House Committee on Insurance passes Pryor bill to obtain quicker access to lifesaving prescriptions for advanced cancer patients

Today, Jan. 20, the House Committee on Insurance passed House Bill 1114. The bill, authored by State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), prohibits state employee health plans, the healthcare marketplace and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) from requiring step therapy or "fail first." "Fail first" requires patients to try a drug preferred by their insurance company and fail to respond before they receive coverage for the prescription originally recommended by their doctor.

“I am very proud to have authored this bill to help ensure that cancer patients get the care that works best for them immediately,” Pryor said. “People battling advanced cancer do not have time to go through the trial-and-error process that the 'fail first' system requires. Patients deserve access to the care their doctor prescribed without dangerous delays from their insurance company. According to the CDC, Indiana is among the states with the highest cancer death rates. This bill will help combat that unfortunate reality by getting people the care they need quickly instead of the care that is cheapest for insurance companies.”

Pryor was joined in committee by advocates on behalf of Susan G. Komen and the Indiana Oncology Society who voiced strong support for the bill.

“As House Bill 1114 moves out of committee, I look forward to continuing to advocate for access to potentially lifesaving care for metastatic cancer patients,” Pryor said. “I’d like to thank my co-authors Rep. Martin Carbaugh, Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves and Rep. Robin Shackleford, as well as Susan G. Komen and the Indiana Oncology Society for their support. I urge my constituents and all Hoosiers to do their part in protecting cancer patients by voicing their support for HB 1114.”

Porter bill increasing awareness for Alzheimer’s and dementia heads to the Senate

Today, Jan. 20, the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 1029. The bill increases public awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia through educational outreach. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) would need to add information to its website, include the two diseases in its existing public health campaigns and develop training opportunities for health care providers. 

“I’m thankful that this bill is headed to the Senate,” State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) said. “The House passage of this bill represents the tireless work of the Alzheimer’s Association, Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging and so many others. HB 1029 is about ensuring our seniors are able to age with comfort and dignity.

“In 2021, Indiana had 276 million hours of unpaid care. A huge percentage of our seniors are cared for by their family members. By increasing public education, we ensure the general population has the information they need to care for their loved ones. This is a disease that is affecting all of us.

“This bill is in honor of my late mother and other families who have lived with this life-changing illness. I’m proud to have authored this legislation for our seniors, and I’ll continue my work as it heads to the Senate.” 

Burton on passage of HB 1002 out of committee

Today, the House Utilities and Telecommunications Committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 1002 to the House floor.

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement on the bill’s passage out of committee:

“Last week, my remarks regarding ‘budget billing’ were heard and resulted in a legislative change that updates the term to ‘levelized billing,’ providing consumers with a more stable energy rate based on their historical energy usage.

“I remain optimistic that we can continue working toward stronger protections for consumers’ energy costs, including improved transparency and notification systems that keep Hoosiers informed about their energy usage.”

Klinker praying for Judge Meyer and his wife’s recovery, thankful for local law enforcement

Yesterday, Jan. 19, Tippecanoe County Judge Steve Meyer and his wife, Kim Meyer, were victims of a shooting at their Lafayette home. Both are in stable condition after receiving medical attention.

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following statement:

“I’m saddened by this senseless act of violence that has wounded two pillars of the Lafayette community. Judge Meyer is a longtime friend who has served our area for decades. I am deeply grateful that Steve and his wife, Kim, are in stable condition, and I am praying for their recovery.

“Thank you to the Lafayette Police Department and our local paramedics for their quick response. I believe that they will find and apprehend the individual responsible. Violence against our judges who serve selflessly and generously is unacceptable.”

Smith gives annual MLK address to the House: ‘Precious Lord Take My Hand’

Today, Jan. 15, State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) gave his annual address to the Indiana House of Representatives in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As his day of remembrance nears, Smith reminds his fellow Hoosiers of MLK’s lasting legacy of humble service, determination and peaceful resistance.

“Even before he established himself in history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. suffered a great deal of adversity,” Smith said. “He suffered from childhood depression. He endured regular whippings from his father until he was a teen. At 12, when his grandmother passed, he jumped from a second-story window.

“He continued to face adversity as a grown man. His home in Montgomery, Alabama, was bombed in 1956. He was stabbed at a book signing and almost lost his life in 1958. His plane was evacuated for a bomb threat in 1968.

“In the throes of adversity, I imagine Dr. King whispered softly to God, ‘Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, let me stand.’ He often requested that soloists and choirs sing this hymn when he spoke in churches. As a child, I watched him request the hymn when he spoke in Gary.

“His dark times continued on his walk for equality. By the late 1960s, Dr. King had been abandoned by politicians, the media, the public and even his fellow clergyman. Abandoned and alone, he penned his famous Letter from the Birmingham Jail. 

“Like the Son of God who cried out on the cross, I’m certain Dr. King felt forsaken. But he continued to sing, ‘At the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand. Take my hand, precious Lord.’ He did not quit. He did not give up. Amidst challenges and obstacles, he kept his eyes on his goal of freedom and justice for all. 

“They thought killing the dreamer would kill the dream. However, I can firmly say that the dream lives. Dr. King’s tragic assassination ended his season of suffering but ushered in an era of freedom and elevation. His journey is a reminder that rejection is redirection. As we commemorate Dr. King on Monday, we must remember that it’s where we stand in challenges, not in comfort and security, that is most important.” 

Moed: ‘Hoosiers need utility relief now’

This session, State Rep. Justin Moed (D-Indianapolis) authored House Bill 1213 to eliminate the 7% sales tax on household utility bills.

“People can’t afford their utility bills, yet the rates keep going up,” Moed said. “You can’t opt out of electricity or water. You need them. But people have been hit with increase after increase; meanwhile, the government is profiting off these increases through the sales tax.”

Hoosiers’ annual spending on utilities increased by 16%, the highest out of all 50 states. The average Indiana household pays $406 per month for utilities, providing nearly $350 in savings each year by cutting the sales tax. 

“The state decides whether utility companies can raise their rates,” Moed said. “They shouldn’t get windfall profits in the state sales tax revenue when these increases take place. We don’t tax food and medicine because they’re essential, just like keeping your water running and lights on. 

“We should be more concerned that people cannot afford their utility bill than whether the government can afford to give up this double taxation.”

Hatcher to give speech at Valparaiso University’s MLK Day Celebration

On Monday, Jan. 19, State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) will be the featured speaker at Valparaiso University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. The university hosts this event each year to commemorate Dr. King’s service and teachings. Hatcher is a Valparaiso University alumnus who earned her bachelor’s degree in 2000, Juris Doctor (JD) in 2003, and Master's in Business Administration (MBA) in 2005.

“Valparaiso has honored Dr. King for the past 30 years, but his teachings hold extra weight today,” Hatcher said. “The progress he boycotted for, marched for and died for is under attack.

“A few months ago, Republicans tried to pass a gerrymandered map, silencing minority voters. The Supreme Court is considering striking down the Voting Rights Act. The Supermajority continues to hinder the City of Gary as we recover from decades of white flight and corporate disinvestment.

“Seventy years ago, Martin Luther King challenged us to be a good neighbor. And a great way to love and serve others is by standing up to injustice. 

“I’m honored to be the featured speaker at my alma mater. I look forward to commemorating Dr. King with Valpo’s faculty, students and the surrounding community.”

GiaQuinta reacts to 2026 State of the State

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement reacting to Gov. Mike Braun's 2026 State of the State address:

"House Democrats agree with Gov. Braun that Hoosiers are no better off than they were a year ago – and that’s thanks to him and the Braun supermajority. 

"If Statehouse Republicans wanted to lower costs, they would have already done that. They've been in charge for the past 20 years.

"Now that Gov. Braun is catching up to the fact that Hoosiers are struggling, he's talking about affordable utilities and child care. But his actions over the past year speak differently. Under Gov. Braun's watch, Indiana has seen the highest utility rate hikes in 20 years, doubled health insurance premiums for 300,000 Hoosiers, and dozens of child care centers close because of his voucher cuts.   

"Gov. Braun has failed at making life more affordable for Hoosiers while gutting the programs that help them get by, like health care, food assistance, child care, and public safety. The proof is in Hoosiers' wallets – they need real relief, not lip service without action."

Burton on Gov. Braun’s State of the State

This evening, Jan. 14, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) attended Gov. Braun’s State of the State address held in the House Chamber.

Burton released the following statement in response:

“I appreciate the governor’s directness to address housing, child care and energy costs. These are unavoidable expenses, and for too many Hoosier families, they have become overwhelming, forcing difficult choices between necessities like groceries, children’s activities or handling an unexpected expense such as a flat tire.

“There is real work ahead to make life more affordable while expanding opportunity for all Hoosiers. As the legislative session continues, I will keep working on behalf of my constituents by legislating, advocating and advancing meaningful policies that help families get ahead.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andrade’s language preventing deceptive consumer sales added to HB 1273

Yesterday, Jan. 13, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) strengthened consumer protections for Indiana taxpayers by successfully incorporating key language he authored into House Bill 1273, a bill he co-authored. His language would expand the scope of the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.

The language expands the definition of a “consumer transaction” to include the provision of goods or services to state and local government agencies. The bill also updates the definition of “supplier” to ensure that entities doing business with state and local governments are held to the same standards as those serving individual consumers. These changes, through the Consumer Protections Division, would give clearer authority for legal action when state and local agencies are treated unfairly or deceptively by vendors.

Andrade released the following statement:

“This is a great step toward protecting taxpayers and ensuring accountability when state and local agencies enter into contracts. We’ve seen situations where public entities are left in limbo with little recourse when something goes wrong. This bipartisan effort makes sure suppliers are held accountable, which ultimately protects everyone involved in a consumer transaction and helps safeguard public dollars.”

Shackleford criticizes state funding on online gambling advertising compared to public health outreach

Yesterday, State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment to House Bill 1078, which would allow the Indiana Lottery to sell lottery tickets online, expanding access to gambling through phones and computers, and reimbursing retailers for advertising online gambling.

Shackleford’s amendment prohibited the lottery commission from adopting rules to compensate retailers for promoting digital lottery games. This amendment would only apply to the new gaming expansion and put guardrails in place for taxpayer dollars.

Shackleford raised concerns about the state’s priorities, noting that Indiana is willing to spend taxpayer dollars to aggressively promote gambling while restricting outreach and public awareness efforts for essential health programs like Medicaid. Shackleford raised the point, the Braun administration recently celebrated that nearly a quarter of a million Hoosiers were losing their health coverage because of the additional red tape and defunding of outreach the legislature put into law last year.

Shackleford highlighted the imbalance between how the state promotes gambling and how it treats public health. The amendment was blocked 63-30.

Shackleford released the following statement on her amendment:

“This amendment was a simple reflection of our values as a state. If the state thinks providing outreach to health insurance is a waste of taxpayer funds, then surely we can agree spending taxpayer money to expand gambling options isn’t a fiscally responsible move. Hoosiers want us here to find ways to solve healthcare costs, lower their utility bills and make life in Indiana better — this amendment does that by protecting taxpayer dollars.”