A landmark step for Hoosier safety: Errington’s HB 1297 heads to the governor’s desk
Today, March 24, State Rep. Sue Errington’s (D-Muncie) House Bill (HB) 1297 is headed to Gov. Braun’s desk for final approval after amendments from the Senate were approved by the House.
The bill creates a groundbreaking initiative in Indiana: the voluntary Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Medical Information Program. This program aims to provide life-saving medical information to first responders in the critical moments following an automobile accident, significantly enhancing the safety and well-being of Hoosiers.
HB 1297 establishes a simple yet powerful tool to aid first responders: a yellow decal on the rear window of participating vehicles and a yellow envelope containing essential medical details to be kept in the glove compartment. In the event of an accident, first responders will be able to immediately access vital information about the injured individual’s medical history, allergies and conditions—helping to ensure timely, informed care during emergencies.
Errington shared her thoughts on the bill’s advancement:
“The Yellow Dot Program is a crucial step forward in ensuring Hoosiers receive the immediate care they need following a car accident. This program will enable first responders to act quickly and effectively, ultimately saving lives and enhancing the safety of our communities. HB 1297 is now on its way to Gov. Braun’s desk for final approval.
“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Lt. Gov. Beckwith, whose dedication to this initiative has been invaluable. I also want to express my gratitude to my co-authors—Rep. Pressel, Rep. Harris Jr. and Rep. Karickhoff—as well as my Senate sponsors, Sen. Doriot, Sen. Alexander, Sen. Randolph, Sen. Jackson, Sen. Ford and Sen. Pol. Their continued support has been instrumental in advancing this important initiative.
“I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the constituent in my district with Parkinson's disease who brought this critical issue to my attention and inspired this cause. A special thank you also goes to Debby Holcombe, whose passionate testimony illustrated the profound impact this program will have on families across our state. It is for people like her—and others in similar situations—that I have worked tirelessly to bring this bill to fruition, strengthening emergency response protocols and reinforcing our state’s commitment to keeping Hoosiers safe.”
HB 1297 now moves to Gov. Braun’s desk for final approval, bringing Indiana one step closer to providing a more informed and life-saving approach to emergency care.