Legislature update

 

 

 

 

 

Lawmakers back dropping ‘he’ references to state officials

Legislators have approved replacing all the male pronouns in laws describing the duties of Indiana’s statewide officeholders with gender-neutral terms.

State law repeatedly refers to “his” actions or “his” signature in detailing the responsibilities of officeholders such as the governor, attorney general, state schools superintendent or treasurer. The bill changes dozens of references to “he,” ”his” and “him” to the office title.

The Munster Times reports the bill was co-sponsored by 22 of the 31 women serving in the 150-member General Assembly. The state Senate approved the bill unanimously Tuesday, sending it to Gov. Mike Pence for consideration.

Women currently fill five of the seven statewide offices.

State Auditor Suzanne Crouch says the change sends an empowering message to women.


 

House panel to vote on bill to ban direct automaker sales

An Indiana House committee is set to vote on a measure to ban automobile manufacturers from selling directly to consumers.

The House previously sent the measure being considered Thursday to a summer study committee, but a proposed amendment would bypass the study and make the bill effective beginning July.

The Indianapolis Star reported the measure is backed by General Motors Corporation and could effectively shut down Tesla Motors Incorporated in Indiana. Tesla currently sells its vehicles directly but is website says it has only one store in Indiana.

The company announced earlier this month it will unveil a zero-emission vehicle that would directly compete with an all-electric vehicle from GM.

GM argues state laws are unfair since it bans companies from selling directly if they have existing franchise dealerships.


 

 Exception may be made for a Sunday sale of alcohol at the Indy 500.

Allowing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to sell a souvenir bottle of alcohol on Sunday to commemorate the 100th Indy 500 is being considered at the state house. The bill was passed 13-0 by a House Committee and will now go to the full House for a vote. Alcohol sales on Sunday, when the race happens, would normally be illegal. But a special exception could be granted for the souvenir bottle if the bill passes.