INDIANAPOLIS—The General Assembly recently considered a bill co-authored by Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) to authorize the continuation of temporary rules and wording of an act passed last year affecting outdoor stage equipment.

Authored by Sen. Lanane in 2012, Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 273 responded to safety issues associated with the Indiana State Fair stage collapse in August 2011. The act created set standards for stage construction and inspection, as well as a permit process to determine structure safety. SEA 273 also gave the Fire Protection and Building Safety Commission temporary ability to establish emergency rules to regulate stages.

This year, Senate Bill (SB) 258 is a result of an established committee within SEA 273 to determine safety laws regarding stage equipment. SB 258 changes the wording of “outdoor stage equipment” to “outdoor event equipment,” and permanently allows the commission to adopt rules regarding equipment safety. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security would also enact emergency action or response plans when outdoor equipment is being used.

SB 258 recently passed out of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans Affairs by a vote of 8-1 and by the full Senate, 38-0. The bill is now up for consideration by the House of Representatives.

Sen. Lanane represents Indiana Senate District 25 includes the portions of Madison and Delaware counties, including the City of Muncie and the southeastern portion of the City of Anderson. For more information on Sen. Lanane, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.IN.gov/S25 . 

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