Last week Indiana legislators dealt with several bills that, if passed, will positively affect Elkhart County residents.
The House and Senate addressed versions of a bill that would ban synthetic pot, also known as K2 and spice.
The full Senate unanimously passed its version, authored by Sen. Joe Zakas, R-Granger, who represents a portion of Elkhart County. A House committee unanimously passed a similar bill, which now goes to the full House.
Synthetic pot doesn't have THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, but does mimic the physiological effects of the drug. While many communities have banned or talked about banning K2, a statewide ban would better address sales and distribution issues.
Legislators also are fast-tracking a bill that would allow any county to create vote centers in time for the May 3 municipal primary election.
Vote centers allow any voter in the county to vote at any one of several centralized locations, saving time and money for the county because not as many precincts are necessary and fewer poll workers are needed.
The Senate unanimously passed the bill, which is now being considered in the House.
Three counties participated in a successful pilot project, which ended at the beginning of this year. The legislation should pass to give counties and voters more flexibility.
Finally, a House committee heard testimony last week about a bill that would repeal a law passed last year that forces all alcohol consumers to show ID, regardless of age.
Many people have criticized the law for forcing seniors to show ID when they are obviously not under age. There's a similar bill in the Senate and another bill that was filed that would require ID of anyone who looks under the age of 40.
During testimony Wednesday, representatives of liquor stores spoke out against the bill, saying it wasn't that inconvenient and has scaled back the number of attempts by minors to purchase alcohol.
No vote was taken.
The law, while well-meaning, goes too far. Clerks should be able to use common sense when asking for identification. At the same time, consumers shouldn't be put out if asked for ID because retailers have to protect themselves.
The K2 and vote center bills appear likely to pass. Passage of the alcohol ID bill is less certain.
All three would benefit Elkhart County residents.