House Bill 1483 would require a representative of Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to administer a written or electronic substance abuse exam to all individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. Based on the results, if the representative considers an individual to have reasonable suspicion of illegally using a controlled substance, there will be further testing. The bill passed in the House with a vote of 78-17. “This bill is not intended to remove anyone off public assistance, it is not about making any type of judgment,” said Rep. Neese. “Actually, those who have substance abuse problems will have the opportunity to participate in a treatment program and continue to receive those benefits. In my pre-session survey that was sent to my district, 88 percent of constituents that responded said they supported this type of legislation. This is really about taxpayer money being used to assist low-income individuals in conjunction with not using illegal drugs. ” House Bill 1523 repeals the term “motorized bicycle” and replaces the term with “moped”. The bill authorizes the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to adopt the requirement of the registration of mopeds. Additionally, the maximum speed you can drive a moped has been raised from 25 to 30 mph. The bill does not require the owner of a moped to get insurance, although Rep. Neese would have liked for it to. The bill passed with a vote of 75-18 in the House and received bi-partisan support. “I am very pleased with the passing House Bill 1523. We’re raising the maximum speed as well as stating someone who owns a moped must register it with the BMV and have plates put on the vehicle. I am however disappointed insurance is not included like I referred,” said Rep. Neese. To stay up-to-date on this bill and any other piece of legislation in the General Assembly, visit www.in.gov/legislative. |
