As the House got back to business today, Reps. Ed Clere (R-New Albany) and Rhonda Rhoads (R-Corydon) were successful in passing House Bill 1132 and House Bill 1265-bills they both co-authored-out of the House chamber. Both bills passed unanimously out of the House. House Bill 1132 would allow Indiana wineries to ship wine made or bottled by the seller to Indiana residents' homes after an initial face-to-face interaction. Once residents confirm their contact information and provide proof they are 21 years of age or older, the winery would be allowed to mail wine directly to the resident. The legislation would also increase the amount of festival permits Indiana wineries are allowed per year from 30 to 45. In addition, the bill would require the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to submit a report to the Indiana General Assembly concerning the viability and efficacy of instituting a policy to permit the direct shipment of wine to consumers in Indiana. "The purpose of the bill would give more freedom to Indiana wineries to produce and sell their products," said Rep. Rhoads, "while also promoting Indiana-made products. Many other states have passed this type of legislation and have had great success." House Bill 1132 will now head to the Senate to be further discussed. If passed into law, it will become effective July 1, 2011. House Bill 1265 would establish the area between State Road 62 from Interstate Highway 265 and State Road 3 as the River Ridge Commerce Corridor. Putting up any necessary traffic signs will be at the discretion of the Department of Transportation or INDOT. In addition, House Bill 1265 would also designate that area as an extra heavy-duty highway before the East End Ohio River Bridge linking Charlestown, Indiana to the eastern suburbs of Louisville, Kentucky. "Designating the River Ridge Commerce Corridor area as an extra heavy-duty highway would increase economic growth in Southern Indiana, and would help tie in with the Ohio River Bridge projects," said Rep. Clere. House Bill 1265 will now head to the Senate to be further discussed. If passed into law, it will become effective July 1, 2011. |
