB 273 is now eligible for consideration in the House and has been assigned to the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. House sponsor of SB 273 is Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) and the co-sponsor is Rep. Ed Delaney (R-Indianapolis).

SB 273 prohibits the use of outdoor stage equipment for an outdoor performance without a permit issued by the division of fire and building safety (division) or a county, city, or town acting under a regulatory program approved by the fire prevention and building safety commission (commission). The bill also authorizes the commission to adopt rules governing outdoor stage equipment and allows licensed architects and engineers to inspect outdoor stage equipment for persons seeking a permit.

Please contact your state representative and ask them to support SB 273, regulation of outdoor state equipment.

House of Representatives Phone - 800/382-9841

CLICK HERE to email your state representative.

CLICK HERE to view SB 273, regulation of outdoor stage equipment. 

Use your clout and support your profession by attending an "AIA Indiana Day at the Statehouse." This is a unique opportunity for you to learn firsthand about the key AIA state legislative and regulatory issues and become a lobbyist for day. You will be able to use your clout to directly impact the legislative process by meeting with your state legislators and discussing the issues important to architects. Current dates available are: January 31, February 14, 15, 16, 20, 22, or 29.  Please choose a date and RSVP to AIA Indiana Executive Director Jason Shelley, jshelley@aiaindiana.org, 317/634-6993. The day will begin at 12 p.m. with lunch and end no later than 3 p.m. A unified voice is vital. Don't wait to get involved!