Hamilton celebrates establishment of Parkinson’s Disease Registry

Last week, House Bill 1358, a bill dealing with the Indiana Department of Health, was signed into law. This bill was amended to include a bill authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton to add Parkinson’s Disease to the chronic disease registry. This will allow the state to collect data regarding to Parkinson’s Disease, the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world. 

Hamilton issued the following statement:

“After three years of working with the Parkinson’s Disease advocacy community and two years of filing legislation, I am thankful to now have Parkinson’s Disease included in the chronic disease registry in Indiana. According to a 2022 study, over 21,000 Hoosiers live with this neurodegenerative disorder, significantly impacting their quality of life and daily function. Adding Parkinson's to the chronic disease registry means Indiana can track cases, strengthen our data, and give researchers the tools they need to develop better treatments and, one day, a cure.

"I'm grateful to Rep. Brad Barrett for welcoming my amendment, and most of all to the Parkinson's Disease community whose tireless advocacy made this possible."

Indiana House awards scholarship to Fort Wayne intern

Monday, Feb. 16, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus (IHDC) announced intern Melisa Mendez of Fort Wayne as the 2026 Verizon Scholarship recipient at the Statehouse.

“Melisa has been an integral part of the IHDC team this session,” said State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), who represents Melisa's home district. "She’s proven herself to be a diligent worker, a consistent light in the office and a credit to Fort Wayne and Indiana as a whole.”

Melisa, a senior at Indiana University Bloomington, spent this legislative session assisting IHDC Ways and Means staff by interpreting and analyzing legislation, and creating comprehensive reports and summaries of proposed legislation and its fiscal impact.

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Caucus Chair, released the following statement regarding Melisa’s time at the Statehouse:

“Being a Ways and Means intern for the General Assembly is no easy task. The job requires exceptional attention to detail and an acumen for numbers and financial details that can’t be taught. Melisa has exhibited those qualities - and more - flawlessly. Her determination, can-do attitude and positive outlook have been incredible assets this year. Our work wouldn’t be possible without the help of Melisa and our other interns.”

Each year, one intern from each legislative caucus is awarded the $3,000 Version Scholarship for his or her work and overall character during the internship program. The scholarship will go toward graduate and undergraduate expenses such as tuition or books.

To recognize the hard work and dedication of all Statehouse interns, House Resolution 16 was presented and adopted on the House floor. To learn more, visit the Indiana House Democratic Caucus website at IndianaHouseDemocrats.org.

‘Carmen’s Law’ to expand access to advanced DNA testing for cold cases passes the Senate

Yesterday, Feb. 19, House Bill 1248, authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), passed the Indiana State Senate unanimously. The bill now heads to the governor's desk to be signed into law.

HB 1248, also known as "Carmen's Law" in honor of Carmen Hope Van Huss, creates a framework for private funding of advanced DNA testing for cold cases. This enables family members of victims and other key stakeholders to submit a request for advanced DNA testing in cases that have gone unsolved for five or more years.

Hamilton released the following statement regarding "Carmen's Law" passing out of the Senate:

“House Bill 1248 would not have been possible without Carmen Hope Van Huss, who finally received justice as her killer was sentenced just last week 30 years after her brutal murder. Carmen's case was solved using advanced DNA testing, and her family has been the driving force behind this bill to help bring more cases like hers to a close. Carmen's Law will help bring justice to the thousands of unsolved homicide victims and their loved ones, as well as get violent offenders off the streets to prevent further tragedies. I am truly honored to have worked with Carmen's family to pass this bill into law.

“I’m grateful to all the stakeholders who have supported this bill, including my co-authors and co-sponsors, Chairwoman Wendy McNamara, State Rep. Garrett Bascom, State Rep. Maureen Bauer, Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, Sen. Rodney Pol and Sen. Sue Glick."

Democrat proposed tax cut for working families defeated by Supermajority

Today, Feb. 19, the House heard amendments to Senate Bill 243, the bill to change Indiana’s tax code to bring it in line with the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act passed by Congress this summer. State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment that would have created a refundable tax credit for child care.  

Hamilton issued the following statement after the amendment was defeated 38-56: 

“When parents can access affordable child care, they stay in the workforce. They contribute. They grow businesses, fill jobs, and pay taxes. When they can't, our entire economy pays the price. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has put a number on that price: $4.2 billion dollars lost annually to our state's economy because families cannot access affordable child care. That is an unnecessary economic headwind for our state, and it is a crisis for families and many employers. And the crisis is quickly getting worse. As of today, 241 child care centers have closed across Indiana and more are closing every month. Young families across the state in Indiana are delaying having kids because of the economic burden.  

“This amendment is one critical step to help stanch the flow — to make child care affordable enough that families can keep their providers in business and stay in the workforce themselves. This amendment is about both supporting economic development and helping families thrive. This working families tax cut would have helped Indiana be a truly family friendly state.” 

Hamilton amendment to reduce Hoosier utility bills struck down

Today, House Democrats offered an array of amendments on House Bill 1002 to give Hoosiers financial relief and expand protections for their utility services. State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment that will allow the establishment of Community Energy Facilities that store or generate electricity via solar power, wind power or battery storage. The amendment was defeated on party lines. 

“Everyone can agree that utility costs in Indiana are too high,” Hamilton said. “Solar and wind energy are amongst the cheapest energy sources available today. This amendment would allow for energy from these sources to be generated from small-scale, local facilities and distributed to local subscribers. Renters and homeowners would be able to participate and see lower bills. By generating electricity closer to where it is consumed, these projects reduce strain on the energy grid, eliminate long-distance transmission and its inherent energy loss and require fewer transmission lines. 

“Hoosiers are demanding that the General Assembly take action to address the rising costs of utilities and it is clear the current system is not working. I am glad that the legislature has taken up this critical issue as a priority, and this bill is a small step in the right direction. But we need out of the box solutions to really make a difference in people's monthly bills. Integrating small-scale, low-cost renewable energy and battery storage is a fiscally responsible choice that would result in ratepayers keeping more of their hard-earned money. 

“While I am disappointed this amendment was not accepted, I look forward to continued collaboration on bringing down the cost of utilities for all Hoosiers.”  

Bill to expand eligibility for advanced DNA testing in cold cases heading to the Senate

Today, Jan. 22, House Bill 1248, authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), passed on third reading in the House of Representatives. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

HB 1248 establishes a legal framework to allow for private funding of advanced DNA testing for cold cases. This enables eligible family members of victims and other key stakeholders to submit a request for advanced DNA testing in cases that have gone unsolved for five or more years.

Hamilton released the following statement regarding HB 1248’s passage out of the House:

“This bill is about getting justice for the thousands of unsolved homicides in Indiana and getting violent perpetrators off the streets. Through advanced technology in DNA testing, many of those cases could be closed. House Bill 1248 will enable law enforcement to locate perpetrators and bring them to justice – granting victims and their families the resolution they deserve as well as making our communities safer.

“I'm grateful all the stakeholders who advocated for HB 1248 – especially the family of Carmen Hope Van Huss, who is the inspiration of the bill – as they advocate on behalf of their sister and all other victims who have not yet seen justice. I’m also thankful for the support of my co-authors, Chairwoman Wendy McNamara, State Rep. Garrett Bascom and State Rep. Maureen Bauer. I am incredibly glad that this bill has passed the House and look forward to seeing its progression through the Senate.”

Bill to expand eligibility for advanced testing in cold cases passes committee

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Jan. 14, House Bill 1248, which establishes a legal framework to allow for private funding of advanced DNA testing for cold cases, passed out of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code unanimously. Authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), this bill allows eligible family members of victims and other key stakeholders to submit a request for advanced DNA testing in a case that has been unsolved for five or more years. 

Two family members of Carmen Hope Van Huss, Pam Francis and Cindy Hoetmer, were at the committee hearing to support the bill. Pam testified about the experience of her family and described how advanced DNA testing led to an arrest in 2024 for the 1993 brutal murder of their 19-year-old sister. That case is set to go to trial later this month. Between the years of 2013 and 2023, the average rate of cases solved per year was 44% in the state of Indiana. 

Hamilton released the following statement after the bill's House committee passage:

“There are over 7200 unsolved homicides in the state of Indiana. With advanced technology in DNA testing, many of these cases have the potential to be closed. Every case solved doesn’t just increase the safety of Hoosiers by getting violent offenders off the street, but also brings answers to traumatized families as well as justice to victims. 

“Nothing will bring back a lost loved one. However, this bill will help bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice – allowing families to focus on honoring their loved ones, not remaining paralyzed in their grief with no resolution. 

“I am thankful for the support of my co-authors, Chairwoman Wendy McNamara, State Rep. Garrett Bascom and State Rep. Maureen Bauer, as well as all the stakeholders who helped bring this bill forward. I also want to acknowledge the bravery and determination of the family of Carmen Hope Van Huss as they advocate on behalf of their sister and all other victims who have not yet seen justice. I look forward to continuing to work on this bill with my colleagues as it heads to the House floor.” 

Hamilton offers amendment to give Hoosiers a voice on controversial road project

Today, Jan. 12, State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment that would require Hoosiers to approve state funding for the Mid-States Corridor Project via public question on the November 2026 general election ballot. This comes after the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced last week that they had to cancel over 340 scheduled projects across the state. Meanwhile, the unpopular Mid-States Corridor Project would cost taxpayers over $3.4 billion dollars. The amendment was struck down on procedural grounds.

"Public input is key to our democracy," Hamilton said. "House Bill 1019, the underlying bill, allows Hoosiers to weigh in on judge residency requirements. Why not allow them to weigh in on pricey taxpayer-funded projects?

"INDOT recently canceled over 340 scheduled road projects – projects in our districts that were going to make our communities safer, build better infrastructure and lower costs for Hoosiers. We didn't have enough money for these projects, but we were able to find $3.4 billion for a project that Hoosiers do not want. Public polling has shown that the residents of communities impacted by this new highway are overwhelmingly opposed.

"Given the time-sensitive nature of this issue with INDOT seeming to rush this project through, this is a good way and probably the only way to allow taxpayers to give input on a project that may place a financial burden on their community.

"I believe that we must make investments that will lead to a strong economic future for our state. However, those investments must weigh the cost to communities, property owners and taxpayers against potential economic benefit. It is unclear whether this project will truly benefit the communities and taxpayers that will bear the cost. Before this project gets rushed across the finish line, let's ask the taxpayers directly if they approve of their money being used in this way."

Hamilton ready to get back on track after rejection of gerrymandered congressional map

Today, Dec. 11, the Indiana State Senate voted down House Bill 1032, the gerrymandered congressional map. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Minority Caucus Chair, released the following statement: 

“Four months have been spent with our attention on mid-decade redistricting instead of on what we were elected to do: serving our constituents. I celebrate this opportunity to get back on track and focus on the true needs of Hoosiers. Come January, I look forward to working on making healthcare, childcare, utilities, housing and groceries more affordable for working families. 

“Hoosiers from across the state and across the political spectrum showed up in a way I have never seen before. This outcome could not have happened without the thousands of people who got involved and stood up for fairness. I want to thank everyone who took part in this movement, from the protestors to those who emailed and called their legislators. Now, let’s get back to work.”

Hamilton gravely disappointed in House passaged of Republicans’ gerrymandered congressional maps

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, their gerrymandered congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington D.C. The map carves up like-minded communities to give the Republican party an advantage in Indiana’s congressional elections. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), released the following statement: 

“This map rigging may be the Republican party’s most urgent priority, but it is not the priority of Hoosiers. While Hoosiers are worried about utility costs and the affordability of just about every basic need, we just wasted four months on this unpopular map-rigging scheme that is just plain wrong. 

“If this map becomes law, within four miles of my house in Indianapolis, I will be able to stand in 5 congressional districts.  That speaks to how this map would attempt to deny the most economically vibrant and diverse city in our state representation in congress.

“The Republican supermajority has openly and repeatedly admitted that these maps were drawn by out-of-state party hacks seeking to maintain political power in Washington. Hoosiers deserve leaders who stand up for them and their needs." 

Hamilton responds to continued redistricting push

Today, Speaker of the House Todd Huston and Senate Pro Tem. Rodric Bray announced the Indiana General Assembly will reconvene early for the 2026 session to discuss redistricting, starting Dec. 1.  

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Minority Caucus Chair, issued the following statement in response: 

“Hoosiers have made their voices loud and clear over the past few months that they do not want or need new congressional maps. New congressional maps don’t help families keep more of their hard-earned money. New congressional maps don’t bring down the cost of utilities, groceries, child care, health care or housing. New congressional maps serve only the political elites in Washington who want to maintain power at the expense of working Hoosiers. 

“Republicans have had 20 years to create an Indiana where Hoosiers can thrive. And yet, working families can barely survive. Let’s get serious about meeting the needs of our voters – not silencing them.”

Hamilton supports Rokita lawsuit against Lake Castleton Apartments management

Today, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed civil action against Lake Castleton Apartments' owners and management. The lawsuit alleges that the landlords endangered tenants with uninhabitable conditions such as broken air conditioners, mold, pest infestation, water damage and sewage backups. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), whose district Lake Castleton Apartments are located in, issued the following statement in support of the lawsuit:

“For years, I have supported legislative efforts to enforce safer housing standards so that property managers like those in Lake Castleton Apartments cannot jeopardize the safety of their tenants. Indiana is one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to tenants’ rights, and the legislature has taken steps backwards in recent years by preempting local governments from taking matters into their own hands. I am thankful to our Attorney General for taking legal action to hold this bad actor accountable. Hoosiers deserve to feel safe in the housing they pay their hard-earned dollars to live in.”