DeLaney reminds of the need for gun reform

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) met with a group of local students at the Statehouse for Moms Demand Action advocacy day to discuss common-sense gun reforms. 

DeLaney issued the following statement after the meeting: 

“In 2024, the number of youth homicides from gun violence in Indianapolis decreased drastically, from 44 children in 2023 to 17 children in 2024. While this statistic is undeniably positive, it is one of the reasons that issue has faded from our focus. The untimely deaths of 17 young Hoosiers is a great tragedy, no matter how that number fits into the current statistic.

“As I was reminded by the passionate group of students from North Central High School that spoke with me today, Indiana has a long way to go to protect Hoosiers from gun violence. In 2024, Indiana ranked 7th highest in the nation for incidents of gunfire on school grounds. The legislature passed a bill in 2022 to allow permitless carry. We have yet to close the loophole that allows the purchase of firearms at gun shows without a background check. In 2023, we had the third highest rate of accidental child shootings behind only Florida and Texas, states with much larger populations. 

“The need to enact common-sense gun safety policies remains as strong as ever, even if it isn’t making headlines this session. I wanted to thank Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action for the work they do to shed light on the pressing issue of gun reform.” 

Hamilton offers amendments to bolster Indiana’s child care infrastructure

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered two amendments to House Bill 1253 that would help address Indiana’s child care crisis. The first amendment sought to authorize a study into what it would take for Indiana to make child care accessible and affordable statewide. The amendment was struck down along party lines by a vote of 27-65.

“Indiana was recently ranked as having the 2nd worst quality of life in the nation due to our lack of access to child care,” Hamilton said. “Not one of our 92 counties meet the threshold for adequate access to child care. If you happen to be located near a facility with room for your child, it is often simply too expensive for working families. Studies show that the high cost of child care causes a significant amount of working parents to cut back on hours or leave the workforce altogether. According to recent data from Early Learning Indiana and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, insufficient child care availability costs Indiana $4.22 billion in economic activity each year.” 

Hamilton also offered an amendment that would prohibit a waitlist for Child Care Development Fund vouchers and fully fund the current program. The amendment was blocked on procedural grounds. 

“The announcement of the CCDF waitlist in December as a ‘cost-saving measure’ means we are now moving backwards when it comes to Indiana’s child care crisis. This decision left many working families wondering how they could continue to afford child care while they work to earn a living. I want to ensure that families are not threatened with losing this vital service in the future. It is past time to advance solutions to the child care crisis. Doing so will strengthen our economy and ensure that Indiana is a state where working families can thrive.”

Boy’s HB1380 passes unanimously out of the House

Today, State Rep. Pat Boy’s (D-Michigan City) House Bill 1380 passed unanimously out of the House of Representatives. The bill would exempt motor driven cycles and lightweight electric vehicles from the annual electric vehicle supplement fee.

Boy released the following statement on the passage of the bill through the House.

“First, I want to thank my fellow co-authors and House colleagues for their support on this crucial piece of legislation. As the bill moves to the Senate, I am optimistic about the continued bipartisan support in creating an eco-friendlier Indiana.”

The bill now moves to the Senate.

Miller bill prioritizing local business moves to Senate

House Bill 1468, authored by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) passed through the House of Representatives today and now moves to the Senate. The bill passed by a vote of 87-2.

 The bill allows tobacco vendors to obtain a three-year supplemental cigar sales certificate which allows them to sell cigars on a temporary basis at an event.

"This legislation eases a burden placed on local vendors and allows them to practice their business outside of their shop," Miller said after the vote. "Being able to do business at public events is a great opportunity for business owners to connect with and build their visibility in the community.  This bill helps with that while not infringing on any state, county, city or town smoking ordinances.

“This is a common-sense, bipartisan bill that will help Indiana's small-business owners, and I'm excited for the opportunity to have it heard over in the Senate."

Campbell bill allowing foster children to open bank accounts heads to the senate

Today, Feb. 10, House Bill 1441 passed with a unanimous vote on the House floor and heads to the Senate for their consideration. State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) authored the bill to allow foster youth at least 16 years old to create bank accounts without an adult co-signer. The bill was amended to include minors who’ve been emancipated.  

Campbell released the following statement on the House passage of her bill:

“This is a major win for our foster and emancipated youth in Indiana. We want every child to have a safe and secure home, but the state needs to do more for our young adults who are on their own. It’s hard to do anything when you’re unable to open your own bank account. 

“You need a bank account for direct deposits at your job, to build credit or to get a loan. With this policy change, foster children have the tools they need for financial success. This bill ensures that our children who don’t have a reliable guardian can live independently. Most importantly, it protects vulnerable children from theft out of a joint account from bad actors.

“We’re encouraging minors to join the workforce while they're still in school, so let’s ensure they have the tools they need to thrive. I am grateful that the bill was passed by the House today. I want our foster kids to know that we’re thinking of you, and we’re trying to make your lives a little bit easier.” 

Bauer appointed to Youth Service Bureau of Directors

Last Friday, Feb. 7, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) was welcomed as a new member of the Youth Services Bureau of St. Joseph County Board of Directors (YSB). As a new member appointed to the board, Bauer was selected due to her continued leadership and advocacy on public education, youth safety, and child protection for Hoosier families. YSB delivers client-centered, trauma-responsive, and preventative services and support to youth experiencing safety and housing crises.

Bauer released the following statement on her appointment to the YSB:

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Board of Directors for YSB, an incredible nonprofit that provides safety and shelter to young people in vulnerable situations. As a legislator, my commitment to protecting young people and giving them the best shot at success is a key priority. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to further the mission of YSB to improve the safety and life chances of young Hoosiers in St. Joseph County and beyond."

Errington’s HB 1297 passes out of committee

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Sue Errington's (D-Muncie) House Bill 1297 passed out of the House Roads and Transportation Committee. The bill would establish the Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Medical Information Program - providing reference stickers to help first responders deliver quick, lifesaving care to senior citizens or at-risk individuals during vehicle accidents.

Errington released the following statement regarding the bill's passage out of committee:

“I am pleased to announce that House Bill 1297 has successfully passed unanimously out of the House Roads and Transportation Committee. Those who sign up for this program will receive a yellow dot decal for their vehicle, letting first responders know that important health information can be found in the driver’s glove compartment.

“As the bill moves forward, I remain committed to advocating for our at-risk populations and ensuring they get the care and attention they deserve."

House Majority strikes down Campbell’s amendment to protect the passenger rail compact

Today, Feb. 6, State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) offered an amendment to House Bill 1272 to remove the language in the legislation withdrawing Indiana from the Interstate Rail Passenger Network Compact. The compact is a partnership between Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois, New York and Georgia to study and facilitate the operation of a passenger rail system connecting each state’s major cities. The amendment was voted down by the House majority. 

Campbell released the following statement on her amendment:

“I proposed this amendment to keep Indiana’s options for transportation open. Any Hoosier who’s driven on I-65 knows that traffic is awful. Each year our state spends exorbitant amounts of money to repair hundreds of miles of county roads, state highways and interstates. We’ve all almost lost a wheel on our cars from hitting a massive pothole on an Indiana road. 

”Gov. Braun included $40,000 in his 2025 state budget proposal for the High-Speed Rail Development Fund. We owe it to Hoosiers to be able to study high-speed rail with this allocation. Indiana should adapt to meet the constantly evolving world of public transportation. Interstate rail is growing in popularity, and many Purdue students in my district take the Amtrak to Chicago. 

“High-speed rail is also a powerful economic development tool. We could connect the LEAP innovation district with airports across the state by rail. 40% of Indiana’s population lives within 25 minutes of a rail line. This is a powerful workforce solution for those who commute by giving them the option to take a train. 

“It doesn’t hurt our state to remain in the compact. In fact, it’s in the best interest of our future as a state.” 

Porter calls for the reinstatement of funding for the Imagination Library

Today, Feb. 6, the House Ways and Means Committee is hearing public testimony on Gov. Braun’s “Freedom and Opportunity” budget proposal, House Bill 1001. The budget proposal does not renew funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Parton’s early literacy program mails free books to children from infancy to five regardless of income, location and other factors. The program started in Indiana with a matching grant of $6 million in 2023. 

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

“Dolly Parton is arguably one of America’s biggest superstars. She has a cherished place in our country’s cultural history not only as a musician but also as a philanthropist. Many families' lives have been changed through one of her charitable works, especially with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. 

“Our state was blessed to join this program in 2023 through a $6 million matching grant. This literacy program mails a book a month directly to our Hoosier kids. By growing up in a home full of books, our young children practice their reading skills and foster a love of learning. 

“Now, without explanation, Gov. Braun chose not to renew the Library’s funding. This great program truly could be one-and-done. This administration’s cynical move is to defund a program centered on literacy and imagination. Our children will be left with their imagination but no library. Rest assured, House Dems will work ‘9 to 5’ to reinstate Dolly Parton’s library in the state budget.” 

Op-ed: Burton on CenterPoint electric utility rate increase: ‘Now is the time for action, we cannot afford to wait any longer’

By: State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

Word Count: 350

Energy utility costs in Southwest Indiana have been unreasonably high for more than a decade, and recent decisions are making matters worse. On Feb. 3, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) voted to approve CenterPoint's latest rate increase proposal for electricity. As a City Councilor, I supported efforts to intervene in such rate hikes, and now, as a state legislator, I remain committed to finding lasting solutions. My goal is to legislate effective measures that address the root causes of these high utility costs. This includes: (1) implementing payment deferment on rate hikes during periods of economic hardship, (2) ensuring residents have a fair voice by creating a voting seat on the IURC, (3) promoting non-burdensome renewable energy options, and (4) establishing fair and transparent formulas for determining rate increases.

Unfortunately, these goals are not yet reality. As it stands, the Indiana General Assembly (IGA) has shown little interest in providing relief to residents who are struggling under the weight of high utility costs. While I understand that achieving change is an uphill battle, the impact of these costs is felt across every household, nonprofit, and business in House District 77. For this reason, I actively sought a seat on the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee and will continue to legislate our best tomorrow.

But my concerns go beyond just this immediate issue. I fear our current path is setting the stage for even higher utility bills down the line. That’s why I’m working closely with my colleagues in the legislature, Attorney General Todd Rokita and housing organizations to raise awareness of Evansville’s reality and advocate for change. Utility relief shouldn't be a partisan issue, which is why I'm working across the aisle to find solutions.

We must be proactive in expanding energy options that offer both long-term sustainability and affordability. We also need to identify real, actionable solutions that reduce utility costs while simultaneously boosting efforts to increase safe, high-quality and affordable housing. Hoosiers deserve more than just rising utility rates; they deserve real relief.

Now is the time for action. We cannot afford to wait any longer.

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."

Miller’s HB 1608 advances out of committee, paving way for Indiana to become leader in esports

House Bill 1608, authored by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D -Fort Wayne), passed out of the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee today, a significant step towards establishing Indiana's position in the growing esports industry.

"Esports is not just about video games, it's about economic growth. Esports is a billion-dollar industry, and Indiana is in a prime position to capitalize on the rapid growth we're seeing in surrounding states," Miller said. "From hosting major tournaments to attracting new businesses and jobs, the esports industry will increase economic development throughout the Hoosier state.”

The economic impact of esports is already being felt in Indiana. Large-scale events, such as the NBA 2K League competitions held in Indianapolis and tournaments at South Bend's Bendix Arena, have brought thousands of visitors, generating revenue for local businesses, hotels and restaurants. Expanding Indiana's role in esports could further strengthen the state's hospitality and tourism industries while encouraging investment in technology infrastructure.

Several Indiana universities, including Ball State University, Purdue University, Butler University, and Indiana State University, have integrated esports into their campuses. Indiana State University just unveiled its esports arena, bringing the university up to date with surrounding schools.

"As other states compete for esports-related business and tourism, Indiana must take proactive steps to ensure that we remain ahead surrounding states," Miller said. 

HB 1608 moves to the full House for further consideration.