(Photo - AIA Indianapolis President Jason Larrison, AIA testifying in the Senate Appropriations Committee in opposition to SB 52.)

The 2024 Session of the Indiana General Assembly began on January 8 and will end no later than March 14. In this short, non-budget session, legislative leaders have called for a short, ‘fine-tuning’ session, however, there are many bills being debated that have serious ramifications upon the built environment. See the list of issues below AIA Indiana is following. 

SB 52, prohibition on use of dedicated lanes, authored by Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis), would prohibit IndyGo from using dedicated lanes for the Blue Line project. Passage of this bill into law would effectively kill the Blue Line Project. The construction of the Blue Line, with an estimated cost of $370 million, aims to replace Route 8—the second most frequently used route after the Red Line. The Blue Line is designed to span approximately 25 miles from east to west along Washington Street, connecting Cumberland and the Indianapolis International Airport. The route utilizes I-70 west of Holt Road in its path. AIA Indiana is opposed to SB 52. 

The bill was heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on January 18. Roughly 10 people testified in favor of the bill and more than 30 testified against it. Thank you to 2024 AIA Indianapolis President Jason Larrison, AIA for testifying against the bill on behalf of AIA Indiana. Unfortunately, SB 52 passed out of committee mostly along party lines with a vote count of 7-5. It will not be debated by the full Senate.

Transit-oriented development, or TOD, embodies the creation of integrated urban spaces that seamlessly bring together people, activities, buildings, and public areas. These spaces prioritize convenient walking and cycling connections, coupled with efficient transit services that extend throughout the city. TOD projects inherently enhance transit options on multiple fronts. The residential facets of such developments offer residents convenient access to Bus Rapid Transit, while the commercial aspects generate employment opportunities easily accessible to those relying on public transportation.

The evident impact of increased TOD investments is exemplified by the IndyGo Red Line, with ongoing and planned projects demonstrating a commitment to this urban development approach. The Red Line has resulted in over $700 million in economic development including over 600 housing units. However, the passage of SB 52 poses a threat to the continuation of TOD initiatives along the proposed routes. AIA Indiana emphasizes the importance of considering the detrimental consequences for future TOD projects should SB 52 be enacted.

Please contact your state senator and ask them to oppose SB 52.

State Senate Phone - 800/382-9467

Email/Find Your Legislator - CLICK HERE

HB 1376, election day for school referenda, authored by Rep. Robert Behning (R-Indianapolis), provides that a local public question concerning certain education matters, including a school referendum tax levy and school safety referendum tax levy, may be placed on the ballot only at a general election or municipal general election. AIA Indiana opposes HB 1376.

Supporters of the proposed legislation emphasize the crucial need to boost voter engagement, particularly in matters pertaining to school referendums. Those opposing HB 1376 express apprehensions regarding its potential impact on local decision-making processes and the capacity of school authorities to promptly address budgetary and infrastructural requirements. If the bill is passed into law, taxpayers will bear higher expenses for vital school construction renovations and new facilities, as the legislation will impede a swift response to these needs. For instance, simultaneous bidding and execution of necessary school construction projects will lead to increased costs for taxpayers. Additionally, the delays caused by HB 1376 may result in deferred maintenance, escalating overall expenses for Hoosier taxpayers. This could also lead to many students enduring substandard learning environments unnecessarily.

HB 1376 was heard on January 17 in the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment. The bill passed out of committee 8-5. It will now be debated on the House floor. 

Please contact your state representative and ask them to oppose HB 1376. 

House of Representatives Phone - 317/232-9600

Email/Find Your Legislator - CLICK HERE

HB 1383, wetlands, authored by Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil), would reduce the number of wetlands that are protected in Indiana by changing the definition of the Class III wetlands, the most protected class. AIA Indiana opposes HB 1383.

On May 25, 2023, the US Supreme Court issued a far-reaching decision, stating that the majority of wetlands do not receive protection under federal law. Consequently, the responsibility for safeguarding our wetlands falls upon individual states, and Indiana, with a less-than-ideal track record, faces this critical task. Approximately 90% of our original wetlands have already vanished, and in 2021, the Indiana legislature made substantial reductions in state wetland protections. The combined impact of these legislative changes and the Supreme Court decision puts over 400,000 acres of Indiana wetlands at risk.

Indiana’s wetlands are important because they: reduce flooding by holding excess stormwater and are the most cost-effective stormwater infrastructure we have; filter and purify water; replenish the groundwater for our wells; slow stormwater so there is less erosion; and provide the most biologically-productive ecosystems.

The bill passed out of the House Committee on Environmental Affairs on January 17, receiving a party-line vote of 8-4. The next step involves deliberations before the entire House of Representatives.

Please contact your state representative and ask them to oppose HB 1383.

House of Representatives Phone - 317/232-9600

Email/Find Your Legislator - CLICK HERE

SB 246, assessment of wetlands classified as wildlands, authored by Sen. Sue Glick (R-LaGrange), would provide property tax breaks to developers and homeowners without cutting protections for property owners who preserve wetlands. The bill allows the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to certify some acres of ground as "wildland" — which qualifies for tax breaks. AIA Indiana supports SB 246.

SB 246 would encourage developers and homeowners to preserve mature wetlands, which provide numerous benefits including reduced flooding, cleaner water, erosion mitigation, etc.  

SB 246 passed out of the Senate Natural Resources Committee with a vote count of 8-0 on January 18. The bill has now been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further debate.

Please contact your state senator and ask them to support SB 246.

State Senate Phone - 800/382-9467

Email/Find Your Legislator - CLICK HERE

SB 297, administrative rules, authored by Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine if the implementation and compliance costs of a proposed rule is at least $1 million and provides that certain proposed rules shall not be effective until the General Assembly passes a bill authorizing the rule. SB 297 is supported by the Indiana Builders Association and the Indiana Apartment Owners Association. AIA Indiana opposes this bill as it will doom any meaningful efforts to properly update Indiana's outdated building codes.

The bill passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on January 17 with a vote count of 9-2. It will now be debated by the full Senate. 

Please contact your state senator and ask them to oppose SB 297.

State Senate Phone - 800/382-9467

Email/Find Your Legislator - CLICK HERE

Do not hesitate to contact AIA Indiana Executive Director Jason Shelley, Hon. AIA if you have any questions regarding the 2024 state legislative session.