Public Policy Program
The Public Policy Program of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana works to increase the awareness of policy-makers and regulators about the issues associated with fair housing. We work with local, state, and federal legislators to ensure strong fair housing laws and policies. We also collaborate with fellow organizations to strengthen fair housing laws. Funding restrictions impact significantly the ability of the FHCCI to be involved on issues of public policy.
The FHCCI has identified several Indiana “bad bills” that must be removed to better housing policies. At the bottom of this page are yearly FHCCI session summaries of legislation of interest for review.
2024 General Assembly: The 2024 session kicked off in mid January 2024 and wrapped up very quickly. Below are some of the bills the FHCCI is monitoring:
- HB 1029 – ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY LAND TRUST PROPERTY (BAUER M) Provides for the true tax value of land and improvements in a community land trust for purposes of property tax assessment.
- Press of Interest:
- Community land trust property assessments bills unlikely to pass this session, Indiana Public Media, February 21, 2024
- Press of Interest:
- HB 1068 – UNLICENSED REAL ESTATE SOLICITORS (CLERE E) Defines an “unlicensed real estate solicitor”. Requires an unlicensed real estate solicitor to include a specific disclosure on all solicitations promoting the unlicensed real estate solicitor’s intent to purchase a residential, single-family home. Provides remedies to a homeowner that enters into an agreement with an unlicensed real estate solicitor. Provides that it is a deceptive act enforceable by the attorney general for an unlicensed real estate solicitor to solicit the sale or purchase of real estate without the required disclosure.
- 1/24/2024 – House Judiciary, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 8:30 AM, Rm. 156-B. Do Pass as amended 10-0. You can watch the hearing here. Choose Jan 24 from the dropdown, then go to 13:05 for the start of HB 1068.
- 1/29/2024 – House Second Reading. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Jan 29 from the dropdown, then go to 11:10 for the start of HB 1068.
- 1/30/2024 – House Third Reading. Do Pass 94-0. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Jan 30 from the dropdown, then go to 33:10 for the start of HB 1068.
- 2/14/2024 – Senate Judiciary, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Rm. 130. Do Pass as amended 10-0. You can watch the hearing here. Choose Feb 14 from the dropdown, then go to 1:07:07 for the start of HB 1068.
- 2/20/2024 – Senate Third Reading. Do Pass 47-0. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Feb 20 from the dropdown, then go to 32:40 for the start of HB 1068.
- HB 1087 – PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION IN HOUSING (PACK R) Expands the Indiana fair housing statute to prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person’s: (1) source of income; (2) military active duty status; or (3) veteran status. Defines the terms “source of income”, “active duty”, and “veteran”.
- Press of Interest:
- Annual Military Legislative Day celebrates veterans, address issues they’re facing, WRTV, January 16, 2024
- Press of Interest:
- HB 1088 – BIAS CRIMES (PACK R) Adds gender identity to the definition of “bias crime”.
- HB 1111 – UNSOLICITED HOME PURCHASE INQUIRIES (PRYOR C) Provides that Indiana law regulating telephone sales calls applies to a telephone solicitation that: (1) is made by a telephone solicitor that is not a licensed real estate broker; and (2) communicates to a consumer: (A) an offer to purchase; (B) an offer to broker, or otherwise assist or act as an intermediary in, the sale of; or (C) an inquiry regarding the consumer’s interest in selling; residential real property that was not publicly offered for sale, or advertised as being for sale, at any time during the 30 days preceding the date on which the telephone solicitation is made (unsolicited home purchase inquiries). Provides that a telephone solicitor that is not a licensed real estate broker may not make more than one unsolicited home purchase inquiry to the same Indiana resident in a single calendar year. Makes a technical correction.
- HB 1112 – DISCRIMINATORY APPRAISAL PRACTICES (PRYOR C) Adds the following to the duties of the homeowner protection unit (unit) of the office of the attorney general: (1) Cooperating with law enforcement agencies in investigating violations of the federal Fair Housing Act. (2) Investigating and enforcing: (A) existing law prohibiting improperly influencing the preparation of a real estate appraisal; and (B) provisions prohibiting discriminatory practices in the appraisal of residential real property. Prohibits a person whose business includes appraising residential real property from making an excessively low appraisal of the value of real estate that is the subject of a mortgage loan on the basis of the race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin of the: (1) loan applicant; or (2) residents of the neighborhood in which the real estate is located. Establishes the fair housing practices fund (fund), to be administered by the Indiana housing and community development authority (authority), for the purpose of: (1) providing: (A) down payment assistance; (B) financial assistance for closing costs; and (C) restitution; to individuals injured by a violation of provisions prohibiting discriminatory appraisal practices; and (2) providing grants for: (A) community education and outreach efforts; and (B) community reinvestment initiatives; to neighborhoods or communities adversely impacted by the prohibited discriminatory appraisal practices. Requires the authority to adopt rules to develop certain criteria and procedures necessary to: (1) administer the fund; and (2) provide assistance from the fund. Requires the unit to: (1) amend the form that creditors are required to provide to mortgage loan applicants to include information about how prospective borrowers can report suspected violations of provisions prohibiting discriminatory appraisal practices; and (2) accept complaints concerning these suspected violations. Provides that a person that knowingly or intentionally violates provisions prohibiting discriminatory appraisal practices: (1) commits an act that is actionable by an aggrieved individual and the attorney general under the deceptive consumer sales act; and (2) is liable for a civil penalty. Provides that any civil penalty collected shall be deposited in the fund. Requires the real estate appraiser licensure and certification board (board) to, not later than January 1, 2025, submit recommendations to the Indiana real estate commission (commission) concerning the following: (1) Rules requiring as a condition of initial licensure or certification: (A) at least one hour of instruction in cultural competency training; and (B) at least one hour of instruction in implicit bias training. (2) Rules requiring as a condition of renewal for licensure and certification: (A) at least one hour of continuing education instruction in cultural competency training; and (B) at least one hour of continuing education instruction in implicit bias training. (3) Policies to foster diversity in the real estate appraisal profession. Requires the commission to adopt the recommended rules not later than July 1, 2025. Provides that the office of the attorney general and the Indiana professional licensing agency (agency) may use an existing investigative fund to investigate and enforce: (1) existing law prohibiting improperly influencing the preparation of a real estate appraisal; and (2) provisions prohibiting discriminatory appraisal practices. Requires the board to submit, on at least a quarterly basis, a request to the attorney general for certain information concerning complaints filed against real estate appraisers. Requires the agency to publish and update on the board’s web page, on at least a quarterly basis, certain data received by the board in the most recent quarterly report from the attorney general. Requires, beginning in 2026, the agency to submit an annual report to the legislative council concerning: (1) the cultural competency and implicit bias training educational requirements adopted by the commission; and (2) the policies to foster diversity in the real estate appraisal profession implemented by the commission.
- HB 1113 – PURCHASE OF SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES (PRYOR C) Provides that an investment firm may not enter into an executory contract for the purchase of a single family residence until not less than 90 days after the residence is listed for sale. Requires an investment firm to be represented by a real estate broker who: (1) is licensed in Indiana; and (2) is not an employee of the investment firm or any of its subsidiaries; to enter into an executory contract for the purchase of a single family residence.
- HB 1128 – PROHIBITION ON LIEN FOR MEDICAL DEBT (SUMMERS V) Provides that: (1) any amount of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer; or (2) in an action against a consumer in which a judgment has been entered, any amount of the judgment that represents health care debt determined to be owed by the consumer; does not constitute a lien against the consumer’s principal residence. Provides that in any action filed, in a court of competent jurisdiction in Indiana, for the recovery of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer, the principal residence of the consumer is not liable to judgment or attachment or to be sold on execution against the consumer.
- HB 1176 – INVESTOR OWNERSHIP OF SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES (HARRIS JR. E) Establishes the housing down payment assistance fund. Establishes a tax of 50% of the fair market value of a single family residence for each single family residence acquired by an applicable taxpayer after the applicable date. Establishes a maximum number of single family residences that may be owned by an applicable taxpayer after the applicable date for purposes of calculating an annual tax on any excess single family residences.
- HB 1177 – LIMITATIONS ON INTERESTS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES (HAGGARD C) Prohibits the state, a state agency, and a political subdivision from entering into a contract with a prohibited person for the provision of goods or services. Amends the amount of a gift received from a foreign source that must be reported by a postsecondary educational institution. Prohibits certain individuals and business entities from purchasing real property located within Indiana. Permits the attorney general to investigate and issue subpoenas upon receipt of information that leads the attorney general to believe a violation of the critical infrastructure or foreign ownership of real property statutes has occurred. Permits the attorney general to bring an action on behalf of the state or a political subdivision for a violation of the critical infrastructure and foreign ownership of real property statutes.
- HB 1186 – HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION COVENANTS (OLTHOFF J) Requires the owner of a property to disclose in the disclosure form the following: (1) That the property is in a community governed by a homeowners association. (2) A copy of the recorded governing documents. (3) A statement indicating whether there are assessments and the amount of any assessments. (4) The name and business or home address of a board member, homeowners association agent, or other person who has a contract with the homeowners association to provide any management services for the homeowners association. Makes conforming changes.
- HB 1189 – BACKGROUND CHECKS OF MAINTENANCE WORKERS (PACK R) Requires landlords to adopt a policy requiring individuals who apply for certain employment positions that include access to the rental premises during the term of a tenant’s lease to submit to a national criminal history background check before the landlord may hire the prospective employee.
- HB 1195 – RIGHT TO COUNSEL EVICTION TASK FORCE (SHACKLEFORD R) Establishes the access to counsel in eviction task force (task force) to review matters related to the eviction process and potential funding sources to increase a tenant’s access to counsel in an eviction proceeding. Sets forth membership, and requires the task force to issue a report to the legislative council not later than November 15, 2024. Provides that the task force expires December 31, 2024.
- HB 1199 – REPEAL OF ECONOMIC ENHANCEMENT DISTRICT LAW (McGuire, J) – Repeals the chapter in the Indiana Code authorizing the legislative body of a first class city to establish a special assessment district known as an economic enhancement district.
- 1/17/2024 – House Ways and Means, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Rm. 404. Bill held. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Jan 17 from the dropdown, then go to 1:57:00 for the start of HB 1199.
- 1/24/2024 – House Ways and Means, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Rm. 404. Do Pass as amended 15-9. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Jan 24 from the dropdown, then go to 2:07:53 for the start of HB 1199.
- 1/29/2024 – House Second Reading. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Jan 29 from the dropdown, then go to 57:24 for the start of HB 1199.
- 1/30/2024 – House Third Reading. Do Pass 64-29. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Jan 30 from the dropdown, then go to 2:25:00 for the start of HB 1199.
- 2/20/2024 – Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 9:00 AM, Rm. 431. Do Pass as amended 14-0. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Feb 204 from the dropdown, then go to 27:08 for the start of HB 1199 (ignore the incorrect bill number on the video).
- Press of Interest:
- Mysterious group buys $11,000 in Facebook ads to oppose Mile Square district, Mirror Indy, January 9, 2024
- Virginia group opposing Mile Square district has ties to large dark money network, Mirror Indy, January 24, 2024
- Bill to undo Mile Square property tax passes House with support from Speaker Todd Huston, IBJ, January 30, 2024
- City, Indy Chamber continue push against repeal of downtown tax district, IBJ, February 13, 2024
- Amended bill would retain taxing district but some could opt out, IBJ, February 20, 2024
- ‘Let Indy run Indy’: State vs. local control fight reaches fever pitch at Indiana Statehouse, IndyStar, February 20, 2024
- Indiana Apartment Association to Speaker Huston: Who won and lost during 2024 session, IndyStar, March 11, 2024
- HB 1222 – RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICE AGREEMENTS (HAGGARD C) Defines a “residential real estate service agreement” as an agreement: (1) under which a service provider agrees to provide one or more services: (A) in connection with the maintenance, purchase, or sale of residential real estate; and (B) that are not to be performed in their entirety within one year after the agreement is entered into; and (2) that: (A) purports to run with the land or to be binding on future owners; (B) allows for the assignment of the right to provide one or more of the services under the agreement without the consent of the owner of the residential real estate; or (C) purports to create a lien or an encumbrance on, or a security interest in, the residential real estate. Provides that a residential real estate service agreement that is entered into after March 14, 2024, is void and unenforceable. Prohibits a person from recording after March 14, 2024, a residential real estate service agreement in Indiana, regardless of when the residential real estate service agreement is entered into. Provides that a person who knowingly and willfully records or causes to be recorded a residential real estate service agreement in violation of this prohibition commits a Class A misdemeanor. Provides that a county recorder, or an employee of a county recorder, who records a residential real estate service agreement that is presented to the county recorder’s office for recording is not civilly or criminally liable under the bill’s provisions, regardless of when the recording occurs. Provides that if a residential real estate service agreement (agreement) is recorded in Indiana after March 14, 2024, any person with an interest in the residential real estate that is the subject of the agreement may: (1) apply to a court in the county in which the agreement is recorded for a declaratory judgment declaring the agreement unenforceable; and (2) recover the person’s actual damages against any service provider that: (A) is a party to the agreement; and (B) recorded, or caused to be recorded, the agreement. Provides that a service provider that: (1) enters into a residential real estate service agreement with any person; or (2) records, or causes to be recorded, a residential real estate service agreement in Indiana; after March 14, 2024, commits a deceptive act that is subject to the remedies and penalties under the deceptive consumer sales act (act), including an action by the attorney general under the act. Provides that the bill’s provisions do not apply to: (1) a residential real estate service agreement entered into before March 15, 2024 (except as otherwise provided in the bill); or (2) certain specified products, contracts, rights, agreements, services, or liens.
- 1/29/2024 – House Judiciary, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 10:00 AM, Rm. 156-A. Do Pass 10-0. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Jan 29 from the dropdown, then go to 1:01:15 for the start of HB 1222.
- 2/1/2024 – House Third Reading. Do Pass 94-0. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Feb 1 from the dropdown, then go to 1:22:40 for the start of HB 1222.
- 2/21/2024 – Senate Judiciary, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Rm. 130. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Feb 21 from the dropdown, then go to ??? for the start of HB 1222.
- HB 1313 – REAL ESTATE LAND CONTRACTS (MOED J) Defines “principal dwelling land contract” (contract) as a land contract for the sale of real property: (1) designed for the occupancy of one to two families; and (2) that is or will be occupied by the buyer as the buyer’s principal dwelling. Provides that a buyer who has completed the buyer’s obligations under the contract is entitled to the homestead deduction regardless of whether the seller has conveyed title. Provides that the seller under a contract must provide the buyer with certain information concerning any liens that encumber the property 10 days before the contract is executed. Sets forth disclosures that must be included in a contract. Requires all preexisting liens on the property to be satisfied by the seller by the end of the contract term. Provides that a contract must permit a buyer to pay the balance owed and receive the deed at any time. Prohibits prepayment penalties or additional charges for an early payoff. Provides a three day cancellation period for both the buyer and seller. Allows the seller and the buyer to transfer their respective interests in the contract to other parties, subject to certain conditions. Requires the seller to provide the buyer with an annual statement of account. Sets forth certain rights and responsibilities of the parties upon default by either the buyer or the seller. Sets forth acts and omissions constituting violations and establishes remedies for these violations. Provides that a violation of these provisions constitutes an incurable deceptive act that is actionable by the attorney general under the deceptive consumer sales act. Authorizes the attorney general, in consultation with the department of financial institutions, to adopt rules to implement these provisions. Requires that the executed contract or a memorandum of land contract be notarized.
- HB 1383 – WETLANDS (MORRISON) Clarifies various wetland definitions. Eliminates certain wetland rulemaking requirements. Provides that certain wetland activity requires state authorization. Clarifies the compensatory mitigation that must be offered to offset certain wetland activity. Makes conforming changes and technical corrections.
- 1/17/2024 – House Environmental Affairs, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Rm. 156-B. Do Pass as amended 8-4.
- 1/22/2024 – House Second Reading.
- 1/23/2024 – House Third Reading. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Jan 23 from the dropdown, then go to 2:13:30 for the start of HB 1383. Do Pass 64-30.
- 1/31/2024 – Senate Environmental Affairs, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 10:30 AM, Rm. 233. Do Pass as amended 7-2. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Jan 31 from the dropdown, then go to 58:35 for the start of HB 1383.
- 2/6/2024 – Senate Third Reading. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Feb 6 from the dropdown, then go to 3:35:17 for the start of HB 1383. Do Pass 32-17.
- Press of Interest:
- ‘IDEM saying it’s a good bill is a lie’: state water regulators denounce wetlands bill, IndyStar, January 30, 2024
- Bill further rolling back Indiana wetland protections is first to land on governor’s desk, IBJ, February 7, 2024
- HB 1387 – HOUSING DEVELOPMENT (MILLER D) Makes various changes to the residential housing infrastructure assistance program. Expands the definition of “economic development facilities” applicable to the economic development and pollution control statutes to include facilities for housing for purposes of redevelopment commission programs outside Indianapolis for age-restricted housing or residential housing development. Makes a technical correction.
- 1/23/2024 – House Government and Regulatory Reform, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 10:30 AM, Rm. 156-C. Do Pass 10-0. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Jan 23 from the dropdown, then go to 14:30 for the start of HB 1387.
- 1/30/2024 – House Ways and Means, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 8:30 AM, Rm. 404. Do Pass 10-0. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Jan 30 from the dropdown, then go to 21:30 for the start of HB 1387.
- 2/5/2024 – House Third Reading. Do Pass 96-2. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Feb 5 from the dropdown, then go to 56:28 for the start of HB 1387.
- 2/22/2024 – Senate Local Government, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 9:30 AM, Rm. 233.
- HB 1413 – STATE AND LOCAL POLICIES ON HOMELESSNESS (DAVIS M) Cancels the appropriation in the 2023 budget bill for the state’s housing first program and reallocates that appropriation to the Indiana housing and community development authority (authority) as follows: (1) Provides that state funds for homelessness must be used for: (A) parking areas; (B) camping facilities; (C) individual shelters; and (D) congregate shelters; and specifies conditions and requirements applicable to those facilities. (2) Provides that state funds otherwise used for permanent housing must be used to assist individuals with substance use, mental health treatment, and other services, including short term housing. Provides that the authority must award certain funds as performance payments for political subdivisions or nonprofit organizations that reduce the number of individuals with days unhoused, days in jail or prison, or days hospitalized. Specifies that a person who owns or operates a private camping facility funded under the bill’s provisions is immune from civil liability. Prohibits an individual from camping, sleeping, or using for long term shelter land owned by the state or a political subdivision, unless the land has been authorized for that use under the provisions added by the bill or another law. Provides, if certain elements are met, that a person who knowingly or intentionally uses land owned by the state or a political subdivision for unauthorized camping, sleeping, or for long term shelter commits a Class C misdemeanor. Establishes an affirmative defense to such a prosecution. Prohibits a political subdivision from adopting or enforcing any policy that prohibits or discourages the enforcement of any order or ordinance prohibiting public camping, sleeping, or other obstruction of a sidewalk. Authorizes the attorney general to bring a civil action to enjoin a political subdivision that adopts or enforces such a policy. Makes conforming changes. Makes an appropriation.
- SB 64 – HOUSING MATTERS (FORD J) Requires, before November 1, 2024, the Indiana housing and community development authority (authority) to prescribe a statement of the rights of a residential tenant in Indiana. Specifies the contents of the statement. Requires the authority to: (1) make the statement available to residential landlords throughout Indiana; and (2) post the statement on the authority’s website. Requires, after October 31, 2024, a residential landlord to provide a tenant with the statement at the time the tenant enters into or renews a rental agreement. Provides that a landlord may not increase the rent payable by a tenant who is at least 62 years of age in an amount that exceeds 10% of the rent payable under the rental agreement in effect on June 30, 2024, and for each year thereafter. Specifies that if a tenancy is month to month, a landlord may not increase the rent payable by a tenant who is at least 62 years of age for a succeeding month in an amount that exceeds: (1) 10%; divided by (2) 12 months; of the amount of rent payable under the rental agreement applicable to the month to month tenancy on June 30, 2024, and for each month thereafter. Indicates that the application of the provisions added by the bill concerning rental increases is not affected by a change in the ownership of the property if the new owner continues to use the property to rent dwelling units.
- SB 111 – ENFORCEMENT OF RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD OBLIGATIONS (TAYLOR G) Provides that in addition to, or instead of, bringing a court action to enforce a statutory obligation of a residential landlord, a tenant may enforce the obligation by doing the following: (1) Providing notice to the landlord, at least 30 days before the tenant’s next regular rental payment is due, of: (A) the landlord’s alleged failure to comply with the required obligation; and (B) the tenant’s intent to deposit rental payments with the clerk of the court in the county in which the rental premises are located if the landlord fails to make any repairs or take any other actions necessary to remedy the landlord’s failure to comply before the tenant’s next regular rental payment is due under the rental agreement. (2) Depositing all rental payments with the clerk of the court in the county where the rental premises are located if the landlord fails or refuses to make any repairs or take any other actions necessary to remedy the landlord’s failure to comply before the due date of the tenant’s next regular rental payment. (3) Applying to the court for an order that provides specified remedies for the landlord’s failure to comply. Provides that, during the pendency of a court action brought by a tenant to enforce a statutory obligation of a landlord, the court may order the tenant to make the regular rental payments otherwise due to the landlord under the rental agreement to: (1) the clerk of the court; or (2) an attorney trust account; to be held in trust for disbursal to the prevailing party, as ordered by the court.
- SB 183 – COUNTY OPTION EXEMPTION OF MOBILE HOMES (RAATZ J) Provides that a county fiscal body may adopt an ordinance to exempt mobile homes located in the county from property taxation (exemption ordinance). Specifies that the discretionary adoption of an exemption ordinance does not apply to mobile homes that are assessed as: (1) inventory; or (2) real property; under the property tax laws and administrative rules.
- 1/25/2024 – Senate Local Government, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 10:00 AM, Rm. 233. Do Pass 10-0. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Jan 25 from the dropdown, then go to 31:00 for the start of SB 183.
- 1/30/2024 – Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 8:30 AM, Rm. 431. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Jan 30 from the dropdown, then go to ???? for the start of SB 183.
- 2/1/2024 – Senate Second Reading. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Feb 1 from the dropdown, then go to 1:01:00 for the start of SB 183.
- 2/5/2024 – Senate Third Reading do Pass 48-0. You can view the video of the session here. Choose Feb 5 from the dropdown, then go to 4:04:50 for the start of SB 183.
- SB 207 – ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY LAND TRUST PROPERTY (YODER S) Provides for the true tax value of land and improvements in a community land trust for purposes of property tax assessment.
- SB 235 – LANDLORD-TENANT RELATIONS (ALTING R) Allows a city, county, or town to bring a nuisance action against a tenant or other person responsible for a nuisance. Requires a landlord to repair or replace an essential item not later than 24 hours after being notified by a tenant that the tenant’s rental unit is without certain essential services. Provides that a tenant may bring an enforcement action against a landlord by providing notice of the landlord’s noncompliance and allows for certain remedies to a prevailing tenant. Allows a court to order that a tenant’s regular rental payments are paid into an attorney trust account or to the clerk of the court during the pendency of an enforcement action brought by the tenant.
- SB 243 – LANDLORD-TENANT RELATIONS (HUNLEY A) Provides that a landlord may not sell a residential rental property that is subject to an unexpired written lease unless the landlord gives written notice to the tenant of the residential rental property not less than 60 days before the landlord lists the property for sale, unless certain exceptions apply. Requires a buyer of a residential rental property to honor an unexpired written lease between the previous owner and a tenant unless the buyer of the residential rental property gives written notice to the tenant that the buyer intends to terminate the lease, not less than 30 days before the lease is terminated, and pays the tenant an amount equal to one month rent plus the full security deposit as specified in the written lease.
- 1/31/2024 – Senate Judiciary, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 1:30 PM, Rm. 431. Did not pass 5-5 with amendment. You can view the video of the hearing here. Choose Jan 31 from the dropdown, then go to 3:25 for the start of SB 243 (first bill).
- Press of Interest:
- Senate committee fails to advance bill to allow better housing code enforcement in Marion County, WFYI, January 31, 2024
- Indiana Week in Review (go to 8:11 in video clip), WFYI, February 3, 2024
- Briggs’ mailbag: Todd Rokita’s Orwellian turn; why Indiana sucks for renters, IndyStar, February 20, 2024
- TENANT SETBACKS: Failures in legislation at Statehouse lead to calls for a housing commission, The Indiana Citizen, February 21, 2024
- SB 276 – HEALTH CARE DEBT AND COSTS (QADDOURA F) Adds a new chapter to the Indiana Code governing hospitals’ billing practices and financial disclosures to patients. Provides that the unpaid earnings of a consumer who resides in Indiana may not, at any time, be attached by garnishment in satisfaction of: (1) any amount of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by the consumer; or (2) in an action against the consumer in which a judgment has been entered, any amount of the judgment that represents health care debt determined to be owed by the consumer. Prohibits a health care provider from reporting or furnishing to a consumer reporting agency any information related to health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer who resides in Indiana. (Bill language continues…)
- 1/31/2024 – Senate Health and Provider Services, (Bill Scheduled for Hearing); Time & Location: 9:00 AM, Rm. 431. Bill pulled from agenda.
- SB 277 – RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD-TENANT MATTERS (WALKER G) Provides that the court may appoint a receiver upon request by a county, city, or town when the property owner of a multifamily residential property with more than four dwelling units has failed to pay damages, costs, or attorney’s fees that have been incurred by the multifamily residential property in a nuisance action brought by the county, city, or town. Allows a city, county, or town to bring a nuisance action against a tenant or other person responsible for a nuisance. Defines “essential services” as certain services needed for the safe and habitable occupation by a tenant of the tenant’s rental unit. Defines “essential systems” as certain systems used to deliver essential services to a rental unit. Requires a landlord to provide and maintain a rental premises that is free from the following: (1) Pests, including rodents and invasive insects. (2) Mold. (3) Rot. Sets forth a procedure for a tenant to use to initiate a request for repairs. Requires a landlord to repair or replace an essential system not later than 72 hours after being notified by a tenant that the tenant’s rental unit is without essential services under certain circumstances. Allows for certain remedies to the tenant for the landlord’s noncompliance, including a procedure for the deposit of rent that is due with the clerk of the court if the landlord fails or refuses to make repairs or take remedial action. Provides that, during the pendency of a court action brought by a tenant, the court may order the tenant to make the regular rental payments otherwise due under the rental agreement to the clerk of the court or an attorney trust account, to be held in trust for disbursal to the prevailing party, as ordered by the court. Provides that a landlord may apply for release of rent deposits. Provides that, after June 30, 2024, a landlord may not manage a rental property in Indiana unless the landlord: (1) is authorized to do business in Indiana; (2) maintains an office at one or more physical locations in Indiana; or (3) appoints an Indiana licensed real estate broker or broker company to manage the rental property. Makes conforming changes.
Other legislative information:
- FHCCI Policy Briefs:
- Reports/Studies of Interest:
- State interference in local policymaking prevents people of color, women, and low-income workers from making ends meet in the South, Hunter Blair, David Cooper, Julia Wolfe, and Jaimie Worker, September 30, 2020
- State Preemption of Local Equitable Housing Policies, Local Solutions Support Center, 2019
- General Guidance: Nonprofits can lobby! In Indiana, nonprofits interested in providing testimony on specific legislation may need to register as a lobbyist with the Indiana Lobby Registration Commission. You should also review this excellent resource on nonprofit lobbying put together by our colleagues at Prosperity Indiana. Please speak out in the General Assembly on bills impacting your constituents or members and provide your valuable knowledge.
Bad Bills List
2022 Indiana General Assembly Summary
2021 Indiana General Assembly Summary
2020 Indiana General Assembly Summary
2019 Indiana General Assembly Summary
2018 Indiana General Assembly Summary
2017 Indiana General Assembly Summary
2016 Indiana General Assembly Summary
2015 Indiana General Assembly Summary
2014 Public Policy Summary
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- Source of Income
- Staff Recs
- Tenant Screening
- Zoning
- Inclusive Communities
- Public Policy