STATEHOUSE (July 7, 2008) — Several members of the House Republican caucus have been appointed to serve on interim study committees.

Below are the study committees, along with the Republican representatives appointed to them:

Interim Study Committee on Immigration:  Rep. Eric Koch (Bedford), Rep. Tim Harris (Marion), Rep. Jackie Walorski (Lakeville).

• Financial effect of illegal immigrants on education, health care, the criminal justice system, social services, wages and employment.
  
• Which state and local entities that issue or routinely check identification.
  
• Federal limits on state actions regarding immigration.
  
• Current and future potential of the E-Verify system regarding its reliability, accessibility and dependability.

Interim Study Committee on Adult Education:   Rep. Bob Behning (Indianapolis), Rep. Dan Leonard (Huntington), Rep. Jeff Thompson (Lizton).

One of the main topics for the committee will be funding for adult education programs.

Interim Study Committee on Alcoholic Beverages:  Rep. Matt Bell (Avilla), Rep. Jack Lutz (Anderson), Rep. Dermody (LaPorte).

Topics for the committee:

• Alcohol server training and employee permits for sales clerks in dealer establishments.
  
• Additional one-, two- or three-way permits for restaurants in economic development areas.
  
• Displaying of alcoholic beverage in separate areas in dealer establishments, such as grocery stores.
  
• The historic origins of Indiana’s alcoholic beverage laws and the 21st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and its place and purpose in the 21st century.
  
• Sunday sale of microbrewery products for carry-out at Indiana microbreweries.

The committee will study coverage of dialysis treatment under a policy of accident and sickness insurance and a health maintenance organization contract.

Interim Study Committee on Learner’s Permits and Graduated Driver’s Licenses:  Rep. Tom Knollman (Liberty), Rep. Phil Hinkle (Indianapolis), Rep. Bob Cherry (Greenfield).

• The minimum age for issuing learner permits and probationary driver’s licenses.
  
• Requirements for practice driving before a probationary driver’s license can be issued.
  
• The use of handheld devices by probationary drivers.
  
• Whether a penalty should be given to a minor who accompanies a probationary driver without an accompanying adult driver of a certain age.
  
• The adoption of rules concerning driver education instruction.

Interim study committees have 12 voting members, representing both chambers of the General Assembly and both parties. The committees meet regularly during the interim and are scheduled to submit their findings by Nov. 1.