Campbell files 2025 bills focused on mental and public health
With 2025 being her fifth legislative session, State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) has hit the ground running. Campbell has filed nine pieces of legislation, five of which focus on mental and public health.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to be at the Statehouse again to improve West Lafayette,” Campbell said. “We have a great community, great resources and amazing public schools, but some areas do need improvement. We must protect our most vulnerable groups and ensure our neighbors can receive the health care they need without breaking the bank. This year I prioritized legislation that focuses on affordable, quality care.”
House Bill (HB) 1438 would require medical providers to provide a patient’s medical record in the format they requested, if readily producible. The bill prohibits a third party from charging more than $2.50 for a paper medical record and $6.50 for an electronic copy. The bill also requires a provider to provide a free medical record if the patient is applying for Social Security insurance disability benefits or Supplemental Security Insurance.
“Hoosiers already suffering from high medical costs should not have to pay for their personal records,” Campbell said. “It’s information about their body, and they shouldn’t be charged for a copy. Not to mention that many medically complex individuals need these records just to apply for necessary benefits.”
HB 1444 would remove language from Indiana’s gender-affirming care ban that prohibits doctors from knowingly providing gender transition care or “aiding or abetting” in the provision of care. The current law bars physicians from discussing patient care with other providers, including those out of state, and the patient themselves. HB 1444 would ensure doctors have all the information they need to treat their patients.
“We as the legislative body are doing our young Hoosiers a great disservice by banning their access to necessary forms of health care. Our government has no role in telling parents and medical professionals what health care they are and aren’t allowed to provide children. Limiting a provider's ability to communicate about their patient’s health care creates a dangerous health care environment, leading to poor health outcomes. Our transgender youth deserve to know that they are not only welcome but valued in Indiana, and I will continue to fight for our trans community on the house floor.
HB 1442 requires the owner of a recovery residence to register with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA). It also requires the DMHA to post a list of recovery residences on its website and adopt rules concerning the investigation of certain complaints, and the issuance, denial and revocation of registrations.
“People recovering from addiction and seeking out recovery services are entitled to know whether their recovery residence is qualified to help them start their new beginning. HB 1442 would ensure that these programs have the resources and facilities to help those seeking help take the necessary steps to recovery.”
A full list of Campbell’s legislation is below:
HB 1437: Township Maximum Property Tax Levy.
HB 1438: Medical Record Fees.
HB 1439: Information Concerning Cytomegalovirus
HB 1440: Suicide Prevention Materials.
HB 1441: Bank Accounts for Foster Children.
HB 1442: Registration of Recovery Residences.
HB 1443: Eligibility for Foster Care Maintenance.
HB 1444: Gender Transition Procedures for Minors.
HB 1445: Regulation of Animal Blood Banks.
Campbell also co-authored HB 1268 requiring the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to study groundwater and water withdrawals.
“I look forward to working hard for my community. I encourage residents of House District 26 to reach out to my legislative office with their thoughts and concerns.”
The community can contact the office of State Rep. Chris Campbell by email at h26@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9848.