STATEHOUSE (Feb. 22, 2010) - House lawmakers voted 97-0 today to approve legislation authored by Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel) providing the legislative branch access to state-funded research resources like those at state colleges and universities.

“I believe this legislation is the baby brother to the larger ethics reform package being discussed this session in an effort to make our government more open and accountable to Hoosiers,” Delph said. “This bill will allow the legislative branch to have access to the resource tools needed to research topics and legislation with less dependence on outside sources like the lobbying community.”
 
Senate Bill 84 would allow legislators and the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency (LSA) access to research tools like Lexis-Nexis, J-Stor and Project MUSE through state universities. The bill exempts access requirements for legislators and staff if expanding access violates the terms of a subscription agreement.

Delph said this legislation would also urge the Legislative Council to provide information and training on Indiana’s virtual library, INSPIRE, to legislators and staff. INSPIRE is a collection of academic databases and other information resources that can be accessed by all Indiana residents at www.INSPIRE.in.gov.

“We are pleased to play a role in providing legislators and staff with access to our collection of resources not only at the state library but also through INSPIRE,” said Jim Corridan, deputy state librarian. “INSPIRE gives Hoosiers access to over 10,000 journals and 3,000 e-books and we look forward to working with the legislature in providing the most current resources in the future.”

Delph said the measure also requests that LSA conduct a survey of legislators and staff regarding research tools and the feasibility of establishing a division of research and policy development within the agency.

Senate Bill 84 moves to Gov. Mitch Daniels’ desk for his consideration.

Sen. Delph represents Senate District 29, which includes a portion of Hamilton and Marion counties.