STATEHOUSE (Feb. 18, 2010) - Legislation authored by Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel) is one step closer to becoming law after House committees passed two of his bills on Wednesday. Delph’s bills now move to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.

Members of the House Election and Apportionment Committee voted unanimously to approve Senate Bill 64, which prohibits homeowners associations from banning the display of political signs within 30 days of an election. Neighborhood associations could still enforce rules that restrict the size, number and location of political signs.

“Every Hoosier has a right to express political views, and this legislation guarantees that they can practice those rights on their property,” Delph said. “I thank Sherm Johnson of Carmel for bringing this issue to my attention.”

Another piece of legislation authored by Delph passed unanimously out of the House Public Health Committee and addresses prescription drug abuse in Indiana.

Senate Bill 356 requires health care provider boards to report to law enforcement or the attorney general when a practitioner deviates from established guidelines. Another key aspect of the bill is the inclusion of a civil immunity to prescribers and dispensers who pass along a good faith tip to law enforcement on suspected drug abuse.

“According to recent studies, 383,000 Hoosiers abuse prescription drugs each year,” Delph said. “I believe we must do a better job at identifying problem prescribers and ‘doctor shopper’ patients in an effort to reduce prescription drug abuse in our state.”