The deadline to file a proposal for a new law was Jan. 9, so there will be no more new proposals filed this session. During the short session, House members can file up to a maximum of five bills. This rule is to help manage the time and keep everyone on schedule throughout the 10-week period.
I have filed four bills this year. First, House Bill 1059, which is co-authored by State Rep. Doug Gutwein (R-Francesville), would allow Fulton County officials to impose a COIT rate that sufficiently funds the repayment of bonds needed to construct a new jail. I was contacted by a commissioner and president of the Fulton County Council who both asked me to file the bill. The reason for the request was a letter from jail inspectors citing overcrowding and difficulty separating male and female offenders. This legislation would allow the county council to act on the issue of funding a new jail. This bill does not raise taxes on Fulton County taxpayers, but it would allow local officials to do so after all public hearings and input from citizens is received. The bill has been sent to the House Committee on Ways and Means and will be reviewed by the respective committee members.
I have also filed HB 1209, which would require reviews of guaranteed energy saving contracts by the attorney general’s office every three years to ensure the actual results are meeting the claims made by the guaranteed contract. The logic behind this bill is based on elected and appointed public boards who may not have the expertise to understand the technical jargon contained in the contract. Another issue is that faces and names change on public boards and in executive positions. Because of this, new members may not have knowledge of the contract, its claims and timeframe. The bill simply seeks a method of accountability so public funds are expended and the proper results are received. A three-year review by the attorney general will put some teeth into enforcement of contract claims.
With HB 1214 my attempt is to clarify the issue of CBD oil use, possession and marketing. Last session, I was able to pass a law that allows parents to utilize CBD oil as a method of management for their children who suffer from treatment resistant epilepsy without fear of prosecution. Since passage of the act, legislators have been inundated with emotional requests from citizens who suffer from a variety of maladies, asking that the usage of CBD oil be expanded. Some examples of these illnesses are: Parkinson's, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis and other neurological problems. Doctors have the predicament of listening to patients who may obtain CBD oil from another state and want a recommendation to use it here in Indiana. Retailers have a dilemma because the attorney general’s interpretation confuses everyone's understanding of what is legal and what is not.
My bill would expand the use of resins and products made from industrial hemp; the same plant that was grown for years to produce rope, canvas and paper. This plant is a member of the Cannabis family and a relative to marijuana. Many years ago, the federal government placed all cannabis on the Schedule I drug list causing Industrial hemp to be illegal due to its relation to marijuana. CBD oil from industrial hemp has 0.3 percent of THC or less. HB 1214 would require testing and labeling to inform the public of the 0.3 percent or less THC levels. I believe CBD oil is much like an herbal supplement and should be treated as such because it provides relief to a wide range of people.
In other news, my sister-in-law, Mary Beth Fites, retired from Miami Correctional Facility on Friday after 18 1/2 years of service. She got a "get out of jail free" card. Congratulations on your retirement!
In next week’s column, I'll explain my final bill. It's your state government, stay involved.
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State 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.
