Shackleford files 2025 bills focused on public health, tenant rights and Hoosier wellness
With the official start of the 2025 legislative session, State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) has filed bills on several key areas including public health; tenant rights and protections; and overall health and wellness for Hoosiers.
Chronic Obesity:
In Oct. 2024, Rep. Shackleford co-hosted the Chronic Obesity Stakeholders Meeting (COSM), bringing together experts to discuss initiatives that enhance access to effective healthcare interventions, improve nutrition and physical activity opportunities for children and address systemic barriers affecting underserved populations. A report generated from the meeting highlighted key legislative recommendations, including the long-term cost savings of addressing obesity, the need for stronger school nutrition standards and the importance of expanding access to preventative care and obesity treatments through the state Medicaid program.
As a result, Shackleford has proposed multiple pieces of legislation aimed at addressing chronic obesity, including, House Bill (HB)1202, which seeks to expand Medicaid coverage for obesity treatments, ensuring that more Hoosiers have access to the care they need.
“In 2022, obesity’s economic impact in Indiana was estimated at $9.3 billion, with $996 million directly affecting the state budget,” Shackleford said. “The disease drives up medical expenses, disability costs, and government spending on Medicaid and other public assistance programs. Expanding access to comprehensive obesity treatments through the SEHP and Medicaid, along with other interventions, could save taxpayer dollars and improve overall health outcomes for Hoosiers.”
In a presentation at the COSM, Tim Dall, Executive Director of Life Sciences Consulting at Global Data, highlighted that even a modest 5% weight loss could reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes by 30% over the next decade, saving approximately $8 billion in medical costs. More substantial weight loss (20-25%) could result in an estimated $20 billion in economic savings within the same timeframe.
House Bill 1138 expands health coverage for state employees by mandating that their health plans cover anti-obesity medications and intensive behavioral and lifestyle therapies for eligible individuals.
House Bill 1139 focuses on improving Hoosiers' health by expanding the Indiana Department of Health’s (IDH) Pilot Produce Rx program that helps individuals be prescribed healthy food as medicine.
Shackleford’s legislation also focuses on improving the overall health and wellness of Hoosiers. One initiative aims to improve local wellness initiatives in schools, ensuring that students have access to health and wellness programs that promote a healthy lifestyle and positive learning environment. House Bill 1163 prioritizes student wellness by creating a fund that provides financial support to schools for implementing local wellness initiatives.
Public Health:
HB 1048 proposes an increase in personal allowances for Medicaid recipients and Hoosiers residing in health care facilities, raising the current allowance from $52 to $100 per month. This increase will help individuals purchase essential items not covered by Medicaid, improving their quality of life.
House Bill (HB) 1065 aims to support cancer patients by establishing a framework for organizations to provide financial assistance to those participating in clinical trials. This bill also requires the Indiana Department of Health to offer guidance and resources for program implementers.
House Bill 1161 addresses the quality of care for home healthcare recipients by establishing a licensure program for home health aides, ensuring all aides are properly trained and qualified.
House Bill 1246 would establish a comprehensive student support program. This program would work to improve teacher-to-student ratios, enhance school safety and increase professional development opportunities of schools across the state.
Tenant Rights:
Shackleford’s legislation also includes provisions aimed at strengthening tenant rights – a pressing issue in Indiana. Currently, on average, only 4% of tenants are represented in eviction proceedings, compared to 83% of landlords. However, when tenants receive legal representation, their chances of staying in their homes increase significantly—evidenced by the 84% of tenants in New York City who remain in their homes with representation. House Bill 1140 would provide funding for counsel when tenants are facing eviction.
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority would administer these programs. Additionally, House Bill 1162 seeks to protect renters by capping excessive rent increases, limiting both the percentage of increase and the frequency with which rents can be raised in a given year. These measures will provide more stability and security for tenants across Indiana.
“I am proud to have introduced legislation that addresses critical needs across our state. From ensuring cancer patients in underserved areas to expanding access to healthy food, these bills reflect my commitment to improving the wellbeing of all Hoosiers. After all, health truly is wealth. By working together, we can build a healthier, stronger and more equitable future for our communities.”