At this point in the 2017 session, the legislature is still hearing bills in committee and hammering out some of the final details. There’s still several weeks to go, meaning for the larger issues, like the budget and road funding, nothing is set in stone or even wet concrete yet. I’m still working on a number of bills that are making their way through the legislative process.
Last week, the House of Representatives unanimously supported legislation that provides Cass County and the city of Logansport options to repair the Cass County Memorial Center. Senate Bill 456, legislation I sponsored, would allow a city or county the flexibility to sell or donate a locally owned war memorial to a non-profit organization to maintain the necessary upkeep. For those who don’t know, the Cass County Memorial Center is a war memorial and historical mansion honoring local veterans. Right now, the center needs several costly repairs and updates to remain open. Under this proposal, a non-profit would take possession of the property and agree to improve the property and maintain it as some form of a memorial. If the organization ceases to exist or can no longer care for the memorial, ownership would revert back to the original local government unit, in this case that would be the city and the county. Ultimately, this could save taxpayer dollars and ensure a treasured memorial remains open for future generations.
Another piece of legislation I am sponsoring is Senate Bill 239. This legislation would require the Department of Corrections to notify the victim of a crime within 48 hours before the release of an inmate, if there is a change to the original release date. Currently, the department is required to notify the victim at least 40 days before the release of an inmate. This change would allow victims to have knowledge and prepare for the inmate’s release. Victims’ advocacy groups, like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, believe victims deserve proper notification so they have enough time to prepare for any potential situations they may face. In rural communities like ours, it’s easy to run into people around town. While an inmate who is released from jail has served his or her time for the crime committed, it is important that we keep the victim’s wellbeing in mind during a potentially difficult adjustment period. This legislation is on the calendar for the full House to consider and will likely be voted on this week.
In the midst of passing legislation, we took time to honor fallen Howard County Sheriff Deputy Carl Koontz. He was tragically killed in the line of duty one year ago. In addition to his police duties, Deputy Koontz served Howard County’s Northwestern School Corporation as a school resource officer. He protected his community and our state every day, and I have the highest respect for the example he set and the ultimate sacrifice he made. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and young son as they continue to adjust after this great loss.
As we continue through session, please stay in touch by email at h23@iga.in.gov or phone at 317-232-9981. You can also sign up for my e-newsletter at www.in.gov/h23. Remember, it’s your state government.
More later,
Bill
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Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
A high-resolution photo of Friend can be downloaded by clicking here.
