Bill Watch, Feb. 21, 2020: Current Commercial and Bankruptcy Legislation of Note

The IndyBar Legislative Committee is currently monitoring the following businss related legislation. IndyBar members can request that the Legislative Committee track specific legislation by contacting committee chair Mindy Westrick at mwestrick@indianaenergy.org.

Click here to view the full Bill Watch reports.

HB1021    LIENS. (TORR J) Permits a person to discharge a mechanic's lien by filing an indemnification or payment bond with the recorder's office in an amount equal to at least 150% of the lien. Requires the surety responsible for issuing an indemnification or payment bond to: (1) be authorized to do business in Indiana; and (2) be rated at least "A-" by at least one nationally recognized investment rating service. Specifies certain requirements concerning the recording of an indemnification or payment bond. Provides that the filing of a bond discharges the liability of a person served by a lien claimant not less than 30 days after the filing of a bond. Provides that a contractor or subcontractor may adjudicate the adequacy of a bond in certain instances. Provides that the liability of a person served by a lien claimant may not be discharged while the adequacy of a bond is being adjudicated. Repeals the current statute concerning the filing of a written undertaking to discharge a lien.

SB343 RURAL COMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVES. (HOUCHIN E) Changes the rural telephone cooperative act to the rural communications cooperative act, allowing the formation of nonprofit cooperative corporations for the purposes of providing telecommunications service and information service, including video service, broadband service, and VOIP service. Makes conforming amendments.