House and Senate committee meetings are in full swing, and AIA Indiana has been actively testifying on and monitoring multiple legislative bills. See the information below to learn more.

HB 1615, Indiana military base infrastructure grant program, authored by Rep. Shane Lindauer (R - Jasper), establishes the Indiana Military Base Infrastructure Grant Program for physical infrastructure projects located on current or proposed Indiana military bases. The House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety heard the bill last Thursday. AIA Indiana testified in favor of the bill, commending its proactive approach to infrastructure investment. HB 1615 passed out of the committee and is now moving to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration due to its fiscal implications.

HB 1223, tourism development projects, authored by Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R - Kokomo), establishes a program administered by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) to provide an incentive for tourism development infrastructure projects in the form of a Sales Tax rebate. The bill was heard in the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform this past Thursday. AIA Indiana supports this legislation for its emphasis on placemaking and its potential to spur broader economic development through tourism-related infrastructure. Additionally, such investments frequently spark further building projects. AIA Indiana testified in favor of HB 1223, but no vote was taken. The committee is expected to revisit the bill and consider amendments.

SB 101, registration of professional engineers, authored by Sen. Rick Niemeyer (R - Lowell), introduces an alternative pathway to engineering licensure for individuals with at least 25 years of professional engineering experience who pass the required examination on their first attempt. The Senate Committee on Pensions and Labor initially reviewed the bill on January 15, with a second hearing held last Wednesday. However, no vote has been taken, and the bill is currently stalled in committee. AIA Indiana, in collaboration with the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Indiana, will continue to monitor SB 101 and engage as necessary throughout the legislative session.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact AIA Indiana Executive Director Jason Shelley, Hon. AIA, at 317-634-6993 or jshelley@aiaindiana.org.