Bauer previews 2024 legislation
This week, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D - South Bend) filed her bills for the 2024 legislative session that begins this Monday. Her legislative priorities center on violence prevention and protecting the rights of pregnant women.
“While this is a short legislative session, my drive to improve the lives of all Hoosiers is anything but,” Bauer said. “I am ready to get back to business representing the people of House District 6 at the statehouse.”
Bauer will serve on the Judiciary Committee, Environmental Affairs Committee, and is the Ranking Minority Member on the Agricultural and Rural Development Committee. Her legislative priorities center on violence prevention methods and protecting the rights of pregnant women.
On the issue of violence prevention, Rep. Bauer has filed House Bill 1023 Violence prevention services and HB 1173 Classroom based violence prevention program.
“Gun violence is an issue ravaging our nation from coast to coast, and Indiana is no exception,” Bauer said. “We desperately need to help Hoosier communities prevent these tragedies, which is why I have authored bills on various intervention methods. Hospital based intervention seeks to reduce recidivism by offering prevention services and counseling covered by Medicaid at hospitals for victims of violent crime. School based intervention aims to give teenagers alternative conflict resolution methods that don’t involve violence.”
Focused on protecting the rights of pregnant women, Bauer authored HB 1028 Medicaid coverage for pregnancy services, and co-authored HB 1024 Pregnancy accommodations.
“While childbirth is one of the most magical parts of life, it is also expensive,” Bauer said. “The average cost of giving birth in Indiana is over $1,800 with insurance, and without, it can be up to $20,000. HB 1028 would allow those on Medicaid to receive reimbursement for delivery services provided in a birthing center or home birth.
“Additionally, current Indiana law requires that pregnant women are allowed to request accommodations like additional seating options and allowance to miss work for doctors appointments critical to the health of the mother and her baby. However, those requests can be denied by the employer. Women actively growing the next generation deserve to have their needs respected. HB 1024 would codify sections of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act to protect pregnant women in the workplace.”
She also authored HB 1014 Infant formula price gouging to protect the wallets and wellbeing of mothers and infants.
“In 2022, we saw empty shelves lead to skyrocketing costs during the infant formula shortage,” Bauer said. “It is immoral to put an undue burden on families raising an infant that depends on formula. The price gouging we saw in 2022 is sadly not an isolated event, and impacts our states most vulnerable population: newborn babies. This bill would penalize retailers who exploit consumers by gouging prices.”