HB 1568 Moves Closer to Becoming Law

(posted Apr 6)

House Bill 1568 left the Senate Local Government and Elections Committee (SLGEC) unaltered on April 4. According to State Representative Phil Hinkle, the amendments died in a 5-5 vote, including the crucial amendment to eliminate the City's ability to receive the Wayne Township Fire Training Facility once the fire merger is completed.

Hinkle is having problems with the consolidation legislation because the state's power is usurping two independently elected board's powers to pass resolutions. If enacted into law, the legislation will not recognize any property transfers between two governmental entities starting January 1, 2006. This directly impacts Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township and Wayne Township Board of Trustees recent resolutions to transfer the Wayne Township Fire Training Facility to the school for fall educational programs. Hinkle, who unsuccessfully tried to have the legislation amended in the House, was hoping the amendments would be accepted by the SLGEC.

It is rumored that amendments will offered during second reading on April 10 before the full Senate. If the amendments are accepted, the bill goes to a conference committee to make the changes. The amended legislation will then be heard before the full House and Senate.