INDIANAPOLIS

House passes body armor requirement bill

Local police departments would be required to equip all active duty officers with body armor under a measure that cleared the Indiana House 83-11 Tuesday.

House Bill 1331, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Linda Lawson, a retired Hammond cop, stipulates that officers cannot be forced to tap their $200 annual uniform allowances to help pay for the body armor. The measure also requires police departments to adhere to manufacturers' recommended schedules for replacing the life-saving equipment.

"The cost of a vest is minimal compared to the life of an officer," Lawson said.

The legislation moves to the Senate. – PAT GUINANE, THE TIMES

INDIANAPOLIS

Senate approves online driver's license renewals

Hoosiers could renew their driver's licenses without leaving home under a proposal the state Senate approved Tuesday on a 49-0 vote.

Senate Bill 391, sponsored by Sen. Earline Rogers, D-Gary, would allow drivers under the age of 75 to renew their license online or by mail, provided they pass an eye exam during their last renewal.

"This legislation will assist Hoosiers and keep them out of long BMV lines while saving the state money," Rogers said.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles offers a $5 discount to Hoosiers who go online to complete other transactions, such as renewing a vehicle registration. The online license renewal option would not be available to those who need to make an address or name change or to drivers seeking reinstatement from a suspension.

The measure now goes to the House. – PAT GUINANE, THE TIMES

INDIANAPOLIS

House votes to combine auditor, treasurer offices

The Indiana House voted 69-27 Tuesday to combine the offices of state auditor and treasurer.

Reps. John Bartlett, D-Indianapolis, and Mike Murphy, R-Indianapolis, argue Indiana no longer needs separate elected officials to write checks and to invest state money. Bartlett said the consolidation would save $870,000 a year.

The resolution, which would begin the three-year process of amending the separate offices out of the Indiana Constitution, comes while Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels is pushing consolidation of local government. Murphy said state officials must "lead by example" and "look within our own house."

The proposal advances to the Senate.– PAT GUINANE, THE TIMES

INDIANAPOLIS

Bill: Abortion doctors to have space in hospital

A Senate committee has advanced a bill that would require doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at hospitals.

Supporters say the move would improve patient safety, but opponents say the legislation is aimed at restricting women's access to abortions.

The Senate Health Committee voted 5-4 for the bill, which now moves to the full Senate for consideration. The Indiana General Assembly has considered similar legislation in previous years, but the bills have never passed both the Republican-controlled Senate and the Democrat-ruled House.

"I am certain that even those who disagree on abortion can agree that women choosing termination should have the aftercare they need," said Cathie Humbarger, the executive director of Allen County Right to Life. | AP

INDIANAPOLIS

Bill targets cell phone use while on the road

Drivers in Indiana could not use handheld cell phones or texting devices under legislation endorsed by a state House committee on Tuesday.

The House Public Policy Committee approved the bill by Rep. Vanessa Summers, D-Indianapolis, on an 8-3 vote Tuesday and sent it to the full House for consideration. Summers has introduced similar bills for several years, but none of them has passed the General Assembly.

The bill would allow drivers to use handheld cell phones or texting devices in emergencies, and emergency workers such as police and firefighters could use them while driving. Drivers who pull over and stop also could still use them, and restrictions would not apply to voice-activated systems.

A bill before the full Senate would ban drivers under age 18 from using handheld cell phones or communication devices, but Summers' bill does not include an age limit. | AP