STATEHOUSE (March 5, 2013) — House Bill 1069, sponsored by State Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) to increase outdoor event safety in Indiana, today passed the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans Affairs by a 6-1 vote.

Merritt said HB 1069 would make temporary statutes permanent, to authorize the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission (FPBSC) to adopt rules regulating outdoor event equipment. Merritt initiated this authorization in 2012 in response to the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair.

“Indiana needs an entity to oversee public safety when it comes to popular outdoor events like concerts that require special structural equipment,” Merritt said. “We want Hoosiers and visitors to feel at ease.”

HB 1069 would also extend the expiration date for the temporary rule already put in place by FPBSC to Jan. 1, 2016, rather than 2014. The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

Currently, a similar bill authored by Merritt — Senate Bill 258 — awaits a hearing in the House of Representatives.

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