Ruckelshaus, Kautzman, Blackwell & Bemis, LLP

Attorneys at Law

April 25, 2019

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Indiana General Assembly concluded the 2019 session on April 24, 2019.  The Assembly wrestled with many tough issues ranging from abortion to hemp and gun control.  Your FOP was able to keep nearly all of our issues moving through the process in spite of the din of political rhetoric.

Major issues of significant importance to our members and their families are now on their way to Governor Holcomb for signature into law.  I have no reason to believe that the Governor will not be signing any of them.

The FOP and public safety labor accomplished more in this session than in any other previous session. 

• SB85 – increased pension and survivor benefits;
• SB79 – guarantees due process for police officers subject to complaints and internal investigations;
• HB1170 – protects contract rights in impasse situations and provides for a non-binding mediation process;
• HB1258 – expands residency parameters to include the county of employment, a contiguous county, or a residence in a non-continuous county but not more than fifty (50) miles from the closest city of employment boundary;
• SB172 – expands the line of duty death (LODD) survivor health insurance benefit to DNR, Excise, Gaming, Airport, School, University, Hospital Police, and Park Rangers.  It additionally allows a surviving spouse to maintain address confidentiality when applied for.  This bill was made retroactive to December 31, 2017 to cover survivors of DNR Sgt. Ed Bullman (EOW 2/14/18).

The FOP will be working throughout the Summer and Fall meeting with legislators in their districts and attending legislative summer study committee sessions as we prepare for next year.  I will be offering a full legislative report at the Indiana FOP Annual Conference in Evansville, Indiana June 19-22, 2019. 

In closing, I would like to publicly thank our friends in the legislature, Republican and Democrat alike, for such a successful FOP session.  Special thanks to Senators Jon Ford, Jack Sandlin, Mike Crider, Jim Buck, Phil Boots, and Aaron Freeman as well as Representatives Heath VanNatter, Mike Speedy, Craig Frye, and Kevin Mahan.  Without their understanding of our issues and willingness to assist public safety, we could not have accomplished so much this session.  I also wish to thank our membership for their patience when needed and their assistance when called upon.

Please see attached Legislative Report #17, 2019 for detailed information on all bills that we have been tracking and that have now made it through the process.  Bills will now be moving onto the Governor for signature or, in some cases, to summer study committees.  I will be sending additional information as these things occur.

As always, please contact President Bill Owensby or me if you have any questions.

Fraternally,

Leo

Leo T. Blackwell | Partner
Ruckelshaus Kautzman
Blackwell & Bemis, LLP
135 N. Pennsylvania Street, Suite 1600
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(p) (317) 634-4356?(f) (317) 634-8635
ltb@rucklaw.com?www.rucklaw.com

Legislative Report #17 - 4/25/19

Legislative Bulletin SB85 - 5/1/19

Legislative Bulletin Article 5, Section 14 - 5/1/19

Endorsements

Mar 25, 2017

2018-2020 PAC COMMITTEE  Michael J. Download: 2018endorsements.pdf