AIA Indiana Legislative E-Newsletter

2023 Legislative Session for AIA Indiana Brings Opportunities and Challenges

January 16, 2023

Why We Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day - It's important to celebrate the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and find ways to apply them in our everyday lives. Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the famous American civil rights leader who dedicated his life to achieving equality for people of all colors. Personally, Dr. King is a hero of mine and the following quote never leaves my desk – “The time is always right to do what is right.” On this day, and every day, let’s strive to do what is right. – AIA Indiana Executive Director Jason Shelley, Hon, AIA.

123rd Session of the Indiana General Assembly - The 123rd session of the Indiana General Assembly began on January 9 and is scheduled to conclude no later than April 29. This year’s session is referred to as a “long session” due to the biennial state budget that must be adopted.

There will be significant challenges during this long session for AIA Indiana. Negative proposals regarding building codes and professional licensing matters are expected. Also, there will be debate regarding housing and Indiana’s current tax structure. One of the Indiana Senate Republicans’ top priorities this legislative session is a bill that would create a commission to study the feasibility of eliminating Indiana’s state income tax which could equate to the state implementing a tax on services. AIA Indiana will be front and center for these debates.

AIA Indiana will also be busy lobbying in favor of at least two proactive bills. One calls for reinstating and updating the state historic preservation tax credit. The second bill would direct the Indiana Fire Prevention & Building Safety Commission to provide rules for construction inspection.

The current Indiana Building Code explicitly omits nationally recognized building inspection requirements for “Class 1” structures, creating a great risk to public safety. “Class 1” structures are buildings occupied by the general public and/or three (3) or more tenants. Indiana is one of two states with a statewide building code that currently does not incorporate Chapter 17: Special inspection into its Building Code. The other state is Wisconsin.

The omitted requirements are a critical part of the quality assurance standards of the International Building Code (IBC), the model upon which the Indiana Building Code is based. The purposeful deletion of these inspection requirements has put Indiana out of step with national construction practices and has left Indiana without a defined minimum standard for structural inspection of building construction.

I am confident other legislative challenges and opportunities will arise during this session and AIA Indiana will be there to meet them!

Proposed 2023 Indiana Building Code Rulemaking Schedule - The Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission is continuing the process of updating Indiana’s outdated building codes. The Commission will be meeting throughout 2023 with a focus on updating the currently adopted I-Codes, considering adoption of the IEBC, IECC and modifications to the GAR. All are welcome to submit proposed amendments to the Model Codes on the Commission’s form, which can be accessed here, and/or testify on proposed amendments to the specific model codes at the scheduled Commission meetings. The next code the Commission will consider is the Plumbing Code. The next Commission meeting date is February 7. Please note, all reviewed model codes are 2021 International Code Council (ICC) model codes (for Plumbing Code: 3rd printing, for all others: printing as of January 1, 2023). The building code update schedule (subject to change depending on number of submitted amendment proposals) is available on the Commission’s website. CLICK HERE to learn more.

AIA Indiana Days at the Statehouse - Support your profession by attending an "AIA Indiana Day at the Statehouse." This is a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the key AIA state legislative and regulatory issues and become a lobbyist for a day. You will be able to directly impact the legislative process by meeting with your state legislators and discussing the issues important to architects. Current dates available include January 23, 30, 31, February 7, 21, 22, and 27.

January 24 is YAF/AIAS Day at the Statehouse - CLICK HERE to register. February 6 is AIA Indiana Committee on the Environment (COTE) Day at the Statehouse - CLICK HERE to register. All members are welcome to attend on those dates as well.

Please choose a date and RSVP to AIA Indiana Executive Director Jason Shelley, Hon. AIA, jshelley@aiaindiana.org , 317/634-6993. The day will begin at 12 p.m. with lunch and end no later than 3:30 p.m. Attendees will earn 2 AIA LUs! A unified voice is vital. Don't wait to get involved!

(L-R) Sen. Jim Buck (R - Kokomo) and AIA Indianapolis Board member Chase Miller, AIA

Lobbying Basics for Communicating with Your Local Legislators - Please contact your state senator and state representative and introduce yourself, if you don't already know them. Invite them to tour your firm. Discuss with them the issues that are important to you and your firm. I am sure they will appreciate hearing from you.

To contact your legislators, see the information below.

House of Representatives Phone - 800/382-9842

State Senate Phone - 800/382-9467

Find Your Legislator - CLICK HERE

Do not hesitate to contact AIA Indiana Executive Director Jason Shelley, Hon. AIA, jshelley@aiaindiana.org, 317-634-6993, if you have questions or concerns regarding these or any other issues.

AIA Indiana | jshelley@aiaindiana.org | 317-634-6993 | www.aiaindiana.org

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