Gov. Holcomb plans to sign bills on abortion, gun rights, school prayer

At a news conference Tuesday, the governor said he would sign bills dealing with abortion, gun rights, religious freedom and a measure that would allow a marijuana extract to be used to treat epilepsy.

Most of the bills are milder and less controversial than some of the issues former Gov. Mike Pence took a stance on during his tenure as governor—some of which resulted in court cases and national attention.

Once Holcomb signs Senate Bill 404, judges would be allowed to notify parents if their children are seeking an abortion through the court system without the parents' consent.

“I see it as a parental rights issue and responsibility and common sense," Holcomb said.

Opponents, however, see it as an additional hurdle to a woman's right to choose.

During the 2016 legislative session, Pence signed an abortion bill into law that made it illegal to seek an abortion because of fetal disability. The controversial law drew national attention and resulted in three court cases for the state. In July, U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt suspended the act, but not before the “Periods for Pence” campaign could start.

Pence was praised by social conservatives and criticized by pro-choice advocates.

While Senate Bill 404 has not received national scrutiny, Indiana could still face legal action when Holcomb signs the bill. Earlier in the legislative session, Jane Henegar, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, said if the bill becomes law, her organization will sue the state, claiming violations of current case law.

"Ultimately, what this bill is about is reducing or stopping a person's access to abortion, which is a constitutional right that every woman in this state and in this nation has," said Sen. Jean Breaux, D-Indianapolis.

A number of more controversial abortion bills did not make it out of both chambers, including one that would have outlawed abortions altogether.

During Tuesday’s news conference, Holcomb said he also plans to sign a bill that reinforces religious freedoms in schools and a measure that would allow cannabidiol, a marijuana extract, to be used for treatment of epilepsy.

He also supports a measure that would allow state employees to carry firearms in the Statehouse, although he maintained the Statehouse is a safe place.

"(Lawmakers') staff, they put in long hours, especially during the session, and they are walking blocks away, often times after midnight," Holcomb said. "And I can sympathize with someone who wants to be able to protect themselves and be secure.”

Holcomb did not mention whether he would sign another firearm bill that allows victims of domestic violence to carry a firearm without a license for 60 days, if they get a restraining order against their abuser.

Pence, too, signed a number of bills expanding gun rights, such as one 2014 bill allowing legal gun owners to carry firearms on school parking lots as long as they keep the weapons locked in their vehicles.

The most controversial social issue bill Pence signed into law during his tenure was the the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which opponents said allowed businesses to discriminate against those in the LGBTQ community. After first signing and defending the bill on national television, Pence issued a "fix" to appease business, tourism and sports groups in Indiana.

Criticism on how he handled the issue extended far outside Indiana's borders.

Holcomb has yet to indicate where he stands on some other controversial bills, such as one that would take away Ricker's Convenience Stores ability to sell cold carryout beer and another that would reduce some incentives to sell back solar power to power companies.

So far, he's vetoed one bill, a measure that would have created a $20-an-hour search fee for public records requests that take longer than two hours.

He has until the end of May 5 or 6 to decide on many of the remaining bills.

Indy Star reporters Tony Cook and Stephanie Wang contributed to this story.