Burton’s co-authored bill creating major utility reform heads to governor’s desk

Last week, House Bill 1002, co-authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), championing utility affordability, passed out of both chambers and head's the Governor's desk.

Burton issued the following statement on the bill’s headway:

“Since day one, I’ve been focused on one thing: bringing stability and relief to Hoosiers facing rising energy costs. As a freshman legislator, I’m doing the work to push energy policy in a direction that keeps affordability front and center.

"HB1002 is a meaningful first step, and I’m committed to building on this progress with my colleagues. As Indiana moves toward performance-based ratemaking, we must stay disciplined about efficiency, responsible reporting and clear transparency for consumers. I’m going to keep pushing to make sure Hoosiers see the benefits.”

Shackleford amendments to priority Senate bill defeated

Yesterday, Feb. 19, the Indiana House of Representatives rejected two amendments authored by State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) to Senate Bill 1.

Amendment 17 centered on the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). In its current form, SB 1 requires applicants to provide proof that they’ve worked or volunteered for 80 hours a month for at least three months before becoming HIP-eligible. Shackleford’s amendment would’ve lowered that requirement to one month.

"Health care is critical to staying in the workforce," Shackleford said. "We're putting the cart before the horse by assuming that Hoosiers are well enough to work for three months prior to being eligible for HIP. The bill adds more barriers and paperwork at a time when Hoosiers are already struggling to stay insured, and my amendment would have eased this burden and decreased the state's administrative workload in the process. I'm thankful for the bipartisan support this amendment received and am disappointed that we couldn't get it across the finish line."

Amendment 3 was offered in response to the extremely loose federal definition of medical frailty. The amendment would have clarified Indiana's definition of “medically frail” to include individuals with cancer.

Shackleford released the following statement on the amendment’s defeat:

“The federal government and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are providing little to no specific guidance on how to define Medicaid medical frailty, giving states authority to put their own definitions in place. My amendment was an attempt at doing just that, and ensuring Hoosiers suffering from cancer are seen as individuals with complex health needs requiring extra support. The sad truth is that many Hoosiers need health coverage for cancer – we have one of the highest cancer rates in the country. This amendment should have been an easy yes to make sure that Hoosiers battling cancer don't get left behind."

GiaQuinta weighs in on Supreme Court overturn of tariffs

Today, the Supreme Court overturned the Trump administration's global tariffs, ruling that Congress has the power to impose taxes, including tariffs. These overly broad and expansive tariffs have caused rising costs for Hoosier consumers and businesses and a decline in new job creation across America.    

Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement in response:

"Thank you to the Supreme Court for recognizing that the power of the purse clearly lies with Congress, not the executive branch.

"More importantly, I'm glad that Hoosiers will see some relief from the needless trade war and unnecessary taxes they've been paying at the store. House Democrats have been laser focused on lowering costs because Hoosiers have been struggling to pay utility bills, rent, health care bills and more. The tariffs only added fuel to the cost-of-living fire. Thank goodness they're going away.

"We need trade deals that keep jobs here and Indiana's manufacturing industry strong – not tax the average American family $1200 a year."

‘Carmen’s Law’ to expand access to advanced DNA testing for cold cases passes the Senate

Yesterday, Feb. 19, House Bill 1248, authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), passed the Indiana State Senate unanimously. The bill now heads to the governor's desk to be signed into law.

HB 1248, also known as "Carmen's Law" in honor of Carmen Hope Van Huss, creates a framework for private funding of advanced DNA testing for cold cases. This enables family members of victims and other key stakeholders to submit a request for advanced DNA testing in cases that have gone unsolved for five or more years.

Hamilton released the following statement regarding "Carmen's Law" passing out of the Senate:

“House Bill 1248 would not have been possible without Carmen Hope Van Huss, who finally received justice as her killer was sentenced just last week 30 years after her brutal murder. Carmen's case was solved using advanced DNA testing, and her family has been the driving force behind this bill to help bring more cases like hers to a close. Carmen's Law will help bring justice to the thousands of unsolved homicide victims and their loved ones, as well as get violent offenders off the streets to prevent further tragedies. I am truly honored to have worked with Carmen's family to pass this bill into law.

“I’m grateful to all the stakeholders who have supported this bill, including my co-authors and co-sponsors, Chairwoman Wendy McNamara, State Rep. Garrett Bascom, State Rep. Maureen Bauer, Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, Sen. Rodney Pol and Sen. Sue Glick."

Democrat proposed tax cut for working families defeated by Supermajority

Today, Feb. 19, the House heard amendments to Senate Bill 243, the bill to change Indiana’s tax code to bring it in line with the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act passed by Congress this summer. State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment that would have created a refundable tax credit for child care.  

Hamilton issued the following statement after the amendment was defeated 38-56: 

“When parents can access affordable child care, they stay in the workforce. They contribute. They grow businesses, fill jobs, and pay taxes. When they can't, our entire economy pays the price. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has put a number on that price: $4.2 billion dollars lost annually to our state's economy because families cannot access affordable child care. That is an unnecessary economic headwind for our state, and it is a crisis for families and many employers. And the crisis is quickly getting worse. As of today, 241 child care centers have closed across Indiana and more are closing every month. Young families across the state in Indiana are delaying having kids because of the economic burden.  

“This amendment is one critical step to help stanch the flow — to make child care affordable enough that families can keep their providers in business and stay in the workforce themselves. This amendment is about both supporting economic development and helping families thrive. This working families tax cut would have helped Indiana be a truly family friendly state.” 

Pryor bill allowing faster access to lifesaving cancer prescriptions heading to the Senate floor

Today, Feb. 19, House Bill 1114, authored by State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), passed the Senate Appropriations Committee and now heads to the Senate floor.

HB 1114 prohibits state employee health plans, the health care marketplace and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) from requiring step therapy or "fail first." “Fail first” means patients must try a drug their insurance company prefers and show it doesn’t work before their insurance will cover the medication their doctor originally prescribed.

Pryor released the following statement:

“The ‘fail first’ method is not common-sense care. Patients with metastatic or stage 4 cancer cannot afford to wait and see if inferior drugs are going to work for them. Insurance companies should not be allowed to prioritize profits over people, especially where life-threatening illnesses are concerned. HB 1114 restores control of treatment plans to the physicians who have devoted their lives to providing outstanding, personalized care for their patients.

“I’m incredibly proud to see HB 1114 get one step closer to being signed into law. It will restore control of treatment to the experts who know best and help combat Indiana’s unacceptably high cancer death rate.

“I want to extend my gratitude to my co-authors, along with Susan G. Komen, the Indiana Oncology Society and the Livestrong Foundation for their support. I look forward to continuing my fight to bring the highest possible quality health care for Hoosiers.”

Jackson ‘thrilled’ to bring the Bears to Hammond, Indiana

Today, Feb. 19, the House Ways and Means committee passed Senate Bill 27 establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority as the Chicago Bears take steps to finalize a deal to move their stadium to the City of Hammond.  

State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), who represents the area where the proposed stadium would be built, issued the following statement: 

“Bringing the Chicago Bears to Hammond would have a tremendous impact on our local economy and help us build up our community even further. Professional sports teams bring jobs and increased revenue to a city, especially by boosting tourism in the area. Over the past few years, we’ve made significant improvements and additions to the Region, and a National Football League team, especially one as historic as the Chicago Bears’ franchise, would be a fantastic addition to that work.  

“As a representative for Hammond, I am thrilled to do anything I can to finalize this plan and bring the Bears to our city.”  

Harris: SB 27 creates a path toward prosperity in Northwest Indiana

Today, Feb. 19, Senate Bill 27 was amended in the House Ways and Means Committee and now heads to the House floor. The bill establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to acquire and finance facilities in The Region.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), issued the following statement:

"Bringing professional sports to Northwest Indiana – and all the economic benefits that come with them – was a priority for my father when he served in the Statehouse, and I'm proud to take part in continuing that work. As amended in the Ways and Means Committee, Senate Bill 27 prioritizes the growth of Northwest Indiana and the laborers who, quite literally, lay the foundation for said growth.

"In 2025, I authored House Enrolled Act 1292. This legislation established the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission for the purpose of bringing professional sports to our community. Senate Bill 27 continues the work of bringing the Bears to Northwest Indiana. Bringing teams to Northwest Indiana and creating the infrastructure to support them will ultimately boost our local and state economy by creating jobs and bringing tourists to The Region.

"Senate Bill 27 is a bipartisan effort that creates a path toward prosperity in Northwest Indiana, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to get this to the governor's desk."

Novak’s bill supporting volunteer firefighters heads to the Governor’s desk

Today, Feb. 18, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) filed for a motion to concur on the amendments added in the Senate to his House Bill 1048. HB 1048, which increases the yearly minimum allowance for volunteer fire department members from $100 to $250, helping offset the cost of essential clothing and vehicle-related expenses, now moves to the Governor’s desk for final approval.

Novak released the following statement on the bill’s advancement:

“I’m proud we got this done, especially in a short session where every minute counts. At the end of the day, this is about showing our support for the men and women who volunteer to protect our communities. This may be a small change in statute, but it makes a real difference. It’s a step in the right direction, and it sends a clear message that Indiana stands behind our volunteer firefighters.

"I appreciate my House co-authors, Reps. Chuck Moseley, Steve Bartels and Jim Pressel, our Senate sponsors, and everyone who took the time to reach out, testify and share their experiences. That input matters. Seeing this pass with bipartisan support reaffirms our commitment to set politics aside and do what’s best for the people we serve.

“There’s more we can do, and I’m committed to continuing the work to support the people who keep us safe. Let’s keep moving forward.”

To view updates on HB 1048, click here.

Burton’s bill to protect children in DCS heads to Governor’s desk

Yesterday, Feb. 17, House Bill 1307, authored by State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville), passed out of the Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

House Bill 1307 strengthens oversight of the Department of Child Services by requiring the DCS Ombudsman to actively investigate complaints, review cases where children may have been put at risk and make recommendations when problems are found. The measure is aimed at ensuring accountability and better protection for children and families across Indiana.

Burton released the following statement on the bill’s advancement:

“This is about the children. Plain and simple. When there are failures in the system, it is our responsibility to confront them head on. Indiana is sending a clear message that we will not look the other way when it comes to protecting our youngest Hoosiers.

“This legislation ensures that concerns are not brushed aside. It requires action. It demands accountability. And it strengthens the protections our children deserve.

“This has been a long time coming. I am grateful to my House co-authors, our Senate sponsors and every advocate, parent, caseworker and community member who shared their stories and pushed for change. 

“Your voices made this possible. Protecting Hoosiers is not a partisan issue - it is a moral obligation. I am proud of the bipartisan support behind this bill and am hopeful for stronger safeguards because of HB 1307.”

Pfaff bill to improve coordination of services for students with special needs heads to Governor’s desk

On Monday, Feb. 17, House Bill 1325, authored by State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D–Terre Haute), unanimously passed the Indiana Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk.

HB 1325 requires the Indiana Department of Education, Department of Child Services, Department of Health and the Family and Social Services Administration to share data on services provided to children with special needs. The goal is to help the state better coordinate supports and identify gaps so families aren’t left to navigate systems on their own.

Pfaff issued the following statement after the bill’s passage:

“Hoosier families shouldn’t have to piece together services agency by agency, especially when they’re working to support a child with special needs. This bill helps state agencies coordinate and share information so we can take a clearer, data-driven look at what’s working, what isn’t, and where kids are falling through the cracks.

“As a retired teacher, I know every student deserves to be seen and supported. HB 1325 is a practical step toward making sure students with special needs get the coordinated care they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

“I appreciate the bipartisan support this bill received in both chambers, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law by Governor Braun.”

DeLaney urges full transparency after man dies in ICE custody at Indiana detention facility

Today, Feb. 18, it was reported that a Cambodian detainee held at the request of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Miami Correctional Facility was found dead in his cell on Monday morning.

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement:

“I have spoken to officials at the Department of Correction and urged them to conduct a thorough investigation of the death of this detainee. We need to ensure that our procedures and medical contractors are up to the task of appropriately caring for people in ICE custody.

“Public trust in ICE is near zero. Since the state of Indiana has decided to allow ICE to use our facilities, it is incumbent on us to ensure that the conditions in that facility are up to standard. Over the last few months, I have visited Miami Correctional Facility three times to see for myself that detainees are receiving proper treatment. I will continue to monitor this situation until we have a full public report of what happened to this detainee and receive proper assurance that there was no systemic failure that could cost another person their life.”