Summers’ trauma-informed care bill passes out of House of Representatives

Today, Feb. 20, House Bill 1241 passed out of the House of Representatives and heads to the Senate for further consideration. The bill, authored by State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis), creates a Trauma-Informed Care Commission to review best practices for providing health care to trauma victims.

 "A recent study found that 41% of Hoosier children have suffered significant hardships, from divorce to violence to substance abuse, which have impacted their personal and academic lives and their mental health," Summers said. "This bill is a good first step at helping individuals and their families heal and preventing these traumas from occurring in the first place. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this across the finish line for Hoosiers in need."

Harris’ sports development bill passes House, advances to Senate

A bill establishing the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission has passed a House floor vote and now heads to the Senate for further consideration. Authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D- East Chicago), this piece of legislation continues the work of his late father, Rep. Earl Harris Sr., who originated the idea of bringing a professional sports franchise to Northwest Indiana.

House Bill 1292 will study potential opportunities for attracting a franchise to The Region. The commission will be responsible for creating a master plan for the necessary infrastructure and facilities needed to attract and support a franchise.

 "We're in a prime location for economic development, and this bill takes a major step toward bringing professional sports to the Region. A professional sports franchise would not only generate jobs and revenue but also introduce a new identity for northwest Indiana" Harris said.

 "Over the past several years, we've taken significant strides to build up Northwest Indiana. From the Gary/Chicago International Airport to casinos to the upcoming convention center, we've put a lot of work into making Northwest Indiana the best it can be. This bill is just another step in that direction."

Summers’ trauma-informed care bill passes out of committee

Today, Feb. 12, House Bill 1241, authored by State Rep. Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis), passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs.

This legislation would establish a Trauma Informed Care Commission to study and provide recommendations for best practices to care for children and families who have undergone trauma.

Summers issued the following statement after the bill passed out of committee:

"From gun violence to poverty to discrimination, there's an unfortunate number of Hoosiers who have faced trauma in their lives. This bill aims to assist health care providers, social workers, teachers and other professionals to assist those in need to the best of their ability. I look forward to discussing this work further."

Bartlett anti-human trafficking bill passes House of Representatives

House Bill 1416, authored by State Rep. John L. Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), passed through the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously.

The bill requires gas stations, safety rest areas and welcome centers to display human trafficking awareness posters. It also requires food and lodging establishment employees to receive human trafficking awareness training approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

"As the Crossroads of America, our gas stations and rest areas serve people from all over the country," Bartlett said. "Hanging these posters – which will include warning signs of human trafficking and contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline – will hopefully help victims of this atrocious crime get to safety.

"For many victims of human trafficking, a public restroom is the only time they are completely alone. Having these posters in public restrooms will allow those in need of help an opportunity to memorize the hotline number and call for help when they have a chance.

"Educating employees on the signs to look for regarding human trafficking and how to help those they suspect of being trafficked will also go a long way in helping victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.

"We all have to do our part to keep our communities safe, and this bill will help all of us look out for one another. I'd like to thank my co-authors and my fellow representatives for their support on this bill, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this done for Hoosiers."

Bartlett human trafficking bill passes out of committee

House Bill 1416, authored by State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis), passed out of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code today, Jan. 5. The bill requires gas stations to display human trafficking awareness posters.

Bartlett issued the following statement regarding his legislation:

"Indiana is the Crossroads of America, meaning our gas stations serve individuals from all over the country. That said, it's imperative that our gas station attendants know the warning signs that someone is being trafficked and what to do to get that person help.

"In 2022, U.S. law enforcement agencies reported around 2,950 human trafficking incidents, with about two-thirds of these cases not resulting in an arrest. Whether it's forced labor or sexual violence or any other form of trafficking, no human being deserves to live this way. We have an obligation to do all we can to prevent human trafficking and to help those currently suffering because of it. Requiring gas stations to have awareness posters up for public view will help staff and customers know the warning signs. We all have a role to play in keeping one another safe, and this bill is a great way to help everyone do that.

"I'd like to thank Jess Kern, CEO and founder of the Raindrops Rising Foundation, and Beth White, President and CEO of the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking for their support and coming out to testify today.

 "I look forward to having further discussions on the House floor."

Harris public safety bill headed to Senate

House Bill 1095, authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), passed out of the House of Representatives today and now heads to the Senate.

The bill expands the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force to include Lake County. This expansion will help northwest Indiana combat violent crime. The task force was created in 2019 by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. In 2024, the task force investigated over 150 cases and led to the seizure of more than 270 illegal firearms and over 75,000 grams of illegal narcotics.

The bill passed unanimously.

"Gun violence has impacted every city in the state of Indiana, and this bill will help us lessen the impact in Lake County. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community and House Bill 1095 will help make that a reality for folks living in northwest Indiana. I look forward to hearing debate from my colleagues over in the Senate and hope to bring this bill across the finish line for our community."

Harris, IBLC commemorate Black History Month

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement commemorating Black History Month:

“Black History Month is a time to recognize and honor the important contributions that Black and African Americans gave to history, culture, and society. It is a time to celebrate the improvements in American society to create a more equal and just playing field, while understanding that the solidarity within our community makes us stronger and pushes us on the path of unity, with equity as a distant goal.

“Each session the IBLC focuses our agenda on improving the lives of Black and African Americans throughout the state. Our 16-member caucus has filed legislation that will improve the lives of those within our communities. Legislation drafted by the caucus will benefit the community as a whole by taking a step in the right direction in achieving health equity. This year’s agenda: "Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds", is designed to increase access to health care, address health disparities, improve health outcomes for at-risk residents, bring more physicians to lower income communities and enhance funding for mental health care; These are issues our communities and cities have been asking the legislature to address.

“Black History Month also serves as a reminder that we must be mindful of the significant work that we still have to do. In a time that may seem unfamiliar to some, many of us realize that we’ve been here before. In a time overshadowed by an administration so eager to dismiss the inequalities so many face in education, the workplace, banks, housing and in our day-to-day lives; we must remain on the path of unity to overcome the injustices we face today.

"Black History Month celebrates the achievements of Black and African Americans, highlighting resilience, creativity, and contributions. It is a time to not only honor the past, but most importantly build upon it. Together, we can create a better, more equitable future. The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus invites all to reflect on the history, contributions, and strength of Black and African Americans, not just during this month but every day of the year."

Harris bill to bring professional sports development commission to northwest Indiana passes out of committee

House Bill 1292, authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform today and now heads to the House Ways and Means Committee for further debate.

The bill would establish the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission to study plans and recommendations to bring professional sports franchises to the Region.

Harris offered the following statement after the vote:

"This bill builds on the legacy of my father, Rep. Earl Harris Sr., who worked to make this a reality for many years. Bringing professional sports to northwest Indiana would not only be a huge benefit for sports fans, it would bring money, business, tourism and endless opportunities for our community. This will also inspire our students by opening doors to careers in sports management, marketing, hospitality and countless other fields. This is an opportunity to give our students a pathway to success right here in their hometown.

"I'm thankful to say that this is a bipartisan bill with three Republican co-authors. This work is a testament to the good we can do for Indiana when we work together to strengthen our communities, expand our workforce and bolster our local economies. I look forward to furthering this discussion on the House floor."

Harris, IBLC comment on Braun’s State of the State address

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Mike Braun's State of the State address:

"Tonight, we heard from Gov. Braun that he believes diversity and equality are cornerstones of what makes America great. That's interesting, because just days into his administration, he signed an executive order banning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices from state agencies.

"Let's see some action from the governor by reversing his executive order to reinstate equity and fairness in our state agencies and make it clear that Indiana values diversity. Across the state, we've heard our constituents worry about how they're going to afford their prescriptions and their groceries, their struggles to find a safe home and how to help their children get a good education. With his executive orders, Braun has shown the Hoosier people where his priorities lie. We are concerned with making life easier for the people of Indiana, not targeting our most marginalized citizens.

"Tonight, we in the IBLC hosted a Unity Rally on the fourth floor of the Statehouse during Gov. Braun's address. The purpose of the rally was to send the message to Hoosiers that, when we work together for a common cause, there is very little we can't do to accomplish to make our state a better place for all. This rally was a celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion and an opportunity for citizens to make their voice heard. I hope this gathering was a reminder to all that unity is the only path toward equity."

IBLC to host Unity Rally during Gov. Braun’s State of the State address

From 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) will be joined by advocates and community leaders for a Unity Rally held outside the House chamber on the third floor of the Indiana Statehouse.

The IBLC hopes the rally provides an opportunity for Hoosiers to come together and work toward positive change in their communities and promote the positive impact of diversity, equity and inclusion.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), issued the following statement regarding the rally, which is free to attend and open to the public.

"In the first few weeks of Gov. Braun's administration, we've received a message about the path he intends to follow," Harris said. "We want to bring Hoosiers together to fight for a better state for all."

"We hope concerned citizens will join us at the rally to advocate for communities being negatively impacted by Gov. Braun's administration decisions. We advise getting to the Statehouse early to allow time to get through security.

"If we show a united front, there's very little we can't do to make Indiana a state that welcomes all, celebrates diversity and allows every citizen a chance to build a great life for themselves and their families."

Harris urges anyone planning to attend to get to the Statehouse early to get through security on time.

Pryor files 2025 legislation, continues commitment to Indiana homeowners

With the 2025 legislative session underway, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) has filed eight pieces of legislation that will improve the lives of residents across the state. Pryor’s legislative agenda includes bills targeted at housing and homeownership, safety and expanding health care access. Pryor’s legislative agenda directly addresses pressing issues deemed detrimental to state residents.

“In Indiana, 31% of residents rent their homes, and our state ranks 35th in overall health,” Pryor said. “These numbers show the urgent need for us to get back to work and provide legislation that will actually address the issues faced by many residents today. Although there will be a lot to digest in this session, we must remain steadfast in what is ahead of us, and that is improving the lives of residents in the great state of Indiana.”

Continuing her work from last year on breast cancer prevention, House Bill 1061 requires a state employee health plan to cover supplemental breast examinations. This provides additional early detection cancer resources to state employees. HB 1062 prohibits state insurance policies from requiring patients with advanced cancer to try and fail other prescription drugs before covering a prescribed treatment. 

HB 1176 will allow an identifying symbol for a medical condition on a driver's license, permit, or identification card to also be used to indicate an autism spectrum disorder. This bill is aimed at providing information vital to interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism to prevent miscommunications. 

Pryor’s legislation also includes protections for tenants as Indiana has some of the worst renter protection laws in the nation. HB 1175 requires a landlord to repair or replace an essential item within 24 hours after of being notified by a tenant that the rental unit is without certain essential services. It would allow the health authority to make the repairs, charge the landlord and impose a fine if the landlord does not make the essential repair. This will provide additional support for tenants that may already be facing an uphill climb. 

“These bills will improve lives across the state, whether it's expanding health care coverage, improving interactions with law enforcement, or fighting for tenants' rights,” Pryor said.

Here is a list of Pryor’s legislation this session:

1. HB 1060 Right to repair

2. HB 1061 Coverage for cancer screening

3. HB 1062 Coverage for certain cancer prescriptions

4. HB 1063 Discriminatory profiling and pretextual stops    

5. HB 1175 Repair of residential rental properties

6. HB 1176 Health information and BMV records

7. HB 1177 Home ownership           

8. HB 1664 Due-on-sale clauses

IBLC comments on Gov. Braun’s DEI executive order

Today, Jan. 15, Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order replacing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices in state government with "MEI": Merit, Excellence and Innovation. Braun's executive order requires state agencies to examine policies and procedures to ensure compliance, as well as closes the Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Office created by former Gov. Eric Holcomb in 2020.

 State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the IBLC regarding the executive order:

 "Out of all of the very-real issues Hoosiers are currently facing: poor health outcomes, poverty and a lack of affordable housing, it's extremely troubling that our new governor is starting his tenure by attacking measures to make state agencies reflective of our communities.

 "Based on the 2020 Disparity Study conducted for the Indiana Department of Administration, it's clear to me that Indiana is not meeting its goals for equitable hiring and contracts. Let's be clear: DEI practices are not about giving any group of people a handout, it's about helping people who have been historically overlooked a hand up.

 "Gov. Braun's pivot to 'Merit, Excellence and Innovation' creates an insidious, false narrative that DEI leads to unqualified individuals getting promoted based only on their race or nationality. This is not and has never been the case, and the insinuation is not only deeply offensive, but harmful to minority workers throughout the state.

 "We should all strive to create a talented, diverse workforce that reflects the makeup of our communities. When we have more insights, ideas and voices in our state agencies, all Hoosiers are better off."