Bartlett bill to honor retired lawmakers passes through committee

Today, Jan. 27, House Bill 1122, authored by State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) passed through the House Committee on Roads and Transportation by a vote of 11-1 and now moves to the House floor. The bill would provide retired Indiana lawmakers who served in either the House of Representatives for 10 years or Senate for 12 years with a special license plate.

Bartlett issued the following statement on the bill's passage:

"We have a lot of folks from various public service professions who have retiree plates, and I think lawmakers should be among that group. This is a great way to honor the men and women who have dedicated large portions of their adult lives to bettering the state of Indiana, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this passed through the House."

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. We should be focused on it year-round

Since 2007, January has been the official Human Trafficking Awareness Month– a time set aside to consider the impact of the crime on the roughly 27.6 million people trafficked worldwide. From forced labor to sexual violence, it's important that we use this month to think about the victims and work toward solutions to this heinous crime.

However, this is something we should be doing year-round. Human trafficking is one of the worst imaginable crimes, and it's happening in all 50 states, U.S. territories and throughout the world. As the Crossroads of America, Indiana is a particularly vulnerable state for human trafficking, with traffickers transporting victims through the state via our highways. While reliable data can be difficult to find due to underreporting, roughly 185 victims of human trafficking were identified in Indiana in 2023 alone.

Both of us are active in our respective communities of Indianapolis and Northwest Indiana to raise awareness of human trafficking. Last year, Rep. Bartlett's House Enrolled Act 1416 was signed into law, requiring rest areas, gas stations and welcome centers to display human trafficking awareness information. When individuals are being trafficked, public restrooms are often the only time they are away from their abuser. This information, which includes the number for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, can help victims reach safety.

This session, Rep. Bartlett has filed House Concurrent Resolution 6, recognizing January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Indiana. We want to do everything possible to honor survivors of human trafficking, but we also need to be working hard to prevent the crime from happening in the first place. This starts by raising public awareness of the warning signs of human trafficking and the risk factors for victimization.

Individuals with unstable living situations, facing poverty or addiction or who have previously experienced other forms of violence are more at risk for being trafficked. People of all ages, races, genders and ethnicities are impacted by this crime.

Human trafficking is an abhorrent practice, and the horrifying realities of the crime make it an uncomfortable topic to discuss. We owe it to the victims and survivors, however, to keep talking about human trafficking and working to find solutions that will get more victims to safety and prevent others from becoming victimized in the first place. 

We all play a role in keeping our neighbors safe. Knowing the warning signs of human trafficking and looking out for those in your community who may be at risk is a great first start in doing so.

IBLC comments on Martin University pausing its operations

Today, Dec. 9, officials from Martin University announced the college would be pausing its operations. State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the IBLC:

"Since 1977, Martin University has served as a leader in the Indianapolis community, providing quality education and preparing the next generation of leaders for the workforce. As the state's only Predominately Black Institution for higher education, Martin has played an important role in narrowing the achievement gap and opening doors for minority, first-generation and non-traditional college students.

"At a time when Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts are being demonized throughout the country, it's disheartening to see an institution like Martin University struggle to keep its doors open for the community it has so diligently served for decades. On behalf of the IBLC, I hope the board can find a solution that allows Martin to continue its great work in the near future."

"To see Martin University go would be an atrocity for the state of Indiana," IBLC member Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) said. Rep. Bartlett previously served as board chair for Martin University and earned a degree from the institution in 2015. "This is directly out of Trump and Gov. Braun's agenda. I hope the community is able to save Martin University; it's a vital part of our city and state."

Bartlett: ‘Rigging maps and silencing voices is no way to lead’

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 make elections less competitive to benefit the Republican Party. HB 1032 now heads to the Senate for their consideration next week.

State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), issued the following statement:

"This week, we saw House Republicans shirk their responsibilities to the Hoosiers who elected them. They didn't pass these maps to benefit anyone living in our state, they passed them because folks in Washington, D.C. told them to. If this bill passes in the Senate, people throughout the state will be harmed. African Americans and minority Hoosiers will suffer the most, with two of the state's largest minority populations – Lake and Marion counties – being specifically targeted with this map. Despite losing representation, our communities will still be expected to pay taxes. The Boston Tea Party – and the idea that there should be 'no taxation without representation' – is a founding tenet of our country. House Republicans are undermining our systems, our democracy and our history with this map proposal. Rigging maps and silencing voices is no way to lead. If you have to cheat to win, you're not fit to hold office.

"On Thursday, our caucus offered 16 amendments – including one of my own – to prevent some of the harms that are guaranteed to come if this map becomes reality. The supermajority voted against all of them. They have no interest in helping Hoosiers, which is the only thing I'm interested in doing here at the Statehouse. I hope our senators have the backbone to stand up against this power grab and prioritize the needs of their constituents."

Bartlett amendment to alleviate costs from mid-decade redistricting blocked by supermajority

Today, Dec. 4, State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment to House Bill 1032 which would have required the state to absorb the cost of updating the 2026 election processes and materials. The Republican supermajority blocked the amendment from receiving a vote.

Rep. Bartlett issued the following statement regarding his amendment:

"During a committee hearing on Tuesday, Rep. Smaltz said his bill was done simply for 'political performance.' To be clear, he's saying this new map is not about helping Hoosiers, it's about rigging the next election in favor of the Republican Party. I don't think it's right that we burden our local governments and counties with the cost of a Republican power grab. Redistricting can cost anywhere from thousands to millions of dollars every 10 years. Republicans always claim to be the party of fiscal responsibility, and this amendment was a way to ensure the state takes accountability for the unnecessary costs mid-decade redistricting will cost counties. I'm disheartened, but not surprised, that they once again shirked their responsibilities to Hoosiers."

Bartlett anti-human trafficking bill heads to governor’s desk

Today, State Rep. John Barlett's (D-Indianapolis) House Bill 1416 passed through the House of Representatives and the Senate and now heads to the governor's desk. The bill requires gas stations and rest areas to display posters with information on human trafficking and the National Human Trafficking Hotline number in restrooms or a visible location on the premises.

Barlett issued the following statement following the vote:

"This bill is a great first step in curbing human trafficking in our state. Unfortunately, this abhorrent practice is a multi-billion-dollar industry around the world. As the Crossroads of America, roughly 80 million people pass through our state each year, and it's impossible to know how many of these individuals are victims of human trafficking. If having these posters on display in our gas stations and rest areas can save just one life, it's worth it.

"I'd like to thank my fellow lawmakers who have worked with me to get this bill to the finish line, and the brave survivors who shared their stories during committee to discuss the impact of this legislation."

Bartlett’s anti-human trafficking bill heads to Senate floor

House Bill 1416, authored by State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), passed unanimously through the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law today. The amended version of the bill requires state-owned rest areas to display human trafficking awareness posters, including in the establishment's restrooms. The bill also requires employees of food and lodging establishments to receive human trafficking awareness training approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

Bartlett issued the following statement following the vote:

"Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes one could commit, and unfortunately is a multi-billion dollar industry around the world. This bill is an effort to not only help workers understand the signs that someone is being trafficked and how to help them, but also lets victims of human trafficking know they aren't alone.

"Many times, a public restroom is the only opportunity someone being trafficked has to be alone. With these posters, victims have the chance to memorize the number and call for help as soon as they're able to.

"While I believe the bill was stronger before being amended in a Senate committee to remove the "shall" provision requiring private businesses to display the posters, I believe this is still a good step in the right direction.

"We all play a part in keeping one another safe. This legislation aims to help some of the most vulnerable people who live in and cross through our state, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill to the governor's desk."

IBLC members take part in community conversation

Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) will take part in a panel conversation starting at 7 p.m. ET tomorrow, March 25 at the Crossroads AME Church, 4602 College Ave.

The panel includes IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) and State Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis). The panel is free to attend and will be livestreamed here.

The group will discuss property taxes, public health policy, the current legislative session and more.

Bartlett anti-human trafficking bill passes House of Representatives

House Bill 1416, authored by State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), passed through the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously.

The bill requires gas stations, safety rest areas and welcome centers to display human trafficking awareness posters. It also requires food and lodging establishment employees to receive human trafficking awareness training approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

"As the Crossroads of America, our gas stations and rest areas serve people from all over the country," Bartlett said. "Hanging these posters – which will include warning signs of human trafficking and contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline – will hopefully help victims of this atrocious crime get to safety.

"For many victims of human trafficking, a public restroom is the only time they are completely alone. Having these posters in public restrooms will allow those in need of help an opportunity to memorize the hotline number and call for help when they have a chance.

"Educating employees on the signs to look for regarding human trafficking and how to help those they suspect of being trafficked will also go a long way in helping victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.

"We all have to do our part to keep our communities safe, and this bill will help all of us look out for one another. I'd like to thank my co-authors and my fellow representatives for their support on this bill, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this done for Hoosiers."

Bartlett human trafficking bill passes out of committee

House Bill 1416, authored by State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), passed out of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code today, Jan. 5. The bill requires gas stations to display human trafficking awareness posters.

Bartlett issued the following statement regarding his legislation:

"Indiana is the Crossroads of America, meaning our gas stations serve individuals from all over the country. That said, it's imperative that our gas station attendants know the warning signs that someone is being trafficked and what to do to get that person help.

"In 2022, U.S. law enforcement agencies reported around 2,950 human trafficking incidents, with about two-thirds of these cases not resulting in an arrest. Whether it's forced labor or sexual violence or any other form of trafficking, no human being deserves to live this way. We have an obligation to do all we can to prevent human trafficking and to help those currently suffering because of it. Requiring gas stations to have awareness posters up for public view will help staff and customers know the warning signs. We all have a role to play in keeping one another safe, and this bill is a great way to help everyone do that.

"I'd like to thank Jess Kern, CEO and founder of the Raindrops Rising Foundation, and Beth White, President and CEO of the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking for their support and coming out to testify today.

 "I look forward to having further discussions on the House floor."

Bartlett outlines 2025 legislative agenda

State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) announced his 2025 legislative agenda, which includes bills enhancing public safety, creating harsher penalties for law enforcement officers found guilty of certain crimes and increase transparency between law enforcement and the general public.

 Bartlett's bills include:

• House Bill 1047 would require immediate drug and alcohol testing for law enforcement officers who use deadly force during the pursuit or apprehension of an individual

• House Bill 1096 enhances the sentence for a law enforcement officer found guilty of a sexual offense

• House Bill 1416 would require gas stations to display human trafficking awareness posters

• House Bill 1046 would ensure state educational institutions have a diverse supplier network

• House Bill 1199 requires law enforcement to contract with mental health providers to assist in calls related to a mental health crisis or a substance use disorder crisis

 Bartlett issued the following statement regarding his legislation:

"Public safety is always top of mind for me. When it comes to law enforcement, I believe the vast majority of officers are doing good work and have good intentions for the communities they serve. House Bill 1047 and House Bill 1096 would ensure that the small number of officers who seek to abuse their power will face harsher penalties for breaking their oath to protect and serve.

 "Across the country, we continue to hear terrifying stories of human trafficking. From forced labor to sexual abuse, we need to be doing everything in our power to prevent this heinous crime from occurring. House Bill 1416 would require gas stations throughout the state to display awareness posters to alert staff and the general public of the warning signs of human trafficking.

“We all play a part in keeping our communities safe, and I'm proud to say my legislation this year is focused on helping to keep Hoosiers and those traveling through our great state safe."

IBLC members serve as panelists for Administrators of Color - Preparing for the Future Conference

Yesterday (Sept. 9), multiple members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) participated as panelists for the Embracing Your Power: Black Educators Forging Paths in Leadership panel. The panel was part of the Administrators of Color – Preparing for the Future Conference, hosted by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents.

IBLC members who served as panelists include IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), State Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis), Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), State Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago), State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) and State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary).

Below are statements from members of the IBLC regarding the panel:  

“The education of Hoosier students directly impacts the future of our state,” Harris said. “It is crucial that we center the needs of students and teachers so they are given every opportunity to succeed.

“Various issues have placed an undue burden on our educational system. As a legislator, I relish opportunities like yesterday to speak directly with leaders in the education community, and I hope that by working together, we can address the faults and improve our state’s education.”

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak about the ongoing challenges faced by teachers and administrative staff,” Bartlett said. “We need to better serve our education community, but to do that, we need to make our voices heard in the Statehouse. Remember that the Statehouse is the People’s House.”

“Yesterday’s Administrators of Color Panel felt like a family reunion in the truest sense,” Hunley said. “It was a privilege to stand alongside mentors who have shaped my journey and who I’ve had the honor to serve with throughout the years. These are not just colleagues; they are champions for our children and our communities. 

“As someone who has taught for seven years and served as a public school administrator for 10, I carry an unwavering respect for those who dedicate themselves to the noble cause of public education. Our panel didn’t just reflect on the challenges; we dug into what’s most urgent as we approach the 2025 budget session: protecting public school funding. We owe it to our students, educators and communities to ensure the resources they need are not just maintained but expanded. This work is deeply personal to me, and I stand ready to fight for the future of our schools.” 

“It was an incredible event that brought together legislators, administrators and educators of color to build a common agenda,” Porter said. “I’m grateful I was included in yesterday’s discussion since I heard directly from administrators before the 2025 budget session. We spend half of our budget on public education, and we need to use that funding to support our students no matter their tax bracket.”

“Yesterday’s education panel was an excellent opportunity for educators to engage directly with legislators and share their concerns and insights,” Shackleford said. “I’m grateful to have been a part of such a meaningful discussion and driving force that continues to support our Hoosier students. Following the event, educators are more motivated than ever to deepen their understanding of advocacy and amplify their voices further.”

“I’ve been on the Education Committee for a long time and an educator for even longer,” said Smith. “During my tenure, I’ve seen taxpayer dollars diverted from public schools and multiple failed attempts at reform. It’s no secret that our majority-minority schools have suffered the most from failed reform. At yesterday’s panel, I told our educators to mobilize and advocate for change. Specifically, we must call for equitable school funding during the next budget. I hope the rest of the public will do the same.”