Garcia Wilburn study request on child advocacy approved for 2026 interim

Earlier this month, the Indiana General Assembly's Legislative Council assigned 2026 interim study committee topics. Interim study committees are an opportunity for legislators to research and discuss issues impacting Hoosiers ahead of the next legislative session.

In addition to statute-required topics, lawmakers can submit requests for study. Out of 52 lawmaker-submitted topics this year, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers)'s request to study the role of Indiana's guardian ad litem (GAL) and court-appointed special advocate (CASA) programs in our court system was approved. The approved study will include an analysis of how GAL/CASA programs can become more equitably funded, implemented and managed.

GAL/CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who are involved in Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases in court. They visit the child, get to know them, and ascertain what kind of services they may need. The GAL/CASA program is a legal party to a case. While an individual volunteer cannot give legal advice, the program often works with attorneys to represent the child's best interests as needed.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement celebrating the news:

"GALs and CASAs are critically important to our child welfare system and ensure that our courts consider the best options for kids going through the unimaginable. As volunteers, they spoke for 18,478 children in cases during 2023 – an immeasurable contribution to these children's lives and to our state's welfare. I wanted the state legislature to take a closer look at what legislative needs the GAL/CASA systems in our counties have so that they can continue serving our young people sustainably and expand their reach even more. I'm grateful that the Legislative Council agreed this is a topic worthy of study and look forward to the good work we are going to do with the legal advocacy community this legislative interim."

Garcia Wilburn celebrates signing of child safety law, honors life of Kinsleigh Welty

Today, Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed House Bill 1036 into law, marking the culmination of a legislative effort led by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) to strengthen child safety oversight within Indiana's Department of Child Services (DCS). The new law requires DCS caseworkers to conduct an in-person visit with a child within 30 days before any case closure or discharge.

While this legislation secures crucially important protections for Indiana children, it was born from tragedy. Multiple times, DCS was called out to five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty's mother's home on allegations of abuse and neglect. But the agency closed the cases on Kinsleigh, and she died of starvation without getting the help she deserved. Kinsleigh's tragic death exposed a dangerous gap in the state's child protection system: Caseworkers could close cases or discharge children from oversight without having physically laid eyes on them in recent weeks. Kinsleigh's grandfather, Brian Welty, shared Kinsleigh's story through testimony during the bill's Senate committee hearing. Her death galvanized Indiana lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and HEA 1036 passed both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly unanimously.

With today's signing, that gap is now closed by law.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement at the bill signing ceremony:

"Today is for Kinsleigh, a little girl who deserved more protection than she received. With this legislation, we honor Kinsleigh's life by making sure every single child in the DCS system has the right to be seen, heard and treated with compassion. 

"House Enrolled Act 1036 is a simple law with a profound purpose: Before Indiana closes a case, a caseworker must look that child in the eye. Not rely on old notes or make assumptions. This one requirement could mean the difference between life and death for a child who has no other voice.

"This has been a long road, but at every step, this bill earned unanimous support. Protecting kids is something all of us, regardless of party, can agree is worth fighting for.

"I am deeply grateful to my co-authors, Reps. Alex Burton, Lori Goss-Reaves and Julie McGuire, Senate sponsor Sen. Linda Rogers, Braelynn Yerington and Champions for Children for their tireless advocacy, and Gov. Braun for signing this legislation into law. And above all, I am grateful to Brian Welty, who turned unimaginable grief into action so that no other family has to endure what his did.

"Kinsleigh deserved to be seen. Now, every child in her situation will be."

This bill, along with Garcia Wilburn's advocacy for HEA 1303 and 1408, marks her third piece of child welfare legislation signed into law this year.

Garcia Wilburn statement on ceremonial signing of youth protection legislation

Today, Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signed House Enrolled Act 1303 and HEA 1408, laws that increase protections for youth believed to be in danger, crack down on child sexual abuse and protect minors on social media. The legislation was drafted in response to the tragic death of Hailey Buzbee, a Fishers teen who disappeared and was found dead in Ohio, and her parents' advocacy for more youth protections following her death.

Beau and Ronya Buzbee joined the governor, state legislators, and state elected officials for the ceremonial signing of these two laws today.

State Rep. Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) released the following statement in response to the signing:

"I am thankful that we were able to honor Hailey by getting this legislation to protect Hoosier kids across the finish line. Law enforcement needs as many tools in the toolbox as possible to stop child predators. As the Fishers community continues to grieve Hailey and reflect on the work that has been done this year to prevent future tragedies, I plan to have more conversations with constituents about additional guardrails on social media and steps we can take at the legislature to keep our children safe."

Garcia Wilburn bill to keep kids in DCS safe headed to governor’s desk

Last week, Feb. 19, House Bill 1036 cleared its final steps in the Indiana General Assembly and is headed to the governor's desk to be signed into law. Authored by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), the legislation requires Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) caseworkers to see a child in person within 30 days before a case closure or discharge.

This legislation was drafted in response to tragedies like the death of Kinsleigh Welty, a five-year-old who died of starvation, and is aimed at ensuring children are safe before investigations and cases by DCS are closed.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement after the Indiana House of Representatives' unanimous concurrence with a minor Senate amendment to the bill:

"The safety of our children is non-negotiable. House Bill 1036 is a crucial step to ensure each child is prioritized individually. It is my hope that requiring an in-person visit by a DCS caseworker before a case closure will help avoid tragedies of neglect like the story of five-year-old Kinsleigh Welty.

"I am beyond grateful for the overwhelming support on this legislation. I want to thank my co-authors Reps. Alex Burton, Lori Goss-Reaves and Julie McGuire for their work on this bill, and I want to thank the House and Senate for their unanimous support. Together, we can continue to pursue policy that protects the health and safety of all Hoosier children. I am hopeful Gov. Braun will sign this legislation and get this bill across the finish line."

Garcia Wilburn bill to keep kids in DCS safe passes out of House, heads to Senate

Today, Feb. 2, House Bill 1036 passed unanimously out of the Indiana House of Representatives. Authored by State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), the bill requires that Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) caseworkers see a child in person within 30 days before a case closure or discharge.

This legislation was drafted in response to tragedies like the death of Kinsleigh Welty, a five-year-old who died of starvation, and is aimed at ensuring children are safe before investigations and cases by DCS are closed.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement upon the bill's passage:

"Every child in our state is precious. Not one death of a child is acceptable. That's why I authored House Bill 1036 – to keep as many Hoosier children in the DCS system as safe and healthy as possible. By requiring an in-person visit by a DCS caseworker before a case closure, my hope is that we prevent more avoidable deaths from abuse and neglect and do not allow more children to fall through the cracks of the system.

"I am thankful to my bill co-authors Reps. Alex Burton, Lori Goss-Reaves and Julie McGuire for their work on this bill and the House for its support. HB 1036 is at the halfway point in the legislative process, but there is still more work to be done to get it passed out of the Senate and onto the governor's desk for signing."

Garcia Wilburn bill to keep kids in DCS system safe passes out of committee

Today, Jan. 26, House Bill 1036 passed unanimously out of the House Judiciary Committee. Authored by the committee's ranking Democrat State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), the bill requires that Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) caseworkers must see a child in person within 30 days before a case closure or discharge.

This legislation was drafted in response to tragedies like the death of Kinsleigh Welty, a five-year-old who died of starvation, and is aimed at ensuring children are safe before investigations and cases by DCS are closed.

Garcia Wilburn issued the following statement after the bill's committee passage:

"House Bill 1036 was written in the memory and in the honor of Kinsleigh Welty, a 5-year-old Indianapolis girl who died tragically and whose story was shared by her grandfather Brian via written testimony today. This legislation aims to close a dangerous gap in child safety oversight with codifying one simple protection – the necessity of an in-person visit by a DCS caseworker before a case closure. This is a commonsense protection that guarantees decisions are based on the child’s current condition, not outdated information. A caseworker’s last visit may be the only physical verification of a child’s safety.

"Children deserve more than assumptions. They deserve to be seen. This bill ensures that before Indiana closes a case or steps away from a child's life, the department has laid eyes on that child and verified their safety. No child should fall through the cracks. This is a simple, powerful step toward a safer and more accountable child protection system. 

"I'm thankful to the House Judiciary Committee for their unanimous support of my legislation today and to my co-authors Reps. Alex Burton, Lori Goss-Reaves and Julie McGuire. I also appreciate Braelynn Yerington, a former foster parent and founder of Champions for Children, for testifying in favor of the bill and sharing Kinsleigh and Brian's story. I look forward to advocating for HB 1036 to advance further in the legislative process so we can keep more kids safe."

The bill now heads to the House floor for further consideration.

Garcia Wilburn files 2026 legislation to keep Hoosiers safe and healthy

Today, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) introduced her 2026 legislation aimed at keeping Hoosiers safe and healthy and putting money back in people's pockets.

Her authored legislation includes:

1. House Bill 1016: Allows health insurance recipients who are required to select a primary care provider to select a physical therapist or occupational therapist. More freedom in selecting a primary care provider means more targeted and effective care for Hoosiers.

2. House Bill 1017: Requires Indiana's universities to develop a process for students to designate a medical emergency contact for emergencies that occur on campus and requires the institution to notify a student's emergency contact if it has knowledge of a medical emergency that occurs on campus. This will keep parents better informed of health crises that occur on campus.

3. House Bill 1036: Requires the Department of Child Services to conduct an in-person assessment before closing an investigation into whether a child is a child in need of services (CHINS) or recommending discharge of a child who is the subject of a CHINS case in juvenile court. This legislation was drafted in response to tragedies like the death of Kinsleigh Welty, a five-year-old who died of starvation, and is aimed at ensuring children are safe before investigations and cases by DCS are closed.

4. House Bill 1037: Requires the state Insurance Commissioner to consider affordability when weighing whether to approve or deny a health insurance premium increase. Currently, the commissioner does not have to consider whether insurance premiums are affordable when reviewing premium rate increase requests.

5. House Bill 1060: Exempts degree programs primarily focused on emergency medical services from the 2025 state budget provision that state educational institution degree programs below a certain number of enrolled students must be eliminated. This will ensure that public safety is not compromised as the degree elimination provision is implemented by state universities.

6. House Resolution 1: Honors John Kautzman, an attorney who passed away last year at the age of 66. He spent his career advocating for and defending police officers and was recognized by the national Fraternal Order of Police in 2023.

Garcia Wilburn's co-authored legislation includes:

1. House Bill 1012: Protects Medicaid disability recipients against fraud and abuse without compromising their access to care. This legislation establishes standards of transparency and accountability for the state, Medicaid providers, and Medicaid recipients.  

2. House Bill 1046: Establishes the family recovery court fund to fund family recovery courts and safe baby courts, thus promoting recovery and problem-solving in the judicial system. This follows Garcia Wilburn's work on House Bill 1107 last year, which passed out of committee but did not advance further in the legislative process.

3. House Bill 1223: Deters violent crimes against law enforcement officers by creating sentencing enhancements for crimes that result in serious bodily injury or death to a law enforcement officer.

4. House Bill 1271: Increases transparency and reduces the burden of medical debt by requiring hospitals to post and share information about the terms of and how to enroll in hospital payment plans. It also prevents insurance companies from inappropriately clawing back or reducing payments to health care providers for necessary health care services.

"This legislative session, I'm focused on keeping Hoosiers safe and healthy," Garcia Wilburn said. "My authored and co-authored legislation is crafted in response to concerns I hear from constituents about how expensive health care has gotten and a desire for the state legislature to prioritize public safety. From growing the emergency responder pipeline and protecting health care for our disability community to cracking down on violent crime against our brave law enforcement officers, these common-sense bills will improve Hoosiers' lives.

"Additionally, in the interest of saving more of your hard-earned money, I want to require the state Insurance Commissioner to take the affordability of premium rates into account when approving or denying rate increases. Insurance companies have a role to play in bringing down health care costs, and I want to make sure they're accountable to consumers."

Garcia Wilburn honors Sandy Hook victims, calls for common-sense gun safety measures

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) today hosted a Sandy Hook Remembrance Day event at the Statehouse to honor the victims of school shootings and advocate for stronger gun safety laws to protect Hoosier children.

The event, held in advance of the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting this weekend, brought together lawmakers, advocates, faith leaders and community members to remember the hundreds of students who have senselessly lost their lives to gun violence in schools across America.

"Thirteen years ago, 20 children and six educators were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Since then, countless more young lives have been stolen by gun violence in school shootings, on the streets and in homes. Indiana has made it easier, not harder, for guns to fall into the wrong hands," Garcia Wilburn said.

"The state legislature eliminated permit requirements for carrying handguns allowing more guns to land in the hands of the wrong people, like those who have taken the lives of precious school children. 

"Today was about remembering lives lost and recommitting ourselves to creating a future with fewer of these preventable tragedies. We should not have to accept school shootings as the new normal or hold our breath for the next tragedy. The defeat of the mid-decade redistricting bill this week showed Hoosiers that bipartisan, common-sense wins are possible if we use our collective voices.

"We can protect Second Amendment rights while being serious about gun safety. It's time for Indiana to pass common sense gun laws—because remembering victims means taking action to prevent the next tragedy."

The event featured remarks from advocates and lawmakers, music, multi-faith prayer, opportunities to connect with gun violence prevention organizations and a children's shoe drive benefiting Grace Care Center in memory of children lost to gun violence.

According to Everytown for Gun Safety, more than 4.6 million children live in homes with at least one loaded, unlocked firearm and nearly 360 children unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else every year. Research shows that safe storage laws—which require firearms to be stored securely and inaccessibly to children—significantly reduce unintentional shootings, youth suicides and school shootings.

Garcia Wilburn reacts to the House passage of gerrymandered congressional maps

Today, Dec. 5, the Indiana House majority passed House Bill 1032, a gerrymandered congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington, D.C. The map carves up like-minded communities to give one faction of the Republican Party an advantage in all nine of Indiana’s congressional elections, a sentiment that was disclosed fully by the bill’s author. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) released the following statement: 

"As an elected official, my job is to listen to the will of the people, not the desires of one particular political party. I was disappointed to hear the author of HB 1032 repeat over and over that the majority's intent was to redraw Indiana's congressional districts 'purely for political performance' of the Republican Party. The bill author repeated variations of this phrase to enter into the legal record a perception that these maps fall squarely in with the Supreme Court of the United States' Rucho v. Common Cause ruling that partisan gerrymandering is acceptable.

"In response to that, I’ll share a piece of advice that my father has shared with me for as long as I can remember: 'Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.'

"The Founding Fathers created our great constitution in part to preserve a permanence of differences in a free society. This is why all states, no matter their population size, have two U.S. Senators representing them, as well as a number of U.S. Representatives representing them proportional to the most recent U.S. Census. A permanence of differences…9-0 congressional maps blatantly in favor of one faction of the Republican Party are hardly a display of the constitutional spirt of a permanence of differences. When you consolidate power, you threaten liberty. Alexander Hamilton was concerned that an unprincipled man would mount the horse of popularity, incite citizens to betray the American experiment and throw things into confusion. And here we are, staring at the doorstep of what one of our cherished forefathers warned us against.

"I voted no today because I have received nothing short of an outpouring of calls and emails from constituents over the past five months opposing this proposal. For constituents wondering what happens next, I encourage you to reach out to your state senator to share your thoughts on the maps as the state senate will consider them next week."

Garcia Wilburn calls for action on cost of living, not partisan maps

Today, Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation requesting the Indiana General Assembly to convene a special session on Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana's congressional maps in the middle of the decade, going into effect for next year's midterm elections.

This unprecedented action follows the majority party of the Indiana General Assembly redrawing Indiana's congressional maps in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census, and maps which the majority party touted to be fair and representative of the people.

While Braun has called this special session, there is no enforcement mechanism that requires the General Assembly to answer his call and pass new maps. The legislature may gavel in on Nov. 3 onward and then gavel back out without completing any new business. It can also take up business unrelated to Braun’s stated purpose for the session. 

On the heels of House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta's statement, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) released the following statement in response:

"It is first important to note that we in Indiana hold close our traditions. Our tradition, and our long-held process, has been for decades that our redrawing of state and federal district maps has been held after the results of national census. This predictable process has been what Hoosiers have come to expect, and it was what they deserve. A sentiment often said in both the House and Senate chambers is that our state government is in no way like the politics of Washington, D.C. This is no longer true, and working families in our district are struggling to get by right now. They're struggling to pay their energy bills. They're struggling to pay their property tax bill. They're struggling to pay for health care. This isn't the time to play political games by pursuing an unprecedented redrawing of our congressional maps in the middle of the decade. Instead, our state government should be focused on the very real problems that Hoosier families are facing. That is what I have been doing and that is what I will continue to do, and this special session will only take me away from the very important work that I am privileged to do.

"I urge Hamilton County legislators to pose a united front and take a strong stance against redistricting. We can be patriots who are committed to our constituents and who are loyal to the importance of letting voters choose their representation. The leadership in our county is proof that there is a higher road our state can take instead of partisanship for partisanship's sake."

Ford and Garcia Wilburn release statement on denial of vote centers in Hamilton County

State Senator J.D. Ford (D-Carmel) and State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) issued the following joint statement after the Hamilton County Election Board failed to reach the unanimous vote needed to move to countywide vote centers for future elections:  

"We are disappointed with the result of yesterday's Hamilton County Election Board meeting, which struck down the possibility for Vote Centers in Hamilton County despite the measure being approved unanimously by both the Hamilton County Commissioners and County Council and receiving widespread public support. 

"Hamilton County families are busy people. From driving kids to soccer or band practice to commuting to work, it can be difficult for families to find the time to make it to their assigned polling place to cast their vote on Election Day, even though they know how important it is to be civically engaged.

“During the last primary election, Indiana ranked 50th in the nation for voter turnout. By advancing vote centers, Hamilton County would have been rolling out a proven method to make voting more accessible for all of those families who call Hamilton County home. 

"These are not new. Sixty-seven out of Indiana's 92 counties have adopted vote centers, and there is ongoing discussion to implement them statewide. 

"Furthermore, this move would have saved Hamilton County money in a time when our local governments are having to tighten their belts.  

"By allowing people to vote at any voting center in the county, Hamilton County would have reduced the number of needed polling centers from 235 to 57, reducing spending by thousands of dollars each election. Hamilton County is on the cutting edge of so many governmental reforms and programs, and we take pride in that fact. That's why it's disappointing to us that our community won’t benefit from this model that makes it easier for working families to make their voices heard during the 2026 elections. 

"We remain focused on finding ways to ensure secure, safe and free elections while also finding paths to increase turnout and accessibility." 

Bipartisan Leaders Beau Baird and Victoria Garcia Wilburn Condemn Murder of Charlie Kirk, Call for End to Political Violence

State Reps. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) and Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers), co-chairs of the Indiana Future Caucus, shared their united condemnation of the murder of activist and commentator Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah yesterday. The Indiana Future Caucus brings together bipartisan lawmakers 45 years of age and under.

The co-chairs released the following statement condemning the shooting and calling for civility:

“Political violence is never okay. Taking someone’s life is never an acceptable way to settle differences of opinion.

“Earlier this year, our bipartisan caucus spoke out against the tragic murder of a Democratic Minnesota state representative and her husband. Today, we unequivocally condemn the murder of Republican activist and commentator Charlie Kirk.

“As a nation, we must move beyond this horrifying trend of harming or killing those you disagree with and return to a culture of spirited debate and respect for different viewpoints. The Indiana Future Caucus represents the bright tomorrow we can create for Hoosiers — and political violence should not exist in that future.

“Our prayers are with Charlie’s wife Erika, his children, and all who loved him during this heartbreaking time.”

The Indiana Future Caucus connects Gen Z and millennial lawmakers committed to working across party lines to deliver results for their communities. Currently, 32 millennial lawmakers serve in the Indiana General Assembly.

A forthcoming release will share more details about the caucus’s recent leadership transition.