Pryor co-sponsored bill to reform eviction filing passes the House

Yesterday, April 8, the Indiana House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 142 which reforms state policy for filing evictions and sealing eviction records. This bill requires courts to order an expungement in cases that qualify and allows that action to be taken without a full hearing. In many cases, prior evictions stay on someone’s record and can be used by landlords to deny housing applications, even if the case has been resolved. Without this bill, the eviction expungement process can require large amounts of time and resources. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), co-sponsor of SB 142, issued the following statement: 

“Housing has become an increasing challenge for far too many Hoosiers. Eviction rates have skyrocketed, with some courts dealing with hundreds of eviction cases every day. Even for those who settle all debts, these evictions stay on your record and act as a barrier to securing housing in the future. 

“Requiring courts to seal eviction records in cases that have been resolved without the process of a full hearing will eliminate large amounts of time and resources for both the state and Hoosiers in this situation. Not only will this save the state money and help relieve chronically backlogged courts, but it will have significant impacts on the lives of struggling Hoosiers. I have heard stories from my constituents of apartment buildings giving families only a few hours to move out because of a facility issue in the dead of winter. If someone is waiting for their case to move through backlogged courts, having this mark on their record could be the difference between a new place to live and being on the streets. 

“There is no need to continuously penalize those who have satisfied their debt. This bill will free those who have settled their debts from having a scarlet letter on their housing applications. 

“Having a roof over your head is an essential human need. Access to reliable, safe and affordable shelter is something the state should strive to help all Hoosiers reach. I am so proud to have been a co-sponsor on this bill to remove this critical barrier to housing.” 

House Republicans pass bill to cut access to Medicaid, Bauer fights for vulnerable Hoosiers

Today, April 8, the Indiana House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 2, the Republican plan for Medicaid, by a vote of 66-28. The bill aims to slash participation in the Medicaid Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) program by increasing eligibility checks, establishing work requirements and limiting marketing for its services.

State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) released the following statement on the bill’s passage:

“I’m grateful that my amendment language to exempt full-time students from the proposed work and volunteer requirements was accepted in the Committee on Ways and Means. However, I remain deeply concerned about the sweeping authority this bill gives the Secretary of State to restrict advertising for HIP. When paired with political theater - like wearing a MAGA-style hat before a Senate committee - it starts to look less like a public health strategy and more like an attempt to advertise D.C.-style politics here in Indiana. Hoosiers deserve genuine support, not out-of-state playbooks.

“Advocates, including representatives from The Arc of Indiana and the Logan Center, voiced serious concerns and called for additional protections for individuals with disabilities - concerns that went unaddressed by the majority.

“This legislation poses significant risks that we must not overlook. There’s a persistent misconception that Medicaid enrollees are committing fraud. In reality, they are often the victims, not the perpetrators. Less than 0.1% of the money recovered from Medicaid fraud is attributed to Medicaid members themselves. Meanwhile, whistleblower lawsuits allege that managed care entities have defrauded the state for ‘tens, likely hundreds' of millions of dollars.

“Rather than address these systemic issues, SB 2 adds to the administrative burden already inflating Medicaid costs—costs that often exceed the actual cost of care. We must reduce inefficiencies, not create new barriers that prevent people from accessing health coverage.

“Instead of feeding into misguided provisions and focusing on real solutions that protect our most vulnerable Hoosiers, we should be building a stronger Medicaid program- not tearing it down.”

Jackson opposes bill to slash participation in Medicaid

Today, April 8, the Indiana House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 2, the Republican plan for Medicaid, by a vote of 66 to 28. The bill aims to slash participation in the Medicaid Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) program by increasing eligibility checks, establishing work requirements and limiting marketing for its services.

State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond) released the following statement in opposition of the bill:

“This bill will kick people off their health care for very little tangible savings to the state. The money saved by identifying the small amount of wrongdoing is far smaller than the administrative cost of conducting quarterly eligibility checks. The additional red tape will only lead to bureaucratic waste and increased costs. 

“Senate Bill 2 is pointing the finger at enrollees for Medicaid fraud when they account for less than 0.1% of money recovered from fraud. Enrollees are far more often the victims of administrative fraud, and yet they are the ones being punished. What is with the obsession with villainizing our vulnerable populations instead of holding the real perpetrators of fraud accountable? 

“Medicaid is notoriously confusing and stressful for people just trying to get by and stay healthy. Instead of clearing things up, this proposal creates boundaries to care by requiring people to prove their eligibility four times a year. For those working multiple jobs to make ends meet for their family, adding stacks of paperwork to the to-do list multiple times a year is unrealistic. 

“Under SB 2, individuals who win as little as $3,000 in the lottery would be stripped of their Medicaid coverage. This punishes low-income Hoosiers for winning a one-time sum of money.

“In my district, some doctors are only in the office a few times a week and cancellations are frequent. If your coverage is up in the air and you don’t know if you’ll be able to pay for the appointment, you may have to face further delay. This will only exacerbate wait times and risk people facing deteriorating health conditions. 

“As a state, we should be looking out for Hoosiers. Instead of increasing accessibility for those just trying to survive, SB 2 will cause people to lose coverage when nothing about their conditions or status has changed. This is not only illogical, but also cruel.”

Miller’s bill supporting small tobacco businesses passes the Senate

House Bill 1468, authored by State Rep. Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), passed through the Senate today and will head to the governor's desk following a concurrence vote in the House. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 41-8. The bill would allow tobacco vendors to obtain a three-year supplemental cigar sales certificate, allowing them to sell cigars at an event on a temporary basis.

“I am thrilled to see my legislation pass through the Senate. HB 1468 will help many small businesses that sell cigars across our state by allowing them to vend at public events. This legislation will ensure that our businesses are engaging with their communities and can promote their trade outside of their shops. 

“Passing this bill is a great step taken by the legislature to foster entrepreneurship in Indiana by promoting our small businesses. As a small business owner myself, I'm proud to fight for legislation that encourages entrepreneurship in our state.”

Harris bill to bring Professional Sports Development Commission to Northwest Indiana passes Senate

House Bill 1292, authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), passed through the Senate today by a vote of 46-2. The bill establishes the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission, with the goal of attracting professional sports franchises to Northwest Indiana. The bill now heads back to the House for a concurrence vote and will then head to Gov. Braun's desk to be signed into law.

Harris released the following statement upon the bill's passage in the Senate:

"Northwest Indiana has a unique opportunity for economic development. Capitalizing on The Region's proximity to Chicago by bringing professional sports teams here makes sense for all parties involved. This is a chance to bring great investments and jobs to our community, and we know that The Region offers a great base of operation and amazing fans for any sports franchise looking for a home.

"I am very grateful for all the hard work of everyone, in both parties, that had a hand in getting this bill through the legislature. This piece of legislation is evidence that when we reach across the aisle, we can accomplish great things for the people of our state. I am hopeful that the commission will be successful in attracting a professional sports franchise to our area, and we have already heard from several sports organizations interested in the possibility of calling Northwest Indiana 'home.'"

Shackleford amendments to SB 2 voted down by House Republicans, shifting $1 billion Medicaid shortfall onto Hoosiers

Yesterday, April 7, State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) presented a series of amendments to Senate Bill (SB) 2, “Medicaid matters,” a Republican-led proposal that would drastically limit participation in Indiana’s Medicaid program. SB 2 seeks to impose stricter eligibility checks, restrict enrollment based on budget constraints and impose work requirements on recipients.

Despite numerous Democratic efforts to improve the bill and mitigate its harmful impacts on Hoosiers, House Republicans voted down all of Shackleford’s amendments.

Amendment #2 aimed to raise the disqualification threshold for lottery winnings from $3,000 to $20,000. Under SB 2, individuals who win as little as $3,000 would lose Medicaid coverage, a policy Shackleford argued disproportionally punishes low-income Hoosiers for a one-time win.

Amendment #3 would have protected current HIP participants by “grandfathering” them into the program, ensuring future caps based solely on appropriations. It also suggested funding coverage for these individuals through a potential increase in the cigarette tax.

Amendment #4 would have removed new state-imposed work requirements from the bill and defaulted to existing federal Medicaid regulations.

Amendment #5 aimed to prevent unnecessary loss of coverage. This amendment sought to maintain the current annual redetermination process for Medicaid eligibility rather than moving to costly and burdensome monthly and quarterly checks. The proposed redetermination system in SB 2 increases administrative expenses while risking the removal of eligible Hoosiers from the system.

Amendment #6 aimed to clarify definitions of paid advertising and marketing to include communications funded by public or private dollars that are intended to solicit, promote, or encourage Medicaid enrollment. It explicitly exempted nonprofits, advocacy groups, and health care providers offering general information, education and outreach.

Shackleford released the following statement on her voted down amendments to SB 2:

“As much as the majority wants to say this bill cuts the red tape - it adds more of it, and Hoosiers will pay the price. We are sitting on a surplus, yet we’re choosing to kick people off Medicaid instead of addressing the real drivers of the shortfall, managed care entities and systemic fraud at the institutional level.

“Because of a few bad apples, this legislature is treating every Medicaid recipient like they’re abusing the system. That’s simply not true. Most are working, doing their best and just trying to survive. 

“This bill doesn’t save money - it shifts the blame and the burden onto vulnerable Hoosiers while letting those actually responsible off the hook. We should be making it easier for people to get care, not punishing them with red tape and false narratives.”

Pack passes amendment to protect Hoosier veterans from eviction

Monday, April 7, State Rep. Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) successfully amended Senate Bill 433 to protect Hoosier veterans from eviction by requiring courts to stay an eviction proceeding of a veteran who demonstrates that they have applied for housing assistance with the U.S. or Indiana Departments of Veterans Affairs. This comes after a devastating fire at an Indianapolis veteran shelter that displaced over 45 veterans. 

“I am so proud to have passed this critical protection for Hoosier veterans. After my own six years of active-duty military service, I found myself in a very difficult position like so many others. If this measure saves just one veteran from hardship, I will be satisfied. 

“Those who dedicated their careers and put their lives on the line for our state and our nation deserve the utmost support from the government. That includes making sure they have their most basic needs accounted for, like access to safe and reliable shelter. 

“This measure will save veterans who have been through so much for their country from the stress of eviction and facing homelessness. I want to thank my colleagues across the aisle for working with me to expand state support for our Hoosier heroes.

“Right now, instead of being treated like heroes, both federal and state governments are cutting programs that serve veterans. Earlier this month, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) announced that it is ending the program that provided families with emergency rental assistance to prevent evictions during the pandemic six months early. Instead of using all of the money allocated to help Hoosiers, we shut off the program and are giving the money back to the federal government. At a time when so many are struggling to keep a roof over their heads, the least we can do is make sure our Hoosier veterans are supported.” 

House Majority blocks Porter’s amendment to fulfill state’s promies to higher ed students

Today, April 7, the House majority blocked a vote on an amendment on Senate Bill 5 offered by Ranking Ways and Means Democrat, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis). The amendment would have allocated an additional $100 million to the Indiana Commission of Higher Education (CHE), allowing them to continue providing the promised amount of award money to college students. Last November, the CHE announced its plan to reduce the grant money students receive for the 2025–26 academic year and onward. This decision came after changes to the federal financial aid formula resulted in more Hoosier students qualifying for state financial aid. 

Porter released the following statement on his amendment:

“Since this change was announced in November, House Democrats have repeatedly requested that the Frank O’Bannon and the Freedom of Choice awards be adequately funded. I advocated for it in the State Budget Committee hearing on the CHE budget, and again earlier this session in our House budget, to no avail. Republicans in both chambers have made it abundantly clear that they have no interest in fulfilling their promises to our college students. 

“This shortfall in student assistance is expected to impact more than 30,000 students across the state, placing many low-income students in further financial turmoil. Around 6,000 Ivy Tech students, many of whom are pursuing technical or associate degrees that the majority have pushed, will be affected. Students in both public and private schools are expected to lose, at minimum, up to $500 each year in assistance.

“The House majority blocked my amendment, which would have provided an additional $100 million in residuals from INvestEd to the CHE to support our students. This one-time, contractual transfer would guarantee that students already in school continue to receive the funding they were promised. In the past, INvestEd has been required to use its residuals to fund government projects. There is no better time than now to shift these unneeded dollars to help our students in need of assistance. 

“We’ve seen college enrollment drop to 53% in the last five years. Cutting student awards will only further the low college attendance rate in Indiana. We must act now to ensure students can pursue higher education and receive the money they were promised.”

Campbell: ‘SB 1 puts our police, fire and public schools at risk’

Today, April 7, House Republicans passed their 368-page amendment to Senate Bill 1. The amendment encourages local governments to raise their local income tax rate, potentially balancing out any property tax relief homeowners may receive. Local governments' budgets will be affected, but the majority has yet to share just how much–even though House Ways and Means Committee members, including State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette), were asked to vote on the proposal today. 

Campbell released the following statement:  

“The latest version of SB 1 is a total mess. Our homeowners won't get the substantial property tax relief they need, and the amount they’ll receive varies. Some homeowners will get a $200 credit, while others may get $50 or $10. We’re putting our local governments' feet to the fire, funding relief from the local level. The state could provide every homeowner with real relief without harming local governments. This version will harm our local police, our local firefighters and our local schools. 

“I’ve heard from police and firefighters in West Lafayette. They’ve been outspoken about the likelihood of having to let go of staff and reduce their services. West Lafayette is a growing community, and our community wouldn’t have the money we need to expand our fire or police departments. People want to live in communities with ample services that are safe and upkept.

“Nobody likes paying taxes, but we pay them to provide for and better our communities. SB 1 would drastically defund our children in public schools, our local libraries, our parks and our public safety services. We can find the balance between government efficiency, relief for homeowners and fully funded local governments.”

DeLaney concerned about latest Republican property tax proposal

Today, Monday, April 7, the House Committee on Ways and Means discussed the latest version of the Republican property tax plan. 

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

“If the attempt was to thread the needle, we have stabbed ourselves in the thumb. Senate Bill 1 offers very little relief to individual taxpayers while leaving local governments in potential chaos. 

“The precise fiscal impact of this version of the bill has not been released. House Republicans in Ways and Means decided to move full steam ahead.

“This latest proposal seems to do little to address the damage these funding cuts may do to public schools, police departments, fire services, road funding and other local services. The constraints will be the greatest on growing communities. There will also be a shift in financial burden from manufacturing to retail operations. 

“This is one of the reasons that I have serious questions on what this bill will do to our ability to meet our current bond obligation and obtain bonds at reasonable rates in the future.”

Garcia Wilburn offers cost-saving amendment to Medicaid bill

Today, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) offered an amendment to Senate Bill 2 to lower costs for Indiana's Medicaid program without compromising Hoosiers' access to health care.

Garcia Wilburn's amendment would have prevented the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) from hiring a third party to verify eligibility for Medicaid's Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). In 2007, Indiana's third-party contract with IBM to privatize and automate welfare program applications resulted in millions of lost state dollars and delayed services for Hoosiers in need.

The amendment was rejected by the majority.

Garcia Wilburn released the following statement:

 "I am disappointed that the House did not join me in learning from our state's past mistakes today. As FSSA Director Mitch Roob shared earlier this year with the State Budget Committee, 'Twenty years from now, when I leave, my goal would be to make Medicaid boring again. To take it off the front pages, to take it off your top concern.'

"My amendment to SB 2 would have 'made Medicaid boring again' – we don't want another IBM fiasco in which the state is in headline after headline for a third-party company it's contracted with mishandling our Medicaid eligibility verifications. FSSA should handle this in-house, where they can control how the work is getting done and ensure it's happening in a timely manner, especially when we are increasing the number of eligibility checks each HIP enrollee has to undergo from once a year to four times a year. Who's to say we won't contract with another company that botches the job, thus costing taxpayers money and keeping Hoosiers from their health care?

"The Hoosiers who rely upon HIP deserve reliable and consistent service, and taxpayers deserve to know that their hard-earned money is being spent well. I have serious concerns that SB 2 will get in the way of this. Regardless, I will continue looking for ways to improve health care in our state and continue to offer common-sense solutions on the House floor."

Burton opposes SB 289 in Judiciary committee, speaks against institutions ‘Being forced to comply out of fear’

Today, April 7, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) voted to oppose Senate Bill (SB) 289 in the House Judiciary Committee. SB 289 passed, with amendments, 7-3 out of committee.

Burton released the following statement on SB 289:

“This is a budget year, and instead of investing in education, we’re watching our institutions be bullied into silence. SB 289 is more than bad policy — it’s a direct threat to academic freedom and our students’ futures. The communities and campuses most affected by this legislation weren’t even given a voice.

“They’re being forced to comply out of fear — fear of losing critical federal funding meant to support education, not control it. We cannot afford to let ideology dictate policy, especially when it puts our future at risk.”

SB 289 now moves to the full House for further consideration. Burton will be presenting further amendments addressing equitable access to education for all Hoosiers.