January 29, 2013
HOUSE BILL No. 1314
_____
DIGEST OF HB 1314
(Updated January 24, 2013 10:33 am - DI 116)
Citations Affected: IC 21-7; IC 21-18; IC 21-18.5; IC 22-4.1; IC 24-5.
Synopsis: Proprietary education. Provides that the executive officer of
the commission for higher education (commission) may develop
procedures for authorizing out-of-state public and not-for-profit degree
granting institutions to offer instructional or educational services or
training in Indiana. Adds definition of "degree granting". Requires an
out-of-state public or not-for-profit degree granting institution seeking
to offer instructional or educational services or training in Indiana to
receive authorization from the executive officer of the commission to
provide instructional or educational services in Indiana. Provides that
a person may not do business as a degree-granting institution in Indiana
unless: (1) the institution is accredited by an accrediting agency
recognized by the United States Department of Education or is seeking
and progressing toward accreditation by an accrediting agency
recognized by the United States Department of Education; or (2) the
institution is a religious institution that offers educational instruction
or an educational program of a clearly religious nature. Provides that
the board for proprietary education may join interstate reciprocity
agreements, and authorize an institution to operate in Indiana, if the
institution and the state in which the institution's principal campus and
institutional accreditation is located are members of the interstate
reciprocity agreement. Transfers rulemaking authority regarding the
regulation of postsecondary proprietary institutions from the state
workforce innovation council to the department of workforce
development. Changes references to "accreditation" to "authorization"
(Continued next page)
Effective: Upon passage.
Clere
, Hale
January 17, 2013, read first time and referred to Committee on Education.
January 28, 2013, amended, reported _ Do Pass.
Digest Continued
in provisions relating to administration of postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary institutions. Repeals definition of "accreditation". Adds
definition of "authorization". Makes changes to the definition of
"postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution".
Repeals requirements for the issuance of agent permits. Repeals
definition of "agent's permit". Provides that a person who knowingly
and intentionally makes certain misrepresentations regarding a
postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution is
subject to action by the attorney general's office for making a deceptive
consumer sale. Reduces from $1,000,000 to $500,000 the amount of
money that must accumulate in the student assurance fund. Makes
technical amendments.
January 29, 2013
First Regular Session 118th General Assembly (2013)
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana
Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type,
additions will appear in
this style type, and deletions will appear in
this style type.
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional
provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in
this style type. Also, the
word
NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds
a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in
this style type or
this style type reconciles conflicts
between statutes enacted by the 2012 Regular Session of the General Assembly.
HOUSE BILL No. 1314
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning
higher education.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
SOURCE: IC 21-7-13-13.5; (13)HB1314.1.1. -->
SECTION 1. IC 21-7-13-13.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 13.5. "Degree granting"
refers to any institution that offers a degree program and offers
instructional or educational services or training in Indiana.
SOURCE: IC 21-18-12; (13)HB1314.1.2. -->
SECTION 2. IC 21-18-12 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A
NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]:
Chapter 12. Out-of-State Public and Not-for-Profit Institutions
Sec. 1. All out-of-state public and not-for-profit degree granting
institutions seeking to offer instructional or educational services or
training in Indiana, and the instructional or educational services
or training programs, including degree programs, offered by these
institutions, whether on-site, online, or through any combination
of these or other instructional modalities, must be authorized by
the executive officer of the commission, who may develop
procedures for authorizing such institutions to offer such
instructional programs in Indiana, and who may enter into
interstate reciprocity agreements for this purpose.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-1-5; (13)HB1314.1.3. -->
SECTION 3. IC 21-18.5-1-5, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 5. (a) The Indiana commission on proprietary
education is abolished on July 1, 2012.
(b) Unless otherwise specified in a memorandum of understanding
described in subsection (e), the following are transferred on July 1,
2012, from the Indiana commission on proprietary education to the
commission for higher education established by IC 21-18-2-1:
(1) All real and personal property of the Indiana commission on
proprietary education.
(2) All assets and liabilities of the Indiana commission on
proprietary education.
(3) All appropriations to the Indiana commission on proprietary
education.
(c) All powers and duties of the Indiana commission on proprietary
education before its abolishment pertaining to the accreditation of a
postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution are
transferred to the board for proprietary education established by
IC 21-18.5-5-1.
(d) All powers and duties of the Indiana commission on proprietary
education before its abolishment pertaining to the accreditation of a
postsecondary proprietary educational institution (as defined in
IC 22-4.1-21-9) are transferred to the state workforce innovation
council established by IC 22-4-18.1-3.
(e) The commission for higher education established by
IC 21-18-2-1 may enter into a memorandum of understanding with the
state workforce innovation council established by IC 22-4-18.1-3 to
implement the transition of the responsibilities and obligations of the
Indiana commission on proprietary education before its abolishment to
the commission for higher education and the state workforce
innovation council.
(f) Rules that were adopted by the Indiana commission on
proprietary education before July 1, 2012, shall be treated as though the
rules were adopted by the state workforce innovation council
established by IC 22-4-18.1-3 until the state workforce innovation
council
or the department of workforce development adopts rules
under IC 4-22-2 to implement IC 22-4.1-21.
(g) An accreditation granted or a permit issued under IC 21-17-3 by
the Indiana commission on proprietary education before July 1, 2012,
shall be treated after June 30, 2012, as an accreditation authorization
granted or a permit issued by the:
(1) board for proprietary education established by IC 21-18.5-5-1
if the accreditation pertains to a postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution (as defined in
IC 21-18.5-2-12); or
(2) state workforce innovation council department of workforce
development if the accreditation pertains to a postsecondary
proprietary educational institution (as defined in IC 22-4.1-21-9).
(h) An accreditation granted or a permit issued before May 15,
2013, under IC 21-17-3 (repealed):
(1) by the board for proprietary education established by
IC 21-18.5-5-1 shall be treated as an authorization granted by
the board for proprietary education; and
(2) by the state workforce innovation council shall be treated
as an authorization granted by the department of workforce
development.
(h) (i) Proceedings pending before the Indiana commission on
proprietary education on July 1, 2012, shall be transferred from the
Indiana commission on proprietary education to:
(1) the board for proprietary education established by
IC 21-18.5-5-1 for a proceeding pertaining to a postsecondary
credit bearing proprietary educational institution (as defined in
IC 21-18.5-2-12); or
(2) the state workforce innovation council if the proceeding
pertains to a postsecondary proprietary educational institution (as
defined in IC 22-4.1-21-9).
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-2-2; (13)HB1314.1.4. -->
SECTION 4. IC 21-18.5-2-2 IS REPEALED [EFFECTIVE UPON
PASSAGE]. Sec. 2. "Accreditation", for purposes of IC 21-18.5-6,
means certification of a status of approval or authorization by the board
for proprietary education to conduct business as a postsecondary credit
bearing proprietary educational institution.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-2-4; (13)HB1314.1.5. -->
SECTION 5. IC 21-18.5-2-4 IS REPEALED [EFFECTIVE UPON
PASSAGE]. Sec. 4. "Agent's permit", for purposes of IC 21-18.5-6,
means a nontransferable written authorization issued to a person by the
board for proprietary education to solicit a resident of Indiana to enroll
in a course offered or maintained by a postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-2-5; (13)HB1314.1.6. -->
SECTION 6. IC 21-18.5-2-5, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 5. "Application", for purposes of
IC 21-18.5-6, means a written request for accreditation or an agent's
permit authorization on forms supplied by the board for proprietary
education.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-2-5.5; (13)HB1314.1.7. -->
SECTION 7. IC 21-18.5-2-5.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 5.5. "Authorization", for
purposes of IC 21-18.5-6, means certification of a status of
approval or authorization by the board for proprietary education
to conduct business as a postsecondary credit bearing proprietary
educational institution.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-2-12; (13)HB1314.1.8. -->
SECTION 8. IC 21-18.5-2-12, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 12. (a) "Postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution" means a degree granting and credit
bearing institution that provides instructional or educational services
or training, in a technical, professional, mechanical, business, or
industrial occupation, whether on-site, online, or through any
combination of these or other instructional modalities, and is
accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States
Department of Education or is seeking and progressing toward
accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States
Department of Education.
(b) The term does not include the following:
(1) An Indiana state educational institution or another Indiana
educational institution established by law and financed in whole
or in part by public funds.
(2) A postsecondary proprietary educational institution approved
or regulated by any other state regulatory board, agency, or
commission other than the board for proprietary education.
(3) An elementary or secondary school attended by students in
kindergarten or grades 1 through 12 and supported in whole or in
part by private tuition payments.
(4) Any educational institution or educational training that:
(A) is maintained or given by an employer or a group of
employers, without charge, for employees or for individuals
the employer anticipates employing;
(B) is maintained or given by a labor organization, without
charge, for its members or apprentices;
(C) offers exclusively instruction that is clearly
self-improvement, motivational, or avocational in intent
(including instruction in dance, music, or self-defense, and
private tutoring); or
(D) is a Montessori or nursery school.
(5) A privately endowed two (2) or four (4) year degree granting
institution that is regionally accredited and whose principal
campus is located in Indiana.
(6) Out-of-state public and not-for-profit degree granting
institutions offering instructional or educational services or
training in Indiana.
(7) A religious institution that offers educational instruction
or an educational program of a clearly religious nature.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-5-2; (13)HB1314.1.9. -->
SECTION 9. IC 21-18.5-5-2, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 2. (a) The board for proprietary education
consists of the following seven (7) members:
(1) The state superintendent or the superintendent's designee.
(2) The executive officer of the commission for higher education
or the executive officer's designee.
(3) Five (5) members appointed by the governor.
(b) The members appointed by the governor under subsection (a)
serve for a term of four (4) years.
(c) Not more than three (3) of the members appointed by the
governor may be members of the same political party.
(d) Of the five (5) members appointed by the governor:
(1) one (1) must have been engaged for a period of at least five
(5) years immediately preceding appointment in an executive or
a managerial position in a postsecondary proprietary educational
institution subject to IC 21-18.5-6;
(2) one (1) must have been engaged in administering or managing
an industrial employee training program for a period of at least
five (5) years immediately preceding appointment; and
(3) three (3) must be representatives of the public at large who are
not representatives of the types of postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institutions to be accredited. authorized.
For purposes of subdivision (3), an elected or appointed state or local
official or a member of a private or public school may not be appointed
as a representative of the public at large.
(e) An appointment to fill a vacancy occurring on the board for
proprietary education is for the unexpired term.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-2; (13)HB1314.1.10. -->
SECTION 10. IC 21-18.5-6-2, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 2. A person may not do business as a
postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution in
Indiana without having obtained
accreditation authorization by the
board for proprietary education under this chapter, except for a
religious institution that offers educational instruction or an
educational program of a clearly religious nature.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-2.5; (13)HB1314.1.11. -->
SECTION 11. IC 21-18.5-6-2.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 2.5. A person may not do
business as a degree-granting institution in Indiana unless:
(1) the institution is accredited by an accrediting agency
recognized by the United States Department of Education or
is seeking and progressing toward accreditation by an
accrediting agency recognized by the United States
Department of Education; or
(2) the institution is a religious institution that offers
educational instruction or an educational program of a clearly
religious nature.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-3; (13)HB1314.1.12. -->
SECTION 12. IC 21-18.5-6-3, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 3. Applications for accreditation
authorization under this chapter must be filed with the board for
proprietary education and accompanied by an application fee of at least
one hundred dollars ($100) for processing the application and
evaluating the postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-4; (13)HB1314.1.13. -->
SECTION 13. IC 21-18.5-6-4, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 4. An application for accreditation
authorization under this chapter must include at least the following
information:
(1) The name and address of the postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution and the institution's officers.
(2) The places where the courses are to be provided.
(3) The types of courses to be offered, the form of instruction to
be followed with the class, shop, or laboratory, and the hours
required for each curriculum.
(4) The form of certificate, diploma, or degree to be awarded.
(5) A statement of the postsecondary credit bearing proprietary
educational institution's finances.
(6) A description of the postsecondary credit bearing proprietary
educational institution's physical facilities, including classrooms,
laboratories, library, machinery, and equipment.
(7) An explicit statement of policy with reference to:
(A) solicitation of students;
(B) payment and amount of student fees; and
(C) conditions under which students are entitled to a refund in
part or in full of fees paid, including a statement concerning
the existence of the career college student assurance fund
established under section 6 of this chapter.
(8) Provisions for liability insurance of students.
(9) Maximum student-teacher ratio to be maintained.
(10) Minimum requirements for instructional staff.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-5; (13)HB1314.1.14. -->
SECTION 14. IC 21-18.5-6-5, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 5. The board for proprietary education shall
require each postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution to include in each curriculum catalog and promotional
brochure the following:
(1) A statement indicating that the postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution is regulated authorized by the
board for proprietary education under this chapter.
(2) The board for proprietary education's mailing address and
telephone number.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-6; (13)HB1314.1.15. -->
SECTION 15. IC 21-18.5-6-6, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 6. (a) The career college student assurance
fund is established to provide indemnification to a student or an
enrollee of a postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution who suffers loss or damage as a result of:
(1) the failure or neglect of the postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution to faithfully perform all
agreements, express or otherwise, with the student, enrollee, one
(1) or both of the parents of the student or enrollee, or a guardian
of the student or enrollee as represented by the application for the
institution's
accreditation authorization and the materials
submitted in support of that application;
(2) the failure or neglect of the postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution to maintain and operate a
course or courses of instruction or study in compliance with the
standards of this chapter; or
(3) an agent's misrepresentation in procuring the student's
enrollment.
(b) The board for proprietary education shall administer the fund.
(c) The expenses of administering the fund shall be paid from
money in the fund.
(d) The treasurer of state shall invest the money in the fund not
currently needed to meet the obligations of the fund in the same
manner as other public funds may be invested.
(e) Money in the fund at the end of a state fiscal year does not revert
to the state general fund but remains available to be used for providing
money for reimbursements allowed under this chapter.
(f) Upon the fund acquiring fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), the
balance in the fund must not become less than fifty thousand dollars
($50,000). If:
(1) a claim against the fund is filed that would, if paid in full,
require the balance of the fund to become less than fifty thousand
dollars ($50,000); and
(2) the board for proprietary education determines that the student
is eligible for a reimbursement under the fund;
the board for proprietary education shall prorate the amount of the
reimbursement to ensure that the balance of the fund does not become
less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), and the student is entitled to
receive that balance of the student's claim from the fund as money
becomes available in the fund from contributions to the fund required
under this chapter.
(g) The board for proprietary education shall ensure that all
outstanding claim amounts described in subsection (f) are paid as
money in the fund becomes available in the chronological order of the
outstanding claims.
(h) A claim against the fund may not be construed to be a debt of the
state.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-8; (13)HB1314.1.16. -->
SECTION 16. IC 21-18.5-6-8, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 8. (a) Upon receipt of an application for
accreditation authorization under this chapter, the board for
proprietary education shall make an investigation to determine the
accuracy of the statements in the application to determine if the
postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution meets
the minimum standards for accreditation. authorization.
(b) During the investigation under subsection (a), the board for
proprietary education may grant a temporary status of accreditation.
authorization. The temporary status of accreditation authorization is
sufficient to meet the requirements of this chapter until a determination
on accreditation authorization is made.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-11; (13)HB1314.1.17. -->
SECTION 17. IC 21-18.5-6-11, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 11. Full
accreditation authorization under
this chapter may not be issued unless and until the board for proprietary
education finds that the postsecondary credit bearing proprietary
educational institution meets minimum standards that are appropriate
to that type or class of postsecondary credit bearing proprietary
educational institution, including the following minimum standards:
(1) The postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution has a sound financial structure with sufficient
resources for continued support.
(2) The postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution has satisfactory training or educational facilities with
sufficient tools, supplies, or equipment and the necessary number
of work stations or classrooms to adequately train, instruct, or
educate the number of students enrolled or proposed to be
enrolled.
(3) The postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution has an adequate number of qualified instructors or
teachers, sufficiently trained by experience or education, to give
the instruction, education, or training contemplated.
(4) The advertising and representations made on behalf of the
postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution
to prospective students are truthful and free from
misrepresentation or fraud.
(5) The charge made for the training, instruction, or education is
clearly stated and based upon the services rendered.
(6) The premises and conditions under which the students work
and study are sanitary, healthful, and safe according to modern
standards.
(7) The postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution has and follows a refund policy approved by the board
for proprietary education.
(8) The owner or chief administrator of the postsecondary credit
bearing proprietary educational institution is subject to a
background check by the board for proprietary education and has
not been convicted of a felony.
(9) The owner or chief administrator of the postsecondary credit
bearing proprietary educational institution has not been the owner
or chief administrator of a postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution that has had its accreditation
authorization revoked or has been closed involuntarily in the five
(5) year period preceding the application for accreditation.
authorization. However, if the owner or chief administrator of
the postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution has been the owner or chief administrator of a
postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution
that has had its accreditation authorization revoked or has been
closed involuntarily more than five (5) years before the
application for accreditation, authorization, the board for
proprietary education may issue full accreditation authorization
at the board for proprietary education's discretion.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-12; (13)HB1314.1.18. -->
SECTION 18. IC 21-18.5-6-12, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 12. (a) After an investigation and a finding
that the information in the application is true and that the
postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution meets
the minimum standards, the commission on postsecondary proprietary
education board for proprietary education shall issue an
accreditation authorization to the postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution upon payment of an additional fee
of at least twenty-five dollars ($25). An applicant's market research
may not be considered or required by the board for proprietary
education as a condition for accrediting authorizing or renewing the
accreditation of or for approval authorization of the programs of a
postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution.
(b) The board for proprietary education may waive inspection of a
postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution that has
been accredited authorized by an accrediting unit agency recognized
by the United States Department of Education whose standards are
approved by the board for proprietary education as meeting or
exceeding the requirements of this chapter.
(c) A valid license, approval authorization to operate, or other form
of accreditation authorization issued to a postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution by another state may be accepted,
instead of inspection, if:
(1) the requirements of that state meet or exceed the requirements
of this chapter; and
(2) the other state will, in turn, extend reciprocity to
postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institutions
accredited authorized by the board for proprietary education.
(d) The board for proprietary education may join interstate
reciprocity agreements and authorize an institution to operate in
Indiana, if the:
(1) institution; and
(2) state in which both the institution's:
(A) principal campus is located; and
(B) institutional accreditation is provided;
are members of the interstate reciprocity agreement.
(d) (e) An accreditation authorization issued under this section
expires one (1) year following the accreditation's authorization's
issuance.
(e) (f) An accredited authorized postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution may renew the institution's
accreditation authorization annually upon:
(1) the payment of a fee of at least twenty-five dollars ($25); and
(2) continued compliance with this chapter.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-13; (13)HB1314.1.19. -->
SECTION 19. IC 21-18.5-6-13, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 13. Accreditation Authorization may be
revoked by the board for proprietary education:
(1) for cause upon notice and an opportunity for a hearing before
the board for proprietary education; and
(2) for the accredited authorized postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution failing to make the appropriate
quarterly contributions to the career college student assurance
fund not later than forty-five (45) days after the end of a quarter.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-14; (13)HB1314.1.20. -->
SECTION 20. IC 21-18.5-6-14, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 14. (a) A postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution, after notification that the
institution's accreditation authorization has been refused, revoked, or
suspended, may apply for a hearing before the board for proprietary
education concerning the institution's qualifications. The application
for a hearing must be filed in writing with the board for proprietary
education not more than thirty (30) days after receipt of notice of the
denial, revocation, or suspension.
(b) The board for proprietary education shall give a hearing
promptly and with not less than ten (10) days notice of the date, time,
and place. The postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution is entitled to be represented by counsel and to offer oral and
documentary evidence relevant to the issue.
(c) Not more than fifteen (15) days after a hearing, the board for
proprietary education shall make written findings of fact, a written
decision, and a written order based solely on the evidence submitted at
the hearing, either granting or denying accreditation authorization to
the postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-15; (13)HB1314.1.21. -->
SECTION 21. IC 21-18.5-6-15, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 15. A postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution's accreditation authorization shall
be suspended at any time if the accredited authorized postsecondary
credit bearing proprietary educational institution denies enrollment to
a student or makes a distinction or classification of students on the
basis of race, color, or creed.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-17; (13)HB1314.1.22. -->
SECTION 22. IC 21-18.5-6-17, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 17. (a) A person representing a postsecondary
credit bearing proprietary educational institution doing business in
Indiana by offering courses may not sell a course or solicit students for
the institution unless the person first secures an agent's permit from the
board for proprietary education. If the agent represents more than one
(1) postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution, a
separate agent's permit must be obtained for each institution that the
agent represents.
(b) Upon approval of an agent's permit, the board for proprietary
education shall issue a pocket card to the person that includes:
(1) the person's name and address;
(2) the name and address of the postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution that the person represents; and
(3) a statement certifying that the person whose name appears on
the card is an authorized agent of the postsecondary credit bearing
proprietary educational institution.
(c) The application must be accompanied by a fee of at least ten
dollars ($10).
(d) An agent's permit is valid for one (1) year from the date of its
issue. An application for renewal must be accompanied by a fee of at
least ten dollars ($10).
(e) A postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution is liable for the actions of the institution's agents.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-18; (13)HB1314.1.23. -->
SECTION 23. IC 21-18.5-6-18 IS REPEALED [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE].
Sec. 18. (a) An application for an agent's permit
must be granted or denied by the board for proprietary education not
more than fifteen (15) working days after the receipt of the application.
If the board for proprietary education has not completed a
determination with respect to the issuance of a permit under this
section within the fifteen (15) working day period, the board for
proprietary education shall issue a temporary permit to the applicant.
The temporary permit is sufficient to meet the requirements of this
chapter until a determination is made on the application.
(b) A permit issued under this chapter may, upon ten (10) days
notice and after a hearing, be revoked by the board for proprietary
education:
(1) if the holder of the permit solicits or enrolls students through
fraud, deception, or misrepresentation; or
(2) upon a finding that the permit holder is not of good moral
character.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-21; (13)HB1314.1.24. -->
SECTION 24. IC 21-18.5-6-21, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 21. An obligation, negotiable or
nonnegotiable, providing for payment for a course or courses of
instruction is void if the postsecondary credit bearing proprietary
educational institution is not accredited authorized to operate in
Indiana.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-22; (13)HB1314.1.25. -->
SECTION 25. IC 21-18.5-6-22, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 22. The issuance of an agent's permit or any
accreditation authorization may not be considered to constitute
approval endorsement of a course, a person, or an institution. A
representation to the contrary is a misrepresentation.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-22.5; (13)HB1314.1.26. -->
SECTION 26. IC 21-18.5-6-22.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 22.5. A person who knowingly
and intentionally violates section 16 or 22 of this chapter commits
a deceptive act that is actionable by the attorney general under
IC 24-5-0.5 and is subject to the penalties and remedies available
to the attorney general under IC 24-5-0.5.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-24; (13)HB1314.1.27. -->
SECTION 27. IC 21-18.5-6-24, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 24. An action of the board for proprietary
education concerning the issuance, denial, or revocation of a permit or
accreditation an authorization under this chapter is subject to review
under IC 4-21.5.
SOURCE: IC 21-18.5-6-26; (13)HB1314.1.28. -->
SECTION 28. IC 21-18.5-6-26, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 58, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 26. (a) As used in this section, "fund" means
the postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational institution
accreditation authorization fund established by subsection (b).
(b) The postsecondary credit bearing proprietary educational
institution accreditation authorization fund is established.
(c) The fund shall be administered by the commission (as defined
in IC 21-18.5-2-7.).
(d) Money in the fund at the end of a state fiscal year does not revert
to the general fund.
(e) All fees collected by the board for proprietary education under
this chapter shall be deposited in the fund.
(f) Money in the fund shall be used by the board for postsecondary
proprietary education to administer this chapter.
SOURCE: IC 22-4.1-21-10; (13)HB1314.1.29. -->
SECTION 29. IC 22-4.1-21-10, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 61, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 10. (a) The office for career and technical
schools is established to carry out the responsibilities of the council
under this chapter.
(b) The council may employ and fix compensation for necessary
administrative staff with the approval of the department.
(c) The council department may adopt reasonable rules under
IC 4-22-2 to implement this chapter.
(d) The council may adopt and use a seal, the description of which
shall be filed with the office of the secretary of state, and which may be
used for the authentication of the acts of the council.
SOURCE: IC 22-4.1-21-16; (13)HB1314.1.30. -->
SECTION 30. IC 22-4.1-21-16, AS ADDED BY P.L.107-2012,
SECTION 61, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 16. (a) Subject to subsections (b), (d), and (e),
the council shall determine the penal sum of each surety bond required
under section 15 of this chapter based upon the following guidelines:
(1) A postsecondary proprietary educational institution that has no
annual gross tuition charges assessed for the previous year shall
secure a surety bond in the amount of twenty-five thousand
dollars ($25,000).
(2) If at any time the postsecondary proprietary educational
institution's projected annual gross tuition charges are more than
two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), the institution
shall secure a surety bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars
($50,000).
(b) After June 30, 2006, and except as provided in:
(1) section 19 of this chapter; and
(2) subsection (e);
and upon the fund achieving at least an initial one million five
hundred thousand dollar ($1,000,000) ($500,000) balance, a
postsecondary proprietary educational institution that contributes to the
fund when the initial quarterly contribution is required under this
chapter after the fund's establishment is not required to make
contributions to the fund or submit a surety bond.
(c) The council shall determine the number of quarterly
contributions required for the fund to initially accumulate one million
five hundred thousand dollars ($1,000,000). ($500,000).
(d) Except as provided in section 19 of this chapter and subsection
(e), a postsecondary proprietary educational institution that begins
making contributions to the fund after the initial quarterly contribution
as required under this chapter is required to make contributions to the
fund for the same number of quarters as determined by the council
under subsection (c).
(e) If, after the fund acquires one million five hundred thousand
dollars ($1,000,000), ($500,000), the balance in the fund becomes less
than five two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($500,000), ($250,000),
all postsecondary proprietary educational institutions not required to
make contributions to the fund as described in subsection (b) or (d)
shall make contributions to the fund for the number of quarters
necessary for the fund to accumulate one million five hundred
thousand dollars ($1,000,000). ($500,000).
SOURCE: IC 24-5-0.5-3; (13)HB1314.1.31. -->
SECTION 31. IC 24-5-0.5-3, AS AMENDED BY P.L.226-2011,
SECTION 14, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]: Sec. 3. (a) The following acts, and the following
representations as to the subject matter of a consumer transaction,
made orally, in writing, or by electronic communication, by a supplier,
are deceptive acts:
(1) That such subject of a consumer transaction has sponsorship,
approval, performance, characteristics, accessories, uses, or
benefits it does not have which the supplier knows or should
reasonably know it does not have.
(2) That such subject of a consumer transaction is of a particular
standard, quality, grade, style, or model, if it is not and if the
supplier knows or should reasonably know that it is not.
(3) That such subject of a consumer transaction is new or unused,
if it is not and if the supplier knows or should reasonably know
that it is not.
(4) That such subject of a consumer transaction will be supplied
to the public in greater quantity than the supplier intends or
reasonably expects.
(5) That replacement or repair constituting the subject of a
consumer transaction is needed, if it is not and if the supplier
knows or should reasonably know that it is not.
(6) That a specific price advantage exists as to such subject of a
consumer transaction, if it does not and if the supplier knows or
should reasonably know that it does not.
(7) That the supplier has a sponsorship, approval, or affiliation in
such consumer transaction the supplier does not have, and which
the supplier knows or should reasonably know that the supplier
does not have.
(8) That such consumer transaction involves or does not involve
a warranty, a disclaimer of warranties, or other rights, remedies,
or obligations, if the representation is false and if the supplier
knows or should reasonably know that the representation is false.
(9) That the consumer will receive a rebate, discount, or other
benefit as an inducement for entering into a sale or lease in return
for giving the supplier the names of prospective consumers or
otherwise helping the supplier to enter into other consumer
transactions, if earning the benefit, rebate, or discount is
contingent upon the occurrence of an event subsequent to the time
the consumer agrees to the purchase or lease.
(10) That the supplier is able to deliver or complete the subject of
the consumer transaction within a stated period of time, when the
supplier knows or should reasonably know the supplier could not.
If no time period has been stated by the supplier, there is a
presumption that the supplier has represented that the supplier
will deliver or complete the subject of the consumer transaction
within a reasonable time, according to the course of dealing or the
usage of the trade.
(11) That the consumer will be able to purchase the subject of the
consumer transaction as advertised by the supplier, if the supplier
does not intend to sell it.
(12) That the replacement or repair constituting the subject of a
consumer transaction can be made by the supplier for the estimate
the supplier gives a customer for the replacement or repair, if the
specified work is completed and:
(A) the cost exceeds the estimate by an amount equal to or
greater than ten percent (10%) of the estimate;
(B) the supplier did not obtain written permission from the
customer to authorize the supplier to complete the work even
if the cost would exceed the amounts specified in clause (A);
(C) the total cost for services and parts for a single transaction
is more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750); and
(D) the supplier knew or reasonably should have known that
the cost would exceed the estimate in the amounts specified in
clause (A).
(13) That the replacement or repair constituting the subject of a
consumer transaction is needed, and that the supplier disposes of
the part repaired or replaced earlier than seventy-two (72) hours
after both:
(A) the customer has been notified that the work has been
completed; and
(B) the part repaired or replaced has been made available for
examination upon the request of the customer.
(14) Engaging in the replacement or repair of the subject of a
consumer transaction if the consumer has not authorized the
replacement or repair, and if the supplier knows or should
reasonably know that it is not authorized.
(15) The act of misrepresenting the geographic location of the
supplier by listing a fictitious business name or an assumed
business name (as described in IC 23-15-1) in a local telephone
directory if:
(A) the name misrepresents the supplier's geographic location;
(B) the listing fails to identify the locality and state of the
supplier's business;
(C) calls to the local telephone number are routinely forwarded
or otherwise transferred to a supplier's business location that
is outside the calling area covered by the local telephone
directory; and
(D) the supplier's business location is located in a county that
is not contiguous to a county in the calling area covered by the
local telephone directory.
(16) The act of listing a fictitious business name or assumed
business name (as described in IC 23-15-1) in a directory
assistance database if:
(A) the name misrepresents the supplier's geographic location;
(B) calls to the local telephone number are routinely forwarded
or otherwise transferred to a supplier's business location that
is outside the local calling area; and
(C) the supplier's business location is located in a county that
is not contiguous to a county in the local calling area.
(17) The violation by a supplier of IC 24-3-4 concerning
cigarettes for import or export.
(18) The act of a supplier in knowingly selling or reselling a
product to a consumer if the product has been recalled, whether
by the order of a court or a regulatory body, or voluntarily by the
manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, unless the product has been
repaired or modified to correct the defect that was the subject of
the recall.
(19) The violation by a supplier of 47 U.S.C. 227, including any
rules or regulations issued under 47 U.S.C. 227.
(20) The violation by a supplier of the federal Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq.), including any
rules or regulations issued under the federal Fair Debt Collection
Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 1692 et seq.).
(21) A violation of IC 24-5-7 (concerning health spa services), as
set forth in IC 24-5-7-17.
(22) A violation of IC 24-5-8 (concerning business opportunity
transactions), as set forth in IC 24-5-8-20.
(23) A violation of IC 24-5-10 (concerning home consumer
transactions), as set forth in IC 24-5-10-18.
(24) A violation of IC 24-5-11 (concerning home improvement
contracts), as set forth in IC 24-5-11-14.
(25) A violation of IC 24-5-12 (concerning telephone
solicitations), as set forth in IC 24-5-12-23.
(26) A violation of IC 24-5-13.5 (concerning buyback motor
vehicles), as set forth in IC 24-5-13.5-14.
(27) A violation of IC 24-5-14 (concerning automatic
dialing-announcing devices), as set forth in IC 24-5-14-13.
(28) A violation of IC 24-5-15 (concerning credit services
organizations), as set forth in IC 24-5-15-11.
(29) A violation of IC 24-5-16 (concerning unlawful motor
vehicle subleasing), as set forth in IC 24-5-16-18.
(30) A violation of IC 24-5-17 (concerning environmental
marketing claims), as set forth in IC 24-5-17-14.
(31) A violation of IC 24-5-19 (concerning deceptive commercial
solicitation), as set forth in IC 24-5-19-11.
(32) A violation of IC 24-5-21 (concerning prescription drug
discount cards), as set forth in IC 24-5-21-7.
(33) A violation of IC 24-5-23.5-7 (concerning real estate
appraisals), as set forth in IC 24-5-23.5-9.
(34) A violation of IC 24-5-26 (concerning identity theft), as set
forth in IC 24-5-26-3.
(35) A violation of IC 24-5.5 (concerning mortgage rescue fraud),
as set forth in IC 24-5.5-6-1.
(36) A violation of IC 24-8 (concerning promotional gifts and
contests), as set forth in IC 24-8-6-3.
(37) A violation of IC 21-18.5-6 (concerning representations
made by a postsecondary credit bearing proprietary
educational institution), as set forth in IC 21-18.5-6-22.5.
(b) Any representations on or within a product or its packaging or
in advertising or promotional materials which would constitute a
deceptive act shall be the deceptive act both of the supplier who places
such representation thereon or therein, or who authored such materials,
and such other suppliers who shall state orally or in writing that such
representation is true if such other supplier shall know or have reason
to know that such representation was false.
(c) If a supplier shows by a preponderance of the evidence that an
act resulted from a bona fide error notwithstanding the maintenance of
procedures reasonably adopted to avoid the error, such act shall not be
deceptive within the meaning of this chapter.
(d) It shall be a defense to any action brought under this chapter that
the representation constituting an alleged deceptive act was one made
in good faith by the supplier without knowledge of its falsity and in
reliance upon the oral or written representations of the manufacturer,
the person from whom the supplier acquired the product, any testing
organization, or any other person provided that the source thereof is
disclosed to the consumer.
(e) For purposes of subsection (a)(12), a supplier that provides
estimates before performing repair or replacement work for a customer
shall give the customer a written estimate itemizing as closely as
possible the price for labor and parts necessary for the specific job
before commencing the work.
(f) For purposes of subsection (a)(15) and (a)(16), a telephone
company or other provider of a telephone directory or directory
assistance service or its officer or agent is immune from liability for
publishing the listing of a fictitious business name or assumed business
name of a supplier in its directory or directory assistance database
unless the telephone company or other provider of a telephone
directory or directory assistance service is the same person as the
supplier who has committed the deceptive act.
(g) For purposes of subsection (a)(18), it is an affirmative defense
to any action brought under this chapter that the product has been
altered by a person other than the defendant to render the product
completely incapable of serving its original purpose.
SOURCE: ; (13)HB1314.1.32. -->
SECTION 32.
An emergency is declared for this act.