Legislators turn in drafts for bills in preparation for 2012 session

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - New bills have been written at the state house, and legislators turned over their drafts Friday.

One of the biggest topics again this session will be the Right to Work Bill, the issue that lead Democrats into a six week walk-out. Democratic state Representative Sheila Klinker is drafting a bill that would take the issue to the people in the form of a referendum.

"It's the right thing to do for Indiana, to allow people time to think about it, and time to vote on it," said Klinker.

Republican state Senator Ron Alting continues to fight the battle against K2-Spice. After passing the ban on the drug last session, he said the makers of synthetic cannabinoids began putting out different chemical combinations of Spice in order to slide it under the law. Alting will be attempting, this session, to get the drug off the market for good.

"No matter what they put in it, will give prosecutors and the authorities, and the police department  the authority to make an arrest, and/or get it off the shelves," said Alting.

Klinker said she'll also be fighting to get some money back for public schools. She said the School of Choice program has taken several thousands from local school budgets as children choose to use vouchers for private education. Klinker wants the funding for that program to come from a separate fund that doesn't affect public school corporations.

"This bill would say that you set aside a separate fund for those that receive vouchers, so as not to take away the dollars from public schools," said Klinker.

Klinker is also focusing energy on continuing education, and widening the scope of vote centers. Alting said he's attached his name to a bill that would allow counties to electronically file marriage licenses, saving the state thousands.

The Senate and House reconvene on January 4, 2012, when members will start to vote on these issues.