House Democrats in Election Committee stand against disenfranchisement of college students, partisan school board races

Today, March 12, the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment heard two controversial bills. Senate Bill 10 eliminates the ability of college students to use their official student ID to register to vote in Indiana. Senate Bill 287 would require school board candidates to declare their political party as a Democrat or Republican to be on the ballot.

Ranking Minority Member Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City), Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) and Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), who serve on the House Election Committee, released the following statement on hearing testimony on Senate Bill 10:

“Today, people from across the state came to testify against Senate Bill 10 and the disenfranchisement of college students. Our institutions are trusted to determine if a student is an Indiana resident when they decide to charge them in-state or out-of-state tuition. Why are we suddenly deeming them an unreliable source for verifying residence? 

“Indiana is one of the worst states when it comes to voter turnout. On both sides of the aisle, we agree that is it important to get our young people engaged in our democracy. Adding an additional barrier will inherently discourage college students from participating in elections that will directly impact them.” 

Jackson, Boy, Errington and Pryor released the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 287 out of committee by a vote of 8 to 5:

“This bill takes the focus of school boards off of educating our students and onto politics. The fundamental purpose of a school board is to keep the schools running smoothly, oversee transportation, building maintenance and teacher retention. Those issues are not political. Forcing these positions to be affiliated with a party will only sow discourse and slow down the process of decision-making. 

“We want qualified, dedicated candidates to step up and run because they are called to serve the community. Making school board elections partisan would deter anyone working for the federal government or an agency that receives federal funding from running to avoid violating the Hatch Act. 

“There are many actions we can take to improve our schools. Inserting politics into school board elections is not one of them. Let’s focus on the real issues for our kids and bolster teacher retention, academic outcomes, and graduation rates."  

Errington’s HB1297 passes unanimously out of Senate Committee

Today, March 11, State Rep. Sue Errington’s (D-Muncie) House Bill 1297 passed unanimously out of the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee. The bill creates a voluntary Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Medical Information Program, aimed at providing first responders with crucial medical information during automobile accidents. The program will include a yellow decal for the vehicle’s rear window and an envelope with medical details to be kept in the glove compartment.

Errington issued the following statement following the bill’s passage:

“The Yellow Dot Program is a life-saving initiative that ensures first responders can access vital medical information quickly, particularly when accident victims are unable to provide it themselves. This program is already in effect in 22 other states, providing added benefits for Hoosiers traveling out of state.

“I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of Lt. Governor Beckwith, who has been a strong advocate for this bill and played a key role in its progression by offering his testimony before the committee.

“I also want to thank a Hoosier resident, Debby Holcombe, who came to testify at the Statehouse in support of the bill. Debby’s son, who has medically complex conditions, would benefit greatly from the Yellow Dot Program.

“And to our dedicated first responders who continue to serve as heroes in our communities, thank you for your service and sacrifice. While this program is primarily aimed at benefiting older residents, it is designed for individuals of all ages—both healthy and those with medical conditions.

“As HB 1297 moves forward to the Senate floor, I remain hopeful for continued bipartisan support to improve the lives of Hoosiers and better support the critical work of our first responders.”

Errington celebrates INDOT Community Crossings Matching Grants to improve roads and bridges in Delaware County

Today, March 6, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announced the recipients of the Spring 2025 Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. More than $200 million was awarded through the program and will go towards improving roads and bridges throughout the state.

Delaware County, with a portion represented by State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie), received grants for Spring 2025.

The matching grant winners and amounts include:

Delaware County - $680,715.38

Errington released the following statement celebrating the funding:

“I am excited to announce that Delaware County will receive approximately $680,000 in state funding this year through the Community Crossings Matching Grant. Since the very first day I began serving in the Statehouse, my commitment has been clear - fighting for the resources and support our district deserves to strengthen our infrastructure and make sure our community thrives. This funding isn’t just about paving roads or repairing bridges, it’s about creating safer, more reliable connections for our families, our businesses, our college students and our future. It’s a major step forward in ensuring that District 34 remains a place where people feel safe, supported and connected to everything that matters.”

House Democrats in the Elections Committee stand against partisan school board race bill

Yesterday, March 5, Senate Bill 287 was heard in the House Elections and Apportionment Committee but did not receive a vote. The bill would require school board candidates to declare their party and run in partisan primaries in order to be on the ballot in the November general election as a Democrat or Republican.

Ranking Minority Member Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City), Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) and Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), who serve on the House Election Committee, released the following statement on the bill:

“We believe this piece of legislation will severely damage Indiana public schools, by making school boards about politics and not our students. If this bill passes, we will see the same partisan arguments so prevalent in Washington, D.C. trickle down to our children’s schools. Issues like transportation, building maintenance and teacher retention have nothing to do with party affiliations and will slow down decision-making on our school boards. 

“The bill as written would make it necessary to run in a primary election and general election, when people step up to run simply because they want to serve their communities and provide a good educational system for students. The bill will also prevent anyone who works for the government or any other agency that receives federal funds or grants from running in a partisan election because of the Hatch Act. This will discourage many highly qualified individuals from serving our schools, and it would force many qualified school board members to resign.

“If we want to improve our schools, we should create legislation to increase our teacher retention, strengthen our graduation rate and ensure young Hoosiers receive the same educational opportunities as students across the nation. SB 287 will not help us further these goals, but will distract from the real obstacles we face in our education system. Taxpayers should let their representatives know they oppose this legislation and show them Hoosiers do not want political wars in our schools.”

Errington’s HB 1297 passes unanimously out of the House, moves to the Senate

Today, Feb. 17, State Rep. Sue Errington’s (D-Muncie) House Bill 1297 passed unanimously out of the House. The bill creates a voluntary Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Medical Information Program, designed to provide first responders with vital medical information during automobile accidents. The program includes a yellow decal for the vehicle’s rear window and an envelope with medical details to be kept in the glove compartment.

Errington released the following statement on the bill’s passage:

“The Yellow Dot Program is a life-saving initiative that helps first responders access critical medical information quickly, especially when accident victims are unable to provide it themselves. The program is already active in 22 other states, offering added benefit for Hoosiers traveling out of state.

“I want to thank the constituent in my district with Parkinson’s Disease who brought this idea to my attention, as well as our dedicated first responders who serve as heroes in our communities.

“While this program will primarily benefit older residents, it’s designed for individuals of all ages, both healthy and those with medical conditions.”

As HB 1297 heads to the Senate, Errington expressed her hopes for continued bipartisan support to improve the lives of Hoosiers and support first responders in their critical work.

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration. To follow HB 1297, click here.

Errington’s amendment on ballot initiatives struck down on House Floor

Today, State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) introduced an amendment to House Bill 1681 to expand the use of ballot initiatives in Indiana. The proposed amendment would allow nonbinding ballot initiatives, enabling voters to weigh in on important issues without changing the law or the constitution. Although these initiatives would not have the force of law, they would send a clear message to lawmakers, urging them to consider public sentiment when crafting policies.

Despite the amendment’s expected resistance, it highlights Errington’s ongoing commitment to empowering citizens and ensuring their voices are heard on key issues.

Errington released the following statement on the amendment:

“Across the country, we’ve seen the power of ballot initiatives, giving citizens a direct say on critical issues affecting their lives. By allowing Hoosiers to vote on nonbinding initiatives, we are providing them with an opportunity to express their views, particularly on topics that this legislature may not be addressing despite public support. Whether it’s education, healthcare, or other important issues, the people of Indiana deserve a greater role in shaping the future of our state.

“The current system limits the power of voters, and too often, issues in our communities are overlooked. We know the power of the people - especially when they are given the chance to vote on issues that matter to them on the ballot box.

“As polling continues to show strong support for various reforms, it's clear that Hoosiers want to be involved in the decision-making process. While this amendment was not adopted today, the conversation about empowering Hoosiers is far from over. I will continue to push for reforms that give the people of Indiana the tools they need to strengthen our communities and shape our future.”

Errington’s HB 1297 passes out of committee

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Sue Errington's (D-Muncie) House Bill 1297 passed out of the House Roads and Transportation Committee. The bill would establish the Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Medical Information Program - providing reference stickers to help first responders deliver quick, lifesaving care to senior citizens or at-risk individuals during vehicle accidents.

Errington released the following statement regarding the bill's passage out of committee:

“I am pleased to announce that House Bill 1297 has successfully passed unanimously out of the House Roads and Transportation Committee. Those who sign up for this program will receive a yellow dot decal for their vehicle, letting first responders know that important health information can be found in the driver’s glove compartment.

“As the bill moves forward, I remain committed to advocating for our at-risk populations and ensuring they get the care and attention they deserve."

Errington files 2025 bills focused on AI, wage transparency and environmental issues

Last week, the Indiana General Assembly (IGA) officially started the 2025 legislative session. State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) has filed bills aimed at addressing key issues in education, wage transparency and environmental sustainability.

House Bill (HB) 1296 seeks to enhance the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. This bill would require the Department of Education (DOE) to establish guidelines and model policies for AI use in schools, create an inventory of AI platforms with detailed information on their capabilities, and implement a review process for teachers and school administrators to submit AI platforms for inclusion in the inventory.

Another piece of legislation, HB 1300, addresses wage transparency and aims to reduce pay disparities. Under this bill, employers would be prohibited from using an applicant’s previous wage history to determine their salary, with certain exceptions. It also mandates that employers disclose wage ranges for positions, ensuring a more equitable and transparent hiring process.

HB 1302 targets environmental concerns by limiting the use of single-use plastics in restaurants and third-party food delivery services. This bill would require these businesses to only provide non-plastic single-use items, such as straws, condiments and utensils when explicitly requested by customers.

House Joint Resolution (HJR) 2 would allow Indiana voters to propose changes to the Constitution of the State of Indiana and state statutes without needing approval from the IGA. Indiana voters would then be able to vote on constitutional amendments, in the same way as Ohio voters can, on issues such as abortion.

A full list of Errington’s legislation is below:

1. HB 1295 Licensed electrologists

2. HB 1296 Artificial intelligence inventory and policies

3. HB 1297 Motor vehicle medical information program

4. HB 1298 Contraceptive coverage

5. HB 1300 Wage history and wage range

6. HB 1301 Utility votes at RTO meetings

7. HB 1302 Restriction on single-use food service items

8. HB 1303 Sexual health education

9. HB 1527 State efficiency standards

10. HJR 2 Initiatives and referendums

Errington released the following statement regarding her legislative agenda:

“I am proud to introduce legislation that addresses some of the most pressing issues facing our communities today. From tackling environmental challenges and protecting applicants from wage disparities to leading the way on responsible AI usage in schools, these bills reflect my commitment to fostering a fairer, safer and more sustainable future for all. We must not only recognize the potential benefits of AI but also understand and mitigate its risks. We must support our educators, administrators and students with the tools and training they need to navigate this technology responsibly. Similarly, by promoting wage transparency and reducing reliance on outdated salary histories, we can work to close the wage gap and ensure fairness in hiring practices for all Hoosier workers.”

Errington testifies on second draft of high school diploma proposal

Last week, on Nov. 8., the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) met to discuss the second draft of proposed changes to the Indiana high school diploma. At this meeting, SBOE accepted public testimony to close out the public comment period.

State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) issued the following statement following her testimony to SBOE:

“Despite repeated concerns voiced by parents, educators and community members - including through public meetings I’ve hosted in my district - the issues that matter most to Hoosiers have not been addressed in this new proposal. While the inclusion of gym and health education is a step in the right direction, the proposal still significantly weakens our state’s curriculum by removing essential world language requirements and offering vague, unworkable solutions for students’ work-based learning opportunities.

“The persistent questions remain: How will these programs be made available, particularly in rural areas of Indiana? What will transportation look like for students participating in work-based learning? How will we address the ongoing shortage of counselors? Also, why the rush to implement this without ensuring we have the right resources and structures in place? We can't afford to sacrifice the quality of education for our students.

“At a time when students are facing so many challenges, this proposal does little to provide the support they need to succeed. The lack of transparency in who developed these changes and the continued failure to address the logistical issues, like student safety and transportation, are deeply concerning.

“I’ve listened to my constituents and raised these concerns directly with the SBOE, yet there’s been little action to improve this proposal. We need more than just a diploma that checks boxes - we need a system that prepares our students for success, and this proposal misses that mark. I will continue to fight for the changes our students deserve and need to succeed.”

Errington comments on second draft of proposed high school diplomas

On Oct. 9, the State Board of Education (SBOE) and Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) released the second draft of the Indiana high school diploma proposal. Despite the numerous concerns voiced by legislators, educators, parents and students, the second draft does not address student transportation, counselor shortages, workplace safety or long-term funding.

State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) released the following statement regarding the second draft: 

"It is disheartening that the SBOE and IDOE have neglected to implement any safety measures or address the vast number of logistical concerns noted by Hoosiers during the public comment period. This second draft fails to make any meaningful changes to improve the diplomas. Instead, it doubles down on gutting our state curriculum and thrusting students into a dangerously ill-defined work-learning environment.

"Following the first draft, I hosted a town hall in my district to gauge public opinion and hear the feedback of those in my community. My constituents cited many issues, including the lack of fine arts and language requirements, student safety at work sites and transporting students to and from these sites. I brought the feedback from my town hall directly to the SBOE during a public meeting on July 30, when I testified on the initial diploma proposal. Yet, despite my own testimony and that of many others, none of the major issues raised have been rectified. Hoosiers are rightfully worried about the negative impact this proposal could have on student education and safety.

"We must continue to raise our voices before these new diplomas are finalized. The IDOE is currently accepting comments and concerns on the second draft proposal until Nov. 8. Additionally, on Nov. 8, the IDOE will host another public commentary meeting where Hoosiers can provide direct feedback on the second diploma proposal. I encourage everyone to fill out the online form and provide testimony during public meeting to help ensure our children are given access to all the educational opportunities they deserve.

"If the IDOE passes this proposal through in its current state, they will have failed our students. Until substantive fixes are made to the proposal, I will remain steadfast on this issue."

The State Board of Education is accepting feedback on the proposed diplomas. All parents, students, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to share their concerns and can do so via the online form here. 

Errington responds to threats against Indiana schools this week

This week, middle and high schools across the state have received unrelated security gun threats from students, forcing school closures and delays. These threats have affected schools in cities from all corners of the state, including Crothersville, Mooresville, Valparaiso, Center Grove, Lafayette, Marion, Anderson and Indianapolis. Police have made more than 20 juvenile arrests in response to these threats.

State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) released the following statement in response:

"Indiana is experiencing a crisis. The longer we continue to ignore it, incidents like these will continue to occur.

"When a student threatens a school and their peers, there is clearly more going on behind the scenes. The 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that 33.7% of Hoosier students say they experienced poor mental health, while 47% reported feeling sad or helpless. If our kids feel backed into a corner, they are likelier to lash out and make destructive decisions.

"We must also address how students are gaining access to dangerous weapons like guns. In Muncie, you can hop over to a gun store, retail store or even the fairgrounds to purchase a firearm. Almost anyone can buy a gun in Indiana, and in turn, these weapons end up in the hands of children.

"My Democratic colleague State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis) and captain in the Marion County Sheriff's office, has repeatedly authored safe storage legislation that would require gun owners to lock up their firearms. Gore has reintroduced this piece of legislation each year since 2021, and every time the majority has stopped the legislation dead in its tracks. This legislation has the potential to save lives and we need to appeal to lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum to get this done.

"Last session, I offered an amendment to HEA 1235 that would have restored control to local governments, allowing cities and towns to regulate firearms. HEA 1235 it strips local control from cities and towns to be able to hold manufacturers accountable for deaths and injuries resulting from guns. This too, was dismissed by Republicans.

"When students from Burris Laboratory School brought their concerns to the Statehouse this past session, they were met with a holstered gun mockingly waved in their faces by a Republican legislator. If members of the General Assembly are comfortable flashing firearms directly at children, then how can we expect students to treat the issue seriously? Until all legislators treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves, we can expect a continued rise in violent incidents.

"We cannot continue to look away while children are at direct risk on school grounds. The answer isn't just increased security and active shooter drills or arming teachers. It is ensuring all Hoosier students are heard, supported and receive the care they deserve. It is prioritizing sensible legislation to keep weapons away from children.

"I will not stand idly by while our schools are threatened with senseless violence. To the students and school faculty affected by these threats, I stand with you. I will continue to put pressure on the Republican majority to adopt policy on this multifaceted issue."