DeLaney calls out the Supermajority for not hearing concerns of Hoosier voters

Today, Feb. 11, House Democrats offered several amendments aimed at expanding voting rights for Hoosiers. Instead of allowing a full discussion and vote about strengthening our democracy by making absentee ballots more accessible and allowing citizen-led ballot initiatives, the supermajority struck the amendments down on procedural grounds, stifling discussion. 

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement: 

“The Republican supermajority in the House has made it more than clear that they are reluctant to hear what concerns the public. They reject non-binding referenda. They seem to not want to hear how Hoosiers feel on controversial issues such as cannabis legalization or abortion rights. Could this be because they are afraid that their unpopular policies would be rejected by the majority of the voting public? 

“We are falling into a practice of using House procedures to dodge difficult votes. As an example, my colleagues in the House filed amendments on House Bill 1679 to make absentee ballots more accessible for Hoosiers, only to be told they didn’t belong in a bill quite literally entitled ‘Various election matters.’ Indiana has historically had one of the lowest voter turnout rates in the nation. The House should be disturbed by that fact. Instead of taking action to make voting more accessible, House Republicans chose to shut down any vote on the House floor. 

“My takeaway from today’s events on the floor is that House Republicans want to avoid any vote that is difficult for their members.” 

Hamilton bill to boost workforce development, reduce recidivism heading to the Senate

Today, Feb. 11, House Bill 1289, authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), unanimously passed on third reading in the House of Representatives. The bill has been sent to the Senate for further consideration.

HB 1289 defines "employment social enterprises" in Indiana Code to match the federal definition. This would allow the state of Indiana to better compete for federal funding for organizations that provide job training and services to help integrate those who were formerly incarcerated back into society. 

Hamilton released the following statement regarding the bill's passage in the House:

"Fully supporting Indiana's economy and workforce requires a collaborative, comprehensive effort," Hamilton said. "People that have recently been released from prison often struggle to secure jobs. Anyone that wants to work and contribute to the economy of our state should have every opportunity available to do so. Employment Social Enterprises give formerly incarcerated individuals a transitional job that provides job skills training as well as a chance to learn valuable life skills that can help them find and keep jobs. Not only would this expand our workforce, but it would also reduce recidivism rates as employment is one of the critical steps to reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals into society. By simply adjusting the language in Indiana code to match the federal definition, House Bill 1289 would allow these organizations to receive federal funding that is critical to their mission of providing people with second chances and strengthening our economy.

"I appreciate the opportunity to advance this common-sense, bipartisan effort. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill passed into law for the benefit of all Hoosiers."

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.”

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."

Miller esports legislation passes House of Representatives

House Bill 1608, authored by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), passed out of the House of Representatives today by a vote of 74-17. The bill requires the Indiana Economic Development Corporation to develop strategies to make Indiana a leader in the growing esports industry.

"The economic impact of esports – an industry worth billions of dollars – in Indiana would be astronomical," Miller said following the vote. "Every year, events such as Gen Con and professional conventions bring hundreds of millions of dollars to Indiana, and we now have an opportunity to bring even more dollars to the state through esports tournaments and conventions.

"Colleges throughout the state have already dedicated high-tech spaces to esports competitions and offer scholarships to recruit students for their varsity gaming teams. The interest is clearly there, and this bill will help Indiana get out in front of the growing trend and benefit from the money and opportunities it brings in."

Shackleford’s HB1065 passes unanimously out of House Public Health Committee

Today, Feb. 11, State Rep. Robin Shackleford’s (D-Indianapolis) House Bill 1065, which aims to ease the financial burden for cancer patients participating in clinical trials, passed unanimously out of the House Public Health Committee. The bill proposes the creation of the Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program, allowing independent third parties, such as patient groups, corporations or government entities, to cover ancillary costs for patients taking part in clinical trials in Indiana.

“Every year, millions of Hoosiers face a cancer diagnosis. As a state, we need to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent individuals from participating in life-saving clinical trials. By providing support to help cover costs like travel, lodging and other out-of-pocket expenses, we can help Hoosiers access the treatments that could save their lives. This legislation is a critical part of ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial challenges when it comes to fighting cancer,” Shackleford said.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Indiana, with an estimated 2.4 million Hoosiers, or approximately two in five people, eventually facing a diagnosis. Despite the importance of clinical trials in discovering new treatments, less than 7% of eligible patients currently participate. Barriers to participation include the cost of travel, lodging, and missed work, which can be a significant burden on patients and their families.

“Cancer is not a partisan issue. This bill serves as an example of how we can build bipartisan support to address the needs of our communities. By working together across party lines, we can improve the health and well-being of all Hoosiers, regardless of their background or financial situation,” Shackleford said.

“As we move forward, Indiana joins a growing list of states, including Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Massachusetts, which have already taken similar steps to support patients in clinical trials,” Shackleford said.

House Republicans reject Pierce amendment to protect Hoosiers from higher utility costs

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington) offered amendments to House Bill 1007 that would have prevented utility customers from bearing the cost of failed nuclear power plant projects. The first amendment would have removed a provision in the bill that allows utilities to charge their customers for planning costs for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) even when they decide to abandon the SMR project. The other amendment would have prevented utilities from charging their customers for SMRs that are not yet generating any electricity. An existing "Construction Work in Progress" (CWIP) law allows utilities to charge customers during the construction of an SMR, including cost overruns, before the SMR provides any benefit to utility customers. No SMR project has been completed in the United States. The most recent SMR attempt was abandoned in Utah after estimated project costs ballooned from around $3 billion to $9.3 billion.

Pierce released the following statement on his amendments:

"HB 1007 allows utilities to gamble on expensive, unproven technology with utility customers' money. It shifts the risk of speculative projects from Utility corporations onto the backs of utility ratepayers. If HB 1007 becomes law, it will give a green light for utilities to pursue one of the most expensive forms of energy that will take years to build. I fear customers will be saddled with higher rates to pay for a boondoggle.

"Once again, the House of Representatives missed an opportunity to protect utility customers from higher rates."

DeLaney reminds of the need for gun reform

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) met with a group of local students at the Statehouse for Moms Demand Action advocacy day to discuss common-sense gun reforms. 

DeLaney issued the following statement after the meeting: 

“In 2024, the number of youth homicides from gun violence in Indianapolis decreased drastically, from 44 children in 2023 to 17 children in 2024. While this statistic is undeniably positive, it is one of the reasons that issue has faded from our focus. The untimely deaths of 17 young Hoosiers is a great tragedy, no matter how that number fits into the current statistic.

“As I was reminded by the passionate group of students from North Central High School that spoke with me today, Indiana has a long way to go to protect Hoosiers from gun violence. In 2024, Indiana ranked 7th highest in the nation for incidents of gunfire on school grounds. The legislature passed a bill in 2022 to allow permitless carry. We have yet to close the loophole that allows the purchase of firearms at gun shows without a background check. In 2023, we had the third highest rate of accidental child shootings behind only Florida and Texas, states with much larger populations. 

“The need to enact common-sense gun safety policies remains as strong as ever, even if it isn’t making headlines this session. I wanted to thank Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action for the work they do to shed light on the pressing issue of gun reform.” 

Hamilton offers amendments to bolster Indiana’s child care infrastructure

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) offered two amendments to House Bill 1253 that would help address Indiana’s child care crisis. The first amendment sought to authorize a study into what it would take for Indiana to make child care accessible and affordable statewide. The amendment was struck down along party lines by a vote of 27-65.

“Indiana was recently ranked as having the 2nd worst quality of life in the nation due to our lack of access to child care,” Hamilton said. “Not one of our 92 counties meet the threshold for adequate access to child care. If you happen to be located near a facility with room for your child, it is often simply too expensive for working families. Studies show that the high cost of child care causes a significant amount of working parents to cut back on hours or leave the workforce altogether. According to recent data from Early Learning Indiana and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, insufficient child care availability costs Indiana $4.22 billion in economic activity each year.” 

Hamilton also offered an amendment that would prohibit a waitlist for Child Care Development Fund vouchers and fully fund the current program. The amendment was blocked on procedural grounds. 

“The announcement of the CCDF waitlist in December as a ‘cost-saving measure’ means we are now moving backwards when it comes to Indiana’s child care crisis. This decision left many working families wondering how they could continue to afford child care while they work to earn a living. I want to ensure that families are not threatened with losing this vital service in the future. It is past time to advance solutions to the child care crisis. Doing so will strengthen our economy and ensure that Indiana is a state where working families can thrive.”

Boy’s HB1380 passes unanimously out of the House

Today, State Rep. Pat Boy’s (D-Michigan City) House Bill 1380 passed unanimously out of the House of Representatives. The bill would exempt motor driven cycles and lightweight electric vehicles from the annual electric vehicle supplement fee.

Boy released the following statement on the passage of the bill through the House.

“First, I want to thank my fellow co-authors and House colleagues for their support on this crucial piece of legislation. As the bill moves to the Senate, I am optimistic about the continued bipartisan support in creating an eco-friendlier Indiana.”

The bill now moves to the Senate.

Miller bill prioritizing local business moves to Senate

House Bill 1468, authored by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne) passed through the House of Representatives today and now moves to the Senate. The bill passed by a vote of 87-2.

 The bill allows tobacco vendors to obtain a three-year supplemental cigar sales certificate which allows them to sell cigars on a temporary basis at an event.

"This legislation eases a burden placed on local vendors and allows them to practice their business outside of their shop," Miller said after the vote. "Being able to do business at public events is a great opportunity for business owners to connect with and build their visibility in the community.  This bill helps with that while not infringing on any state, county, city or town smoking ordinances.

“This is a common-sense, bipartisan bill that will help Indiana's small-business owners, and I'm excited for the opportunity to have it heard over in the Senate."

Campbell bill allowing foster children to open bank accounts heads to the senate

Today, Feb. 10, House Bill 1441 passed with a unanimous vote on the House floor and heads to the Senate for their consideration. State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) authored the bill to allow foster youth at least 16 years old to create bank accounts without an adult co-signer. The bill was amended to include minors who’ve been emancipated.  

Campbell released the following statement on the House passage of her bill:

“This is a major win for our foster and emancipated youth in Indiana. We want every child to have a safe and secure home, but the state needs to do more for our young adults who are on their own. It’s hard to do anything when you’re unable to open your own bank account. 

“You need a bank account for direct deposits at your job, to build credit or to get a loan. With this policy change, foster children have the tools they need for financial success. This bill ensures that our children who don’t have a reliable guardian can live independently. Most importantly, it protects vulnerable children from theft out of a joint account from bad actors.

“We’re encouraging minors to join the workforce while they're still in school, so let’s ensure they have the tools they need to thrive. I am grateful that the bill was passed by the House today. I want our foster kids to know that we’re thinking of you, and we’re trying to make your lives a little bit easier.”