As I write this article, the snow continues to fall with a vengeance. Perhaps the groundhog should have remained in his burrow because of the inclement weather. I believe the winter will continue regardless of man’s interpretation of a furry animal’s behavior.
Despite the weather, session continues. I would like to detail for you several bills that I think you will be interested in. House Bill (HB) 1017 is a bill authored by Representative Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) to restore a 10 percent overweight allowance to either the gross vehicle weight or axle weight limit of commercial vehicles transporting wood chips, bark, sawdust and logs. When loading logs or wood products, it is often difficult to know the weight of the load. The exemption was mistakenly removed by House Enrolled Act 1219 in 2014. The change is important to Indiana’s hardwood lumber industry.
HB 1047, offered by Representative Dave Wolkins (R-Warsaw), authorizes the use of mini-trucks on Indiana roads. You have probably seen mini-trucks being used on farms, in parks or on golf courses. They are used for chores and transport of supplies or tools. These trucks are imported as low-speed agricultural-use trucks, must be titled, registered and anyone selling them must be registered as a dealer. The bill passed the House and has moved to the Senate.
Representative Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) authored HB 1159. The bill provides for a voluntary veteran’s preference policy for hiring, promoting or retaining a veteran in private employment. There are over 476,000 veterans residing in Indiana. This bill is important to House District 23 because so many veterans live in our community.
Representative Randy Truitt (R-Lafayette) has advanced HB 1216 dealing with missing and trafficked children. The bill requires the Superintendent of State Police to prepare a written, informational pamphlet that includes information concerning the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the National Runaway Safeline. This pamphlet is to be distributed to every law enforcement agency which would provide it to anyone who reports a missing child. The bill addresses the problem of child safety and puts actions in place to provide a safer environment. HB 1216 passed the House with bipartisan support, as it should, and has moved to the Senate.
Perhaps you read the article in the Indianapolis Star on Jan. 31, 2015. It was about Coach Bud Wright from Sheridan going to the Super Bowl, courtesy of Colts owner Jim Irsay. Bud Wright is the winningest high school football coach in Indiana history. He has 392 wins and nine state championships to his credit. Coach Wright has spent most of his successful career at Sheridan High School in Hamilton County. Why do I write about this man’s accomplishments? For a very personal reason: Larry (his real first name) Wright was assistant football coach at North Miami High School while I was a high school player. I remember him well for his words, ability and demeanor. Little did we know what was ahead for Coach Wright and his many successful seasons. My congratulations to Coach Wright, and I hope he enjoyed the Super Bowl. Also, thank you to Jim Irsay for recognizing a great advocate for the game and action on that recognition.
More later,
Bill Friend
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Rep. Bill Friend represents portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties. He also serves as Speaker Pro Tempore.
