STATEHOUSE—Multiple pieces of legislation authored by Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) are heading to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. Included in this is legislation relating to abandonment procedure on mortgaged properties, the addition of a fourth judge in Johnson County Superior Court and a 13th check retired teachers and state employees. Once signed, the legislation will join House Bill (HB) 1239 – already signed by the governor – in completing Rep. Burton’s list of legislation making it through the General Assembly this session. HB 1238 was the first piece of this legislation to be signed into law and it establishes a procedure to find certain foreclosed properties as abandoned. This legislation removes a current statute calling for a settlement conference between the creditor and debtor in order to expedite the foreclosure process. “Abandoned property can be such eyesores for communities, not to mention lower property values of surrounding houses,” said Rep. Burton. “We needed to find a way to help communities that felt their hands were tied and expedite the process for dealing with these abandoned properties.” HB 1238 would also protect the debtor by allowing them to present evidence against the abandonment claim. The second bill to pass through both chambers on Thursday was HB 1092 which add a fourth judge in Johnson County’s Superior Court. While elected in 2014, the fourth judge would not begin until the rehabilitation of a fourth Johnson County Superior Court building is complete which is expected by January 1, 2015. “Johnson County was deemed the number one county in our state in need of a new judge, based on their existing caseloads,” said Rep. Burton. “After petitioning for this for years now, I am pleased to have it finally make it through the legislative process. “While this legislation will allow Johnson County time to get an additional court operating before the judge is established – when all is said and done, the fourth judge should hit the ground running.” HB 1123 was the final bill passing both chambers and it provides a one-time 13th check to members of the Indiana State Teachers’ Retirement Fund, Public Employees’ Retirement Fund, State Police Fund and State Excise Police, Gaming Agent, Gaming Control Officer and Conservation Officers’ Retirement Fund. “This legislation is a response to our retired public servants who have not had a cost of living increase in recent years. The additional check will help them cope with inflation and other unforeseen financial stress in a volatile economy.” -30- |
