How Good Legislation Can Go Bad

The Indy Star is reporting that there are over 100 amendments to be introduced to the Governor’s property tax legislation (HB 1001). From what I recall from Rep. Bosma’s talk last week, close to 70 or more are coming from Democrats while around 30 are coming from Republicans. This comes after HB 1001 sailed through committee without being touched. The idea was that any changes to HB 1001 should come before the Full House rather than many changes in committee.

The Indiana House will be wading in more than 100 proposed amendments to Gov. Mitch Daniels’ property-tax reform this afternoon.

According to House Democrats, 102 amendments have been filed for House Bill 1001, the legislation that contains Daniels plan. The full House is expected to begin hearing thosee amendments this afternoon.

The House convened for a short period this morning at 9 a.m., and has since recessed. Republicans and Democrats are scheduled to meet behind closed doors separately this afternoon to discuss which amendments they’ll offer before the House will come back in session later today.

Keep a hawk eye on these amendments. At the Federal level, this is usually where good legislation goes bad by being filling with “special interest” amendments and spending increases. I can’t see that happening here as the press would be all over it. But I’m just saying, keep an eye on this.