“I focused on legislation that I felt would be diverse and have an impact. I had the opportunity to work with many different people this session, and I am proud of what we were able to accomplish,” said Rep. Neese. “We made a promise to maintain our state’s fiscal integrity and we had a responsibility to keep that promise to Hoosier taxpayers.” HEA 1028 addresses state police death benefits. It will increase the maximum amount of a deceased state police officer's supplementary death benefit from $14,500 to $20,000 for state police officers who die after June 30, 2013. “The last time this figure was increased was in 1985,” said Rep. Neese. By moving the dollar amount for the life insurance policy to $20,000, we are showing that we recognize the financial burdens these families go through and that we care for the police officers who put their lives on the line every day.” This life insurance policy is not just for those who are killed in the line of duty, but it is also received upon their natural death. “With the cost of living on the rise, the current death benefit of $14,500 seems insufficient. The average cost of a funeral today can range from $3,000 to $5,000. My hope is that this bill will help Hoosiers across the state during a difficult time,” said Rep. Neese. HB 1376 was co-authored by Rep. Neese. Currently there is no law in Indiana that would provide legal action to someone who is a victim of caller ID pranks. Victims of caller ID pranks have lived in fear for their safety and the safety of others they might associate with. This bill will provide that a person may not knowingly or wrongfully cause any caller identification service to transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information. Any violation will be considered a Class B misdemeanor. HEA 1219, concerning the privacy of home addresses, was co-authored by Rep. Neese. Any public entity (city, town, etc.) that operates a public Internet website database with names and addresses of property owners will establish a procedure to allow a law enforcement officer, judge or a victim of domestic violence to participate in the attorney general's address confidentiality program. That person’s home address will be restricted under the act of disclosure. “This bill is meant to protect those who do not wish to have their home address listed as public information,” said Rep. Neese. “Right now, counties can publish online anyone’s name, and the land they own. Depending on their line of work, this could become compromising to someone like a police officer.” During the legislative session, Rep. Neese served as the Chairman of the Committee on Local Government, in addition to being a member of the Environmental Affairs and Utilities and Energy committees. Rep. Neese will continue to work for Hoosiers in his home district and around the state. “When the 2013 legislative session began, I set goals for what I would like to see accomplished,” said Rep. Neese. “I am pleased to see these two particular bills pass with bipartisan support in both chambers.” -30- |
