IBLC celebrates 2024 legislative session accomplishments

With the 2024 legislative session at a close, the Indianapolis Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) reflected on their achievements for the session, including the passage of healthcare, economic security and education legislation.

IBLC Chair State Rep. Earl Harris (D-East Chicago) highlighted the legislative accomplishments of members of the IBLC, including:

• House Bill 1004, co-authored by all House IBLC members and voted for by all Senate IBLC members

• Delivers a 13th check to public retirees

• House Bill 1021, co-authored by Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis)
  WHAT: Establishes a “Green Alert” for missing service members and veterans

• Senate Bill 5, co-authored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond)
  WHAT: Assists utility providers in replacing lead service lines to prevent health complications

• House Bill 1058, co-authored by Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) and co-sponsored by Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and Sen. Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago)
  WHAT: Improves the quality of breast cancer screenings by requiring an assessment of a patient's breast tissue density

Additionally, the IBLC worked to defeat harmful pieces of legislation during the eleventh hour of the legislative session, including:

• A draft conference committee report of House Bill 1243
  WHAT: Would have removed collective bargaining rights for teachers

• A conference committee report of House Bill 1329
  WHAT: A bill resurrected by Republican lawmakers to deregulate PFAS chemicals, synthetic compounds that pose serious health risks

“I am proud of the work that our Indiana Black Legislative Caucus members did this session to champion positive legislation and defeat legislation that would have proven harmful to Hoosiers,” Harris said.

“The IBLC is lucky to have members who have proven time and time again that they are dedicated to tirelessly serving their communities. It is a combination of that very commitment to service and the emphasis on bipartisanship that every IBLC member holds dear that allows us to bring these legislative successes into being.

“Though we have turned the page on this legislative session, the IBLC remains hard at work, crafting impactful policy for next year. As we begin laying the groundwork for next session, we will continue to work for our communities and craft policy that is representative of the issues facing Hoosiers today.”

The IBLC is currently in the process of developing its legislative agenda for the 2025 legislative session. Additionally, the caucus has begun scheduling and planning a series of town halls. Information regarding the 2025 legislative theme, as well as the specific dates and location for upcoming town halls will be unveiled later this year.