With Indiana's 2024 legislative session now over, the commentary begins

Senate Enrolled Act 4, a Senate Republican agenda bill authored by Sen. Chris Garten, R-Charlestown, that would establish an ongoing process to revert unused state government funds to the General Fund and enable state agencies to lower or eliminate fines and fees faster will now move to the governor's desk for final consideration.

Garten: “One of my legislative priorities has continuously been ‘good government’—cutting waste where there is waste and holding our government accountable for how it uses taxpayer dollars. … Hoosier taxpayers give their hard-earned money to the state, and it is our duty as elected officials to always strive to be good stewards of taxpayer money, no matter how small or large the amount.” 

"Years of conservative fiscal leadership have made and kept Indiana one of the most economically competitive and responsible states in the nation, and lawmakers are still working to identify and consider long-term ways to keep more money in Hoosiers' pockets. Senate Enrolled Act 4 would set the state up to put tax dollars to better use and generate even more long-term savings in the future."

Last week, the chairman of the Indiana Senate Environmental Affairs Committee did not call House Bill 1399 down for a vote. 

According to a Democratic press release: “The bill sought to carve out thousands of PFAS chemicals from being defined as such, effectively exempting those chemicals from any future state regulation. Since HB 1399 was not granted a committee vote, the bill was effectively dead. Yet, due to an arcane legislative process that allows any language that passed one Chamber, but failed in the other, to be brought back during the final negotiations of session, the language to deregulate thousands of PFAS chemicals in Indiana was added into an unrelated House Bill 1329 Wednesday during a 90-second conference committee. After much negotiation, determination, and reason, less than 48 hours later the chemical companies’

Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend: “Last week, a provision to establish unprecedented protections for chemicals that the Indiana General Assembly has previously acknowledged cause harm to human health, was effectively off the table after failing to gain support in the Senate. The Chairman’s decision to not call a vote on the bill was seen as a win for the state of Indiana, and the majority of individuals who showed up to testify against the legislation.

“Any future attempt to create a loophole for the chemical industry would be an attempt to mislead the public that lawmakers are sworn to represent. PFAS have been found in a number of everyday household items like clothing, food packaging, and juvenile products. It is my belief that the public has the right to know what their personal risks are as a consumer of goods that contain PFAS. Currently, there is no requirement in Indiana for manufacturers to inform the public that a product contains PFAS, or to warn people about the risks that repeated exposure to PFAS causes like fertility issues, developmental delays in infants, and cancer.

"I have devoted my career as a legislator to protecting the public from toxic PFAS chemicals. In particular, I have fought to ensure that we take every step to reverse cancer as the leading cause of line-of-duty death among the fire service by authoring HEA 1219 last year. 

"Any future attempt to renew this fight to conceal or mislead the public about their exposure to toxic chemicals will be met with broad opposition.

"From moms to scientists; wildlife organizations to environmental groups; pediatricians to youth organizers, expert after expert warned about the harm that the deregulation of PFAS will cause for years to come. I will continue to devote my time in the legislature to defeating bad legislation that will mislead the public and harm the health and wellbeing of Hoosiers."

On Friday, the Indiana House of Representatives approved an updated version of Senate Bill 256 without amendments for the Medicaid attendant care program. “The amendments attempted to increase transparency and provide relief to families at risk of losing services following the $1 billion shortfall,” according to a Democratic press release. 

Rep. Gregory W. Porter, D-Indianapolis: “I’ve been disappointed in my colleagues across the aisle countless times, but their decision today blows all their past actions out of the water. They turned a blind eye to our families who are financially and physically stressed since they’re caring for medically complex loved ones. Statehouse Republicans expect you to grin and bear this hardship that they can’t even fathom. To make matters worse, they made this decision behind closed doors. They stripped these amendments during a private conversation. They didn’t even have the basic decency to do this in front of the public. 

“We have the funding to provide our families with relief. I’ve stated countless times that our revenue forecast has a projected surplus of $450 million. We still have $158 million in the Medicaid reserve that we attribute to the shortfall. I’ve endlessly called for Republicans to stop the reversion and diversion of Medicaid dollars to the General Fund. They’ve constantly moved that money around like it’s their personal checking account. Since 2011, they’ve reverted over $1.74 billion to whatever project they choose. They’re supposed to be the fiscally conservative party, but all I’ve seen while they’ve controlled the Medicaid program is fiscal mismanagement.

“Today, they stripped amendments ensuring families still received 80% of their A&D waiver stipend. House Democrats passed a couple of transparency amendments that took a deeper look into the shortfall and added additional members to the Medicaid Oversight Committee. Each and every one of these amendments was removed in secrecy as well. To our Hoosier families on attendant care, I’m sorry that you’re experiencing this hardship. I’m sorry Statehouse leadership turned a deaf ear to your pleas. But I believe that you reap what you sow, and I hope the people remember this.”

On Friday, the conference committee report for Senate Bill 256 passed the House. It removed funding for the commission responsible for overseeing the gaming and casino industry. 

From the Democratic press release: “This comes just months after the bombshell indictment of a former state representative accused of accepting a job in exchange for favors for a large casino company. The bill passed 57-39, with 11 Republicans voting against it.” 

Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis: “Republicans are defunding the gaming commission so that it cannot do its job. At a time when a recent legislator and the gaming industry are under federal criminal investigation, we should not be crippling the entity responsible for oversight. 

“The gaming commission has helped uncover corruption and self-dealing in the industry and needs to maintain its ability to do that work. Defunding the gaming police will do nothing to build confidence in the integrity of our casinos and online gaming among voters, or among gamblers.

“As my colleague Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis) said, ‘when you pray for rain, you have to deal with the mud.’ I hope the Republicans can get this off their shoes.”

On Monday, the House passed an amended version of Senate Bill 256, which included a sales tax exemption for feminine hygiene products. However, this provision was removed behind closed doors during the final negotiation period between the House and the Senate on Friday.

Rep. Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis: “Menstrual products are basic necessities.  Taxing them creates an unfair financial burden on women and girls.  Similar to food, prescriptions and medical devices, these products should be exempt from taxation.

“Just days ago, the House passed a provision to exempt female hygiene products from sales tax only to strip the language today. Republicans are making another harmful-to-women policy decision on International Women’s Day.

“Indiana is currently tied with Tennessee and Mississippi for the highest tax on menstrual products at 7%. 1 in 5 Hoosier girls struggle to afford feminine hygiene products, and women in Indiana pay approximately $5 million in sales tax on menstrual products every year.  The provision removed from SB 256 would have brought us closer to a more equitable tax structure and allowed working women and Hoosier families to keep more of their hard-earned money. 

“One of my long-time priorities during my time as a lawmaker has been relieving this unfair financial burden on women. It is past time for Indiana to join the majority of states in eliminating the tax on items essential to more than 50% of the population.” 

On Friday, the conference committee report for House Bill 1002 defining antisemitism in Indiana law officially passed. It is now heading to the governor's desk to be signed into law. 

Rep. Ed DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, a conferee on the bill: “I was proud to sign the report for House Bill 1002, which will provide protection for members of our Jewish community on college campuses. I hope it helps end the curse of antisemitism. 

“I look forward to working with members of the Muslim community moving forward to address their concerns on issues of the same nature: their safety and freedom in our society.” 

Indiana Republican Party Chairwoman Anne Hathaway released the following statement on the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session:

"Governor Holcomb and our Republican leadership in the Indiana General Assembly promised us an efficient session that focused on the needs of Hoosiers and their families, and they delivered.

“Republicans in the state legislature addressed crucial matters such as enhancing reading proficiency in our schools, broadening access to childcare services, replacing hazardous lead water lines statewide to safeguard Hoosiers' well-being, expanding work-based learning, and much more!

“We at the Indiana Republican Party applaud our state lawmakers, and thank them for continuing to put Hoosiers first!"

In a press release, Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders said the 2024 Indiana General Assembly session was successful in advancing key priorities:

“We’re pleased to see the Legislature pass notable bills that help expand childcare options for parents, improve literacy rates of Hoosier students and cultivate our talent pipeline. These are key areas impacting workforce that will advance Indiana's future economic growth and prosperity, and are all central to our vision plan for the state, Indiana Prosperity 2035.”

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb commended the Indiana General Assembly “for prioritizing his key agenda items that will build on the momentum of a successful 2023 budget session,” according to a press release from his office. 

Holcomb: “I laid out a significant agenda that will strengthen fundamental programs, resources and services that impact the everyday lives of Hoosiers. I’m pleased that leadership and members of the General Assembly responded to my 2024 Next Level Agenda with such broad support. The legislative successes provide a game plan to ensure that progress continues for affordable and accessible child care, improved literacy rates and increased access to post-secondary degree programs to better prepare Hoosiers for jobs of the future.”

The Indiana Democratic Party released a statement at the close of the session.  

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl: “Hoosiers want solutions—and Democrats worked hard to address the attendant care crisis, remove the unjust pink tax, and demand fiscal transparency. We’re disheartened by the removal of these provisions—which would have helped countless families in our state. 

“Under the watch of this excessive Republican supermajority, we have a $1 billion budget shortfall for Indiana Medicaid—impacting critical care for families all over our state. Republicans have made it clear they don't want more transparency. They don’t want to have to own up for the mistakes they’ve made. It’s time to elect more Democratic members who care about transparency, and break this unaccountable supermajority.” 

Rep. Sheila Klinker, D-Lafayette: “I’m deeply saddened that our families were denied relief from the proposed cuts after closed-door negotiations. I know how important this funding is to our most vulnerable, and I believe that trained parents and loved ones provide the best care possible. I would like to thank Debby Holcombe, a loving mother who cares for her son Michael, for visiting the Statehouse and sharing her story with me. I hope we can continue to work together during the interim to find a solution to this issue. To our families on this program, thank you for the care you are providing and the love you share with others.” 

Upon the Indiana House of Representatives' motion to adjourn sine die, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, issued the following statement: 

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again: House Democrats are pragmatic problem solvers. I am incredibly proud of the work our caucus did this session to work across the aisle and try, try again until results were delivered for Hoosiers. Being a pragmatic problem solver means not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good—a principle we acted upon again and again this session.

"From Reps. Harris, Gore, Hamilton and Johnson's calm and civil work to save mass transit projects in Indianapolis and statewide to Rep. Bauer's effort to make sure that dangerous PFAS language did not sneakily pass both chambers in the 11th hour of the legislative session, House Democrats took a strategic and disciplined approach to stopping bad legislation from becoming law. In these instances, we ensured that reason prevailed and Hoosier communities can remain connected and safe from dangerous chemicals.

"Hoosiers sent House Democrats to the General Assembly to make their lives better, and I'm sorry we couldn't stop this legislation to limit local control, hurt regular Hoosiers and decrease governmental transparency from becoming law. You deserve state government that works for you, and it's a shame that Statehouse Republicans put special interests and backroom deals before your wellbeing. I promise that House Democrats will continue fighting for Hoosiers during this interim and into the 2025 legislative session."

On Friday, the Indiana House of Representatives voted to approve the conference committee report on House Bill 1004. Even though the Senate removed the 13th check, the House conference committee added the provision back into the bill. Certain retirees on the Teachers’ Retirement Fund (TRF) and Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF) will receive a 13th check in 2024.

Rep. Gregory W. Porter, D-Indianapolis, who was a conferee on the committee: “This is a triumph for our seniors. This is a triumph for the House Democratic Caucus Economic Freedom Agenda, and this is a personal triumph. I’m grateful we compromised with the Senate since providing our retirees with a 13th check was one of my priorities this session. Retirement is supposed to be relaxing. It’s a time to be with your loved ones and care for your grandchildren after years of hard work. Retirement shouldn’t be a time when you’re worried about your finances. It’s the state’s duty to support our public retirees after they’ve invested their time and labor in the well-being of Indiana. 

“That’s the meaning behind the 13th check. It’s a thank you for your service to the public. Today, this legislative body decided that gratitude was important. Our retirees will receive a 13th check. We’re still going to make some tweaks to the plan and look for a long-term solution. Some retirees benefit more from a COLA whereas others prefer the 13th check. We’re still going to figure out a long-term hybrid plan. But our seniors are going to be supported while we find the best solution. We’re going to provide a 13th check in 2024. I’m pleased that the legislature acted in the best interest of our seniors today.   

“Finally, I’d like to thank Rep. Bob Cherry (D-Greenfield) for his work on the 13th check. I’ve enjoyed working with him on this bill and on the House Ways and Means Committee. I wish him the best as he begins his own retirement after this session.” 

Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger, made the following statement regarding the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session:.

"Today, we concluded the 2024 legislative session during which the General Assembly passed bills that will aid all Indiana residents, especially young Hoosiers.

"I am pleased that Senate Enrolled Act 1, a priority bill which I authored, has made its way to the governor's desk. SEA 1, which I refer to as the Every Child Learns to Read bill, would ensure Hoosier students get the best reading education by providing Science of Reading instruction, committing to early detection and remediation for students not reading at their grade level and, as a last resort, retaining those students in third grade who are not reading well enough to move on to the fourth grade. Literacy is a vital skill that everyone should have and this legislation will help our students achieve that.

"In addition, I authored Senate Enrolled Act 146, which aims to broaden employment opportunities for minors. The provisions remove certain administrative burdens from business owners and streamlines reporting requirements that will result in a more clear and accurate Youth Employment Registration System. The bill further places Indiana in line with 43 other states as it relates to allowing 18-year-olds more meaningful employment opportunities.

"I also authored Senate Enrolled Act 149, which addresses the issue of tobacco use by minors in Indiana. SEA 149 would close loopholes and update Indiana's licensing and enforcement of laws on tobacco businesses. This bill strengthens Indiana's existing laws to make sure businesses don't sell these products to underage Hoosiers.

"The legislation we passed this session will further improve education and protect our young Hoosiers. I'm grateful for my fellow legislators and the work they have done on behalf of Hoosiers across the state. I look forward to working on more legislation next year to help Hoosiers in Senate District 11."

Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, made the following statement following the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session: 

"One of the biggest responsibilities we have in the General Assembly is ensuring the protection of our Hoosier children. That is a priority that I continued to strive for this legislative session.

"I am a proud co-author of Senate Enrolled Act 1, which ensures Hoosier students are learning to read at the appropriate level by the third grade. Last year, I sponsored a bill that implemented the Science of Reading. I am still committed to ensuring that every student gets an education that fosters a successful future.

"Additionally, students should be able to attend school and perform to their fullest potential without fear of discrimination and harassment. I am proud to sponsor House Enrolled Act 1002, which sends a clear message—antisemitism has no place in our schools and institutions of higher education.

"I also authored Senate Enrolled Act 149, which strengthens Indiana's existing tobacco laws to prevent businesses from selling harmful tobacco products to minors. The health of our children is important and should be protected.

"I am happy to see such a strong commitment to Hoosier kids this session. During the interim, I will continue to meet with my colleagues and discuss ideas on interim study committees."

Sen. John Crane, R-Avon, made the following statement regarding the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session: 

"As we conclude the 2024 legislative session, I reflect on my time at the Indiana Senate. I am pleased with what I've been able to be a part of during my time here.

"As the ranking member on the Senate Education and Career Development Committee, I am pleased that Senate Enrolled Act 1, has made its way to the governor's desk. SEA 1 would ensure Hoosier students get the best reading education by providing Science of Reading instruction and ensuring struggling students get the support they need to succeed. Literacy is a vital skill that everyone should have, and this legislation will help our students achieve a strong foundation for their future.

"I am proud to have been a part of history in 2022 when Indiana held a special session and passed Senate Enrolled Act 1, which outlawed the vast majority of abortions in Indiana.

"Serving Indiana and Senate District 24 has been very rewarding. I made a promise to serve this state to the best of my ability with God as my guide. I was also informed by my four C's—core values, the constitution, my constituents, and my caucus.

"I am so thankful for my time in the Indiana Senate. I will remember my colleagues and my time here very fondly. God Bless Indiana."