STATEHOUSE—Three bills authored by State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) passed the House of Representatives today on second reading. Before this legislation goes to the Senate, the House will vote on the final versions of House Bill (HB) 1003 regarding electronic meetings, HB 1190 concerning property tax assessment, and HB 1211 dealing with information on long-term medical care. Both HB 1003 and 1190 aim to make government agencies more efficient. HB 1003 would allow a member a state agency to participate in an electronic meeting if it complies with the Open Door Law and agency approves such a policy. Under HB 1190, county assessors would prepare a reassessment plan to split all of a county’s land into four groups. Each group would contain at least one quarter of the parcels of land within each class of property. The county would then reassess 25 percent of the parcels each year, resulting in reassessment of all parcels every four years. “We should always strive for a leaner, more efficient government,” said Rep. Crouch. “HB 1003 would allow state agencies to function using 21st century technology. So long as transparency is maintained, there is no reason we shouldn’t take advantage of electronic meetings. “Additionally, current procedures and deadlines for county assessors require counties to hire outside assessors or pay for overtime. HB 1190 establishes a common sense reassessment schedule to conserve resources.” The third bill authored by Rep. Crouch, HB 1211, would help seniors consider all of their options for long-term healthcare and home care. Because the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) have the most up-to-date information on these services, nursing homes and hospitals would have to provide patients with AAA’s contact information. “With so many options for long-term care, making the right choice can be very overwhelming. This bill would connect people searching for information with the agencies that can provide the best recommendations.” -30- Rep. Crouch, Bills to increase government efficiency and help seniors.docx |
