INDIANAPOLIS -- Now that the Indiana House and Senate members have done their jobs, it's up to Gov. Eric Holcomb to sign (or not sign) more than 100 bills making their way to his desk. Holcomb has until May 5 for House bills and May 6 for Senate bills.
Holcomb didn't comment on the solar power bill and the Ricker's bill, saying he's still reviewing them.
He reviewed a few at a press conference Tuesday. Here are a few he's made decisions on:
HB 1002 - Road funding plan: Holcomb will sign the bill. It will increase gas prices this summer, in exchange for providing $1.2 billion for infrastructure in the state.
"The Speaker commented that he wanted to smell asphalt in July," Holcomb said. "He is going to be able to do that. I have charged INDOT with putting forward a plan this June for a priority list."
SB 43 - Guns in Indiana Statehouse: The bill, which Holcomb will sign, will allow for Statehouse employees to carry guns.
"This is my first budget session and this legislature saw fit to arm their staff and not mine," Holcomb said. "I don't know what signal that is sending me. As it was explained to me, it's the capitol complex. ... I can sympathize with someone who wants to be able to protect themselves."
SB 404 - Parental consent for abortion: Holcomb signed the bill into law Tuesday. The law will make it tougher for teenagers to get an abortion without their parents' knowledge.
HB 1148 - CBD oil treatment: Holcomb will sign this bill into law, creating a registry for doctors and caregivers to use hemp oil in the treatment of certain types of epilepsy.
"This does not put us on a slippery slope to legalizing marijuana, quite the contrary," Holcomb said. "I'm happy with the progress was made upstairs. This was not my bill, but I'm happy to sign it."
SB 567 - Muncie schools bill: Holcomb will sign the bill, which will allow the state to take over Gary schools and to appoint an emergency manager to handle finances up to six months for Muncie Community Schools.
"We have to get this right," he said. "I think the most important part is this is going to more than encourage folks to come together and get this back on track. The kids, ultimately are the ones caught in this crossfire. Operating in good faith, we will step in as a state and usher this to a good conclusion."
HB 1024 - Prayer in schools: Holcomb will sign this bill, allowing for students to practice their religion on school grounds It will allow students to pray or engage in religious activities or expressions before, during, and after the school day.
