As the 124th Indiana General Assembly begins its work, one word summarizes Hoosier hopes for this session: prudence. That is, the art of employing reason, good judgment and caution, here, in creating and passing legislation.
Foremost this session will produce the state budget for the next two years. Increases in Medicaid expenditures and school funding will dominate talks.
Much of this will fit into Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s agenda for tax relief, health care, public safety, government efficiency and workforce development. Policy discussion will be forthcoming as lawmakers hone their agendas.
But, we must remember, it took a few sessions for Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Next Level agenda to gain a foothold.
With the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, there might well be a tendency among Indiana legislators to align state goals with Trump’s agenda. Some legislators might try to score points with the White House.
Thankfully, as of the first week of the legislature, only a handful of bills overtly scream, “Mr. Trump, please look at how we’re in your corner.”
Specifically, there’s Senate Bill 172, which prohibits law officers from refusing to cooperate in the enforcement of immigration laws, making their choice a misdemeanor. Also prohibited is anyone in Indiana from adopting a policy that bars cooperation with immigration laws. That section of the bill is aimed at any entity that might establish a safe haven for immigrants.
House Bill 1074 prohibits any provider of financial services from refusing services to a retailer solely because the retailer sells firearms. It’s an attempt to curtail corporate activism.
Leaning in the other direction, Senate Bill 18 predicts the elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency and its residual impact on state agencies. The bill would enable cities and towns to establish a local air pollution control agency.
Though we await debate on such bills, the legislature should avoid partisan skepticism.
Hoosiers expect General Assembly leaders to rein in crystal-ball legislation. Legislators must give careful consideration to how legislation would impact Hoosiers.
In a simpler word, they must exercise prudence.
© 2025 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.