The General Assembly has convened for the 2018 session. In the 1970s, the legislature created the short session during even-numbered years in order to deal with the budget emergencies and issues deemed too important to wait until the next year. Over time, the short session has evolved to contain several elements similar to the long session. Session lasts 10 weeks and must end by March 14. There are several issues that will be addressed during this year. Hot topics such as alcohol sales, school funding boost, CBD oil use and more have been presented for consideration.
Sunday alcohol sales will be addressed by the General Assembly this session. Current regulations are extremely complicated and need reform. Sunday sales is an issue current legislators cannot ignore. We will all do our best to adhere to our constituents’ wants and needs on this subject.
During last year's budget negotiations, the number of public school students was underestimated by about 6,000 pupils. The legislature needs about $11 million to meet the current demand and prevent budget cuts. I intend to see that funding restored to meet the needs of our local schools.
Last session, I was able to pass House Enrollment Act 1148, which provided immunity for desperate families who relied on CBD oil to treat their children afflicted by treatment resistant epilepsy. My goal was to provide freedom from prosecution for those parents and the act did just that. This summer, however, I received many messages from people who used CBD oil with some success to treat other maladies such as Parkinson's, ALS, MS, fibromyalgia, plantar fasciitis and other nervous system disorders. I am disappointed that Attorney General Curtis Hill has continued to resist the allowance of CBD oil to be used by affected Hoosiers. I have filed HB 1214 to expand the use of resins from industrial hemp. This bill would allow people to possess, use and sell CBD oil as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent THC, is properly tested and labeled. My goal is to clear up the confusion about this product.
I am not promoting the use of medical marijuana. That issue is separate from what I wish to accomplish. My goal this session is to clarify any confusion in the current law so the public can utilize CBD oil made from industrial hemp to address multiple health problems.
As I complete my final session in the Indiana House of Representatives, I will continue to write and communicate via the Friend Report. It is my honor and privilege to serve House District 23.
It's your state government, so continue to participate in it.
More later,
Bill
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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
