(STATEHOUSE) Jan. 29, 2008 - A bill co-authored by Rep. Randy Borror (R-Fort Wayne) should lead to greater access to Indiana government for Hoosiers, while another bill co-authored by Rep. Borror would provide property tax deductions for model residences. The House of Representatives passed both of the bills Tuesday. House Bill 1159 requires the office of management and budget to coordinate a study with various state agencies to identify information and referral services and to report the results of the study to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, 2-1-1 service providers and the General Assembly no later than Dec. 31, 2008. "Many Hoosiers don't know how to contact the appropriate government agency when they need assistance," said Rep. Borror. "2-1-1 provides a service very similar to 4-1-1, and will direct people in the right direction." Additionally, state agencies that use 2-1-1 must enter into an agreement with the service provider to establish the terms and amount of compensation to the recognized 2-1-1 service provider. House Bill 1164 that provides property tax deductions for model residences, allowing a 100-percent deduction for up to three model residences, per owner, for four consecutive years, so long as the property was never a residence. "Planned communities are popping up all over the state," said Rep. Borror. "Many of these developments have model homes that allow potential residents the opportunity to tour multiple floor plans. The real estate industry is slow right now, and by allowing developers to deduct their model residence, we can, hopefully, save jobs." Upon passage, the deduction would be retroactively effective as of Jan. 1, 2008. These bills now move to the Senate for consideration.
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