Klinker co-authors House Bill 1201 to improve chronic absenteeism and behavioral concerns

Today, Jan. 22, State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) signed on to House Bill (HB) 1201 as a co-author after it was heard in the House Education Committee. HB 1201 requires the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to create a list of best practices for student discipline and to reduce chronic absenteeism. It also requires the IDOE to develop intervention measures for students with attendance issues.  

Rep. Klinker released the following statement about the legislation:

“Something I’ve heard multiple times from our teachers is that students are missing critical instruction. Since the pandemic, the number of our youth, of all grade levels, who are missing multiple weeks of school has soared. 

“Our teachers are highly concerned because absences hinder student progress. Absences complicate the work being done in the classroom by our valued educators. A teacher must move forward in their lessons for the rest of their class while ensuring absent students are able to catch up. As an elected body, the General Assembly must do everything we can to get students into the classroom. 

“Even when our students attend school, our administrators and educators have seen a rise in behavioral issues. Classroom disruptions are becoming an everyday issue from kindergarten to high school.  Disruptive behavior can be caused by family dynamics, peer pressure or other social factors. However, we can do more to support our educators and administrators as they address increasing behavioral concerns. Teachers exist to educate, not to be second parents to their students. Our educators must be able to come to work and do their job each day. 

“I am pleased to be a co-author of House Bill 1201. I believe it will provide much-needed support to educators and administrators across the state.” 

Hamilton comments on Braun’s executive order requiring the submission of Terminated Pregnancy Reports

Today, Jan. 22, Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order requiring health care providers to submit a Terminated Pregnancy Report (TPR) every time an abortion is performed. A TPR contains information about a woman’s pre-existing medical conditions, her age, location, marital status and reason for the abortion. Under this executive order, the Indiana Department of Health would be required to release these reports for public access. 

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement regarding the executive order: 

“This executive order is a continuation of the Republican attack on women and health care providers. Reproductive health decisions are best left to a woman and her doctor, not the Indiana General Assembly or our governor. Like any other medical procedure, patients receiving reproductive care deserve to have their privacy respected. 

“Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, our colleagues in the Republican Party have made concerted efforts to strip women of our rights to health care access, family planning and our dignity. Today’s executive order is a reminder that this attack didn’t stop with the near-total abortion ban state Republicans passed in 2022. 

“Under Indiana’s narrow exceptions, Hoosier women will die unnecessarily. Forcing doctors to wait until a woman risks losing her life to perform an abortion is not just bad health care practice; it’s cruel. We’ve heard countless heartbreaking stories out of other states with abortion bans of women who are miscarrying and not able to receive crucial health care because of the laws implemented by their state government. In order to truly be a ‘pro-life’ policy, a policy ought not lead to the unnecessary deaths of women. A woman undergoing an abortion – for whatever reason – ought to have the dignity and privacy to not have her health care information shared with a state government hellbent on persecuting her. 

“I didn’t come to the Indiana Statehouse to tell doctors how to do their jobs or to control Hoosier women's bodies. I’m far more interested in tackling high property taxes and fix our education system than I am putting a woman’s health information and safety at risk. I wish my Republican colleagues felt the same, and then we could really start to make life better for our constituents.”

Porter comments on Braun eliminating funding for Indiana’s only predominantly Black university

On Thursday, Jan. 16, Gov. Mike Braun presented his “Freedom and Opportunity” budget proposal to the State Budget Committee (SBC). The budget includes zero funding for Martin University, Indiana’s only predominantly Black institution of higher education, and the College Success Program. In the 2023 budget, Martin University and the CSP each received an allocation of $5 million.

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“The active intervention to end or attack anything in the budget that gives state dollars to people of color is sickening. I won’t mince my words: It’s racist. Black Hoosiers and other minorities pay taxes, so we deserve to benefit from the state budget as much as our white counterparts.

“Martin University is Indiana’s only predominately Black institution. The only reason why it’s not an official HBCU is because it’s relatively young. Now they will receive zero state dollars, which is a complete cut from 2023. He also cut the College Success Program, which encourages minority and first-generation, low-income students to attend college. That means a total of $10 million in support for minority students has been eliminated. 

“This is wrong on so many levels. The last administration realized that this funding would give students of color an equal chance at success. It was less than a century ago when Black students couldn’t live in dorms, had to eat on separate sides of the dining room and couldn’t swim in the university pool. It also benefitted Indiana’s workforce since Martin University directed the money towards STEM education.

“Sadly, this decision will continue to kill the hopes, dreams and aspirations of many students. No matter how hard they work, they’ll have the rug pulled out from under them. Even Trump paid lip service to HBCUs in his first term, which makes zeroing out these funds even more disturbing. Just like his other budget decisions, Braun continues to push his hostile, hateful agenda no matter who it harms.” 

Burton comments on House Bill 1007

HB 1007 would further place the cost of energy system upgrades on consumers

Yesterday, Jan. 21, the House Committee on Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications heard House Bill (HB) 1007. HB 1007 gives a state tax credit for manufacturing small modular nuclear reactors in Indiana. It also outlines a process for energy companies to get approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) for projects meeting growing demand, large customers, or new generation plans. The bill sets rules for approvals, cost recovery and allows utilities to seek approval to cover development costs for these reactors.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement on HB 1007:

“We cannot attract people or businesses without addressing our high energy and utility costs. While I appreciate the author’s efforts to bring diverse energy options to Indiana, there are significant risks, primarily with the potential financial burden on working and aging Hoosiers, with no guarantee of success.“

GiaQuinta comments on executive order to release terminated pregnancy reports

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement in response to Gov. Mike Braun's executive order directing the Indiana Department of Health to release terminated pregnancy reports:

"Because of the Indiana Republican abortion ban, there are very few abortions taking place in Indiana in 2025. The ones that are legally permissible are only through the most horrific of circumstances: rape, incest, a serious threat to the life of the mother or when the fetus has a fatal anomaly. Can you imagine how painful that must be for affected women, girls, their spouses and their children? I am disappointed that Gov. Braun wants to put their suffering on display for anyone to see by ordering IDOH to release their records in the form of terminated pregnancy reports (TPRs).

"What's more, the small number of abortion procedures taking place means TPRs contain information that could identify patients in question. The Public Access Counselor previously issued an advisory opinion stating that TPRs are medical records and thus exempt from public access rules.

"This executive order is cruel and unbefitting of our state, and I appreciated Gov. Holcomb's small-government approach to this issue. We don't need to put women through more pain than they've already been through."

Garcia Wilburn files 2025 bills focused on public safety, strong families and public health

State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) has filed her legislation for Indiana’s 2025 legislative session. Garcia Wilburn's nine bills focus on keeping Hoosiers safe, supporting public safety officials, promoting public and mental health, championing families, and working with young advocates.

House Bill 1093 will expand sexual assault victims' rights by increasing annual reporting with the goal of eliminating institutional silos standing in the way of justice for survivors. 

"I am proud that HB 1093 is the result of many conversations with sexual assault survivors, advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors," Garcia Wilburn said. "Right now, institutional barriers are preventing us from getting a full picture of how well the state is ensuring that sexual assault cases are prosecuted and justice is served. HB 1093 will help us fully assess our successes and failures so we can better deliver results for survivors in the future."

Garcia Wilburn filed two bills to support public safety officials. HB 1091 will enhance the penalty for sexual battery against a law enforcement officer on duty. HB 1092 will build upon her 2023 law to implement first responder mental health and wellness training by providing sustainable funding for the program into the future.  

"Our community cares deeply about supporting the first responders who keep us safe. No law enforcement officer should have to fear sexual violence while on the job, but it's a sad reality that some people want to harm our LEOs. HB 1091 will serve as a deterrent against this. Additionally, a day on the job as a first responder is often more difficult and traumatic than civilians experience over the course of years. We need to continue building on 2023's House Enrolled Act 1321 to ensure that police, fire and EMS are sustainable careers for the brave men and women in them."

HB 1090 would make joint custody the standard in custody proceedings unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that joint physical custody is not in the child's best interests. HB 1107 establishes the Family Recovery Court Fund. The bill also would ensure that family recovery courts target cases of abuse or neglect where a parent or primary caregiver suffers from a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders. 

“Ensuring families can thrive in Indiana is a priority for me. This year, I plan to continue this mission with HB 1090 and HB 1107. HB 1090 requires that every parent who is capable and can be trusted to care for their child can do so. This bill would require courts to find clear and convincing evidence that joint custody is not in the child’s best interest. HB 1107 establishes the Family Recovery Court Fund to ensure that the justice system prioritizes the wellbeing of children who may have experienced abuse or neglect as a result of a parent's substance use disorder.”

Building on Garcia Wilburn’s work on HB 1053 last session, she is co-authoring HB 1167, which decriminalizes fentanyl test strips.

“The CDC approximates that 1,877 Hoosiers died from a drug overdose last year, a 22% decrease from the previous year. Every one of these people likely had family and friends and were members of our communities. I co-authored HB 1167 to continue reducing these tragic deaths by protecting harm-reduction methods that have the potential to save lives.”

A full list of Garcia Wilburn’s authored legislation is below:

1. HB 1089: Grow our workforce by expanding workforce ready credit-bearing grants to English as a second language courses

2. HB 1090: Makes joint custody the standard in custody proceedings

3. HB 1091: Increases the penalty for sexual battery against a law enforcement officer

4. HB 1092: Provides additional funding for the first responder mental health training first introduced by Garcia Wilburn's 2023 law

5. HB 1093: Expands sexual assault victims' rights

6. HB 1107: Establishes the Family Recovery Court Fund

7. HB 1154: Offers a tax credit to behavioral health practitioners who provide a preceptorship

8. HB 1237: Designates the Indiana bat as the official state mammal

9. HB 1238: Expands Medicaid reimbursement to schools offering medically necessary reimbursable services

“I am honored to receive the privilege of representing District 32 again. It's the same community where my husband served and we raise our three children. I don’t take this opportunity lightly, and I will use it to advocate for the needs of our community on the House floor and advance legislation that makes our communities safer and stronger.”  

Shackleford comments on Braun’s DEI executive order

Yesterday, Jan. 21, the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) held a press conference to discuss Gov. Mike Braun’s executive order prohibiting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices in state agencies.

State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement in regard DEI prohibition:

“Indiana is already falling short of its goal to foster diversity in our businesses, and now, with the introduction of Senate Bill 235, we are taking an even greater step backward. This bill allows universities to ignore diversity goals and eliminates the obligation to support supplier diversity. What message does this send? That we don’t care about minority-owned businesses. That we don’t care about keeping dollars within our state that could uplift women and people of color.

“This is not just a policy issue—it’s a moral one. We cannot remain silent as our communities and businesses are pushed aside. The term “DEI” has become politicized and mischaracterized. At its core, this is about people. It’s about embracing our diverse communities and the businesses that make Indiana stronger. Whatever we call it, we must commit to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—not as a buzzword, but as a fundamental value that shapes the future of our state. It’s time to stand up and make our voices heard.”

Andrade outlines 2025 legislative agenda

With the official start of the 2025 legislative session, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) has announced his legislative agenda, continuing to advance common-sense legislation that improves the lives of Hoosiers. The bills aim to enhance public safety, improve coverage for chronic diseases and expand sensory resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to use during emergency situations. “I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure every Hoosier has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed,” Andrade said.

Public Safety:

HB 1304 seeks to increase the penalty for car robbery, knowingly or intentionally taking a motor vehicle from another person, from a Level 5 Felony to a Level 4 Felony. Andrade, a champion for public safety, expressed his support for bipartisan action in reducing vehicle robberies. "In efforts to reduce the number of vehicle robberies and protect victims of such crimes, I am honored to join my colleagues across the aisle in proposing penalty enhancements and further safeguarding victims," Andrade said.

HB 1307 would establish the Sensory Kit Grant Program, providing grants to public safety agencies to purchase sensory kits designed to help individuals with an autism spectrum disorder or cognitive disabilities stay calm and focused during emergency situations. "This bill is inspired by individuals such as Ben Kodicek, Ben’s Blue Bags, and Logan Ruiz, Logan’s Love - Logan Speaks. Ben’s Blue Bags, is a sensory bag training program designed to show first responders how to provide better services to individuals on the autism spectrum in Indiana. In Memory of Logan, Logan’s Love - Logan Speaks works to keep Logan’s memory everlasting and give back to the Autism community. Both organizations are working to support individuals and families in the Autism and Disability communities,” Andrade stated.

Public Health:

HB 1552 would require state employee health plans (SEHP), accident and sickness insurance policies, and health maintenance organization contracts to provide coverage for anti-obesity medication and intensive behavioral and lifestyle therapy. This legislation aligns with recent federal actions, including the Biden administration's proposal for Medicare and Medicaid to cover drugs used to treat obesity. Currently, Indiana has over two thirds (71%) of adult Hoosiers experiencing obesity - contributing to serious health conditions including Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, in 2022 alone, the economic impact of obesity in Indiana was estimated at $9.3 billion, with a total impact of $966 million on the state budget.

“With one of the highest adult obesity rates in the United States, and significant financial strain on the state, expanding Indiana’s Medicaid coverage to include obesity medication and treatment would be the proactive solution to reduce long-term costs, by saving roughly $8 billion, and improve Hoosier health outcomes,” Andrade said.

Mental Health & Student Support:

HB 1305 would require each school corporation and charter school to develop a plan to conduct developmentally appropriate, evidence-based mental health and substance use disorder screenings for students in kindergarten through grade 12. "Early detection is critical in addressing mental health challenges and substance abuse problems, and this bill will help ensure that our students receive the support they need at the earliest possible stage," Andrade said.

HB 1309 would establish the Pediatric Mental Health Professional Recruitment Pilot Program, which aims to increase the availability of pediatric mental health care services across Indiana. The bill would provide incentives to students who agree to provide pediatric mental health services in participating counties, including Lake County, Marion County, and counties with populations under 65,000. "As pediatric mental health needs rise, it’s essential that we recruit more professionals to meet this growing demand, especially in underserved areas," Andrade added.

Support for Educators:

HB1306 would increase the maximum amount of the income tax credit for an individual employed as a teacher for amounts expended for classroom supplies from $100 to $300 per taxable year. “To support our educators, I’m authoring a bill to increase the income tax credit for teachers from $100 to $300 per year for classroom supplies. This bill aligns with the current federal tax code to help teachers offset out-of-pocket expenses as they prepare their classrooms for success,” Andrade said.

A full list of Andrade’s legislation is below:

HB 1304: Robbery

HB 1305: Mental health and substance use disorder screening

HB 1306: Tax credit for teacher’s classroom supplies

HB 1307: Sensory kit grant programs

HB 1308: Nutrition supports Medicaid waiver

HB 1309: Pediatric mental health

HB 1310: Statewide stroke plan

HB 1313: Reentry support pilot program

HB 1551: Collective bargaining for construction trades

HB 1552: Coverage for treatment of chronic diseases

Porter comments on Braun defunding multiple essential commissions

On Thursday, Jan. 16, Gov. Mike Braun presented his “Freedom and Opportunity” budget proposal to the State Budget Committee (SBC). The budget includes eliminating funding for the Indiana Native American Indian Affairs Commission (INAIAC) and the Indiana Commission for Women (ICW). State funding for the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) would be cut by $600,000 over the biennium. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“I’m truly disappointed and flabbergasted that Gov. Braun eliminated funding for these commissions without explanation. The INAIAC and the ICW will receive no funding, and the ICRC will have its funding cut by $600,000. These cuts will only save $1 million–basically pocket change in the billion-dollar budget game. This isn’t based on financial austerity, especially since Braun’s budget proposal would raise our estimated state surplus by $300 million. It’s not about saving money; it's about proliferating the various culture wars tearing America apart. 

“Defunding these commissions rubs more salt into the wound of eliminating DEI. All three of these commissions serve people of various backgrounds with specific interests. The ICRC is our alarm system for discrimination in housing, employment and so much more. We know discrimination still exists in Indiana even if my Republican colleagues continue to bury their heads in the sand. Thankfully, federal civil rights laws remain in effect no matter what Braun does in our state. 

”Hoosier women still lack equal pay, paid maternity leave and equal access to health care. The ICW is essential to progressing these issues and improving the lives of our daughters, wives and mothers. Our state name reflects the history and bloodshed of the Miami Nation and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. The INAIAC ensures we celebrate their cultural contributions, and that we remember their brutal, forced removal. By defunding this commission, Indiana will deny these nations’ validation but continue to profit from their existence. Our state makes tens of millions of dollars from the Pokagon Band’s execution of the 2021 Gaming Compact. With the Braun budget, not a single penny will be devoted to the benefit of Hoosier Native Americans.  

“These moves are ill-timed, imprudent and downright embarrassing. Indiana is diverse, and the General Assembly represents men and women of all colors and ethnicities. As the Governor's budget is filed, the author of House Bill 1001 must show common decency in restoring these programs and funding to the previous level.” 

Pryor files 2025 legislation, continues commitment to Indiana homeowners

With the 2025 legislative session underway, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) has filed eight pieces of legislation that will improve the lives of residents across the state. Pryor’s legislative agenda includes bills targeted at housing and homeownership, safety and expanding health care access. Pryor’s legislative agenda directly addresses pressing issues deemed detrimental to state residents.

“In Indiana, 31% of residents rent their homes, and our state ranks 35th in overall health,” Pryor said. “These numbers show the urgent need for us to get back to work and provide legislation that will actually address the issues faced by many residents today. Although there will be a lot to digest in this session, we must remain steadfast in what is ahead of us, and that is improving the lives of residents in the great state of Indiana.”

Continuing her work from last year on breast cancer prevention, House Bill 1061 requires a state employee health plan to cover supplemental breast examinations. This provides additional early detection cancer resources to state employees. HB 1062 prohibits state insurance policies from requiring patients with advanced cancer to try and fail other prescription drugs before covering a prescribed treatment. 

HB 1176 will allow an identifying symbol for a medical condition on a driver's license, permit, or identification card to also be used to indicate an autism spectrum disorder. This bill is aimed at providing information vital to interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism to prevent miscommunications. 

Pryor’s legislation also includes protections for tenants as Indiana has some of the worst renter protection laws in the nation. HB 1175 requires a landlord to repair or replace an essential item within 24 hours after of being notified by a tenant that the rental unit is without certain essential services. It would allow the health authority to make the repairs, charge the landlord and impose a fine if the landlord does not make the essential repair. This will provide additional support for tenants that may already be facing an uphill climb. 

“These bills will improve lives across the state, whether it's expanding health care coverage, improving interactions with law enforcement, or fighting for tenants' rights,” Pryor said.

Here is a list of Pryor’s legislation this session:

1. HB 1060 Right to repair

2. HB 1061 Coverage for cancer screening

3. HB 1062 Coverage for certain cancer prescriptions

4. HB 1063 Discriminatory profiling and pretextual stops    

5. HB 1175 Repair of residential rental properties

6. HB 1176 Health information and BMV records

7. HB 1177 Home ownership           

8. HB 1664 Due-on-sale clauses

Smith comments on Braun’s elimination of DEI

Wednesday, Jan. 15, Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order replacing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices in state government with "MEI": Merit, Excellence and Innovation. Braun's executive order requires state agencies to examine policies and procedures to ensure compliance, as well as closes the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office created by former Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2020

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) issued the following statement: 

“In one executive order, Gov. Braun has turned back the clock on centuries of progress and equity. One signature on a piece of paper has negated the marches, boycotts and speeches of far greater men and women: Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, John Lewis, W.E.B Du Bois and more. I remember the Rainbow Coalition of the 1980s when Rev. Jesse Jackson declared, ‘Our flag is red, white and blue, but our nation is a rainbow– red, yellow, brown, black and white.’ What is the harm in striving to reflect the rainbow of Indiana? Minorities in Indiana do indeed exist. 

“You cannot tell me our government does not need DEI initiatives when only 16 of 150 elected representatives are Black. Only 31 women serve in the two chambers, and not a single woman is part of Republican leadership. I can wholeheartedly say that my colleague's positions are not due to DEI, but because of their hard work and commitment to service.

“I believe in merit, excellence and innovation since we should all strive to be the best we can be. However, without DEI applied those in minority groups will not be given the chance to demonstrate that they are worthy of merit, excellence or innovation through their service. 

“The governor does not serve just a special few, but he is called by our constitution and a higher power to serve all people.”

Smith files 2025 legislation, continues his commitment to public education and public safety

With 2025 marking 35 years of serving Indiana House District 14, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary)  continued his commitment to the public by filing nine pieces of legislation. 

“I am blessed to be a servant to my community for another term,” Smith said. “During my time at the Statehouse, I’ve watched legislation try to tear the fine people of Gary down and each time we have risen to the challenge. As the representative for District 14, my purpose is not only to protect our community but also to uplift those within it.” 

One of Smith’s bills, House Bill (HB) 1540, focuses on absenteeism and improving student’s academic outcomes. HB 1540 requires the Department of Education to study student absences, create a list of best practices, develop intervention strategies and provide attendance improvement targets for certain schools. 

“Since the pandemic, we have seen an alarming increase in student absences,” Smith said. “In my 20+ years as an administrator, I saw students fall behind from missing critical hours of instruction. Students of color experience the highest rates of chronic absenteeism, and Gary School Corporation is nearly 90% African American. We must act now to show our students the importance of education and the value that schooling adds to their futures. I chose to pursue my doctorate due to the wonderful people in my life celebrating academic excellence. Our school corporations need multiple tools to combat absenteeism since every student is different. Some students miss class because of illness while others lack a quality support system needed to get to school. There should be multiple avenues to address this problem not a one-size fits all solution. HB 1540 would continue to study this troublesome trend and create more intervention strategies for our schools. ” 

HB 1317 and HB 1318 both aim to increase public safety. HB 1317 would require individuals convicted of domestic violence to surrender any firearms they possess and their permit to carry to the court. If an individual fails to comply, it’s a Class A misdemeanor. HB 1318 would establish the Hoosier Scam Prevention Board. A third bill authored by Smith, HB 1539, seeks to improve students' safety in schools. This bill would require a school corporation to adopt a timetable for reporting incidents of bullying, and for the principal of the school to report bullying to the parents of the victim and the parents of the alleged perpetrator. 

“We can do more to protect people from violent and non-violent crime. Anyone who has been convicted of violence in the home should not be able to own a firearm. One of the most tragic facts I’ve learned is that women who are victims of domestic violence are five times more likely to be killed if there’s a firearm in the home. We can prevent these tragedies by increasing legal protections through HB 1317. I also want to create a Hoosier Scam Prevention Board. It feels like you get a spam call once a day asking you for your insurance, bank account or social security information. Many of the scams are dangerous because they’re believable. By creating a board to study the scams taking place in Indiana, we get one step closer to eliminating them. Another bill I authored to improve our children’s safety is HB 1539 which creates reporting requirements for bullying. School is a place where students should feel safe, and bullying has a detrimental impact on the affected student. A parent should never be left in the dark about something that is seriously harming their child mentally, emotionally or physically.” 

One of Smith’s other priorities is recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday with HB 1315. 

“June 19, 1865, marked the end of slavery in the United States which was years after the Emancipation Proclamation,” Smith said. “Four years ago, Juneteenth became a federal holiday. It’s observed in our state, but it is not a legal holiday. HB 1513 seeks to proclaim Juneteenth an official state holiday. Establishing this holiday supports our nation’s founding promise that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

A full list of Smith’s legislation is available below:

1. HB 1314: Deferred Retirement Option Plan 

2. HB 1315: Designation of Juneteenth as a State Holiday

3. HB 1316: Sewer and Storm Water Fees Incurred by Tenants

4. HB 1317: Surrender of Firearms for Domestic Violence Crimes 

5. HB 1318: Hoosier Scam Prevention Board 

6. HB 1350: Judicial Immunity

7. HB 1537: Net Metering for Electricity Generation

8. HB 1538: Nonprofit Tax Form Simplification 

9. HB 1539: Education Matters 

10. HB 1540: Chronic Absenteeism

“This year I hope to make progress on all nine of these issues for the betterment of our community. I am ready to continue my service this session to House District 14.”

The community can contact the office of State Rep. Vernon Smith by email at h14@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9848.