Bauer on amendment to redefine PFAS chemicals in SB 277

Today, Feb. 11, in the House Environmental Affairs Committee, language regarding “forever chemicals” was added into Senate Bill 277 by Chairman Baird.

The language derives from Sen. Baldwin’s introduced SB 237, which defines “PFAS chemicals” and “state prioritized PFAS chemicals.” Additionally, the amendment would prohibit the Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) from basing a decision primarily on federal risk values that have not been put into effect through federal rulemaking.

State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) raised concerns about the amendment, emphasizing that Indiana must move forward with PFAS policy in a way that strengthens, not limits, protections for public health.

Bauer released the following statement:

“PFAS contamination is already impacting communities across Indiana. I am concerned that Amendment 27, redefining PFAS chemicals, could restrict how our state responds to emerging science and evolving federal guidance. Hoosiers deserve policies that prioritize health and safety first, not language that may delay or weaken our ability to act when credible risk information becomes available.

"During today's committee, we heard over two hours of testimony from the public; however, each comment was restricted to two minutes per individual on a bill that exceeds 150 pages. It's also important to note that some of the world's most renowned PFAS scientists live here in Indiana, and they have been outspoken in this amendment.

"PFAS are persistent chemicals that remain in our environment for generations. Addressing them requires flexibility, transparency and a commitment to science-driven decision-making. I will continue advocating for policies that give Indiana the strongest possible tools to protect drinking water, safeguard public health and respond quickly to contamination.

"We can no longer turn a blind eye to these chemicals. We must correct our approach before it's too late."

The amendment changing the definition of PFAS passed 6-5 in committee.

Bauer continues to support bipartisan efforts to address PFAS contamination through science-based standards, transparency and proactive public health protections.

Smith supportive of school cell phone ban, believes conducive to learning

Today, the House Committee on Education passed Senate Bill 78. Under SB 78, Indiana’s school cell phone ban would prohibit the use of a cell phone, smartwatch or another wireless device for the entire school day. There are exceptions for emergencies, students with disabilities and multilingual learners who need translation tools. Under current law, cell phones are only banned during instructional time. 

“I fully support this bill that seeks to help our students,” Smith said. “The state of Indiana has a duty to provide its children with the best education possible. We have a duty to ensure our teachers can do their jobs successfully. Wireless devices are a significant hindrance to both.” 

Rep. Smith was one of the first state legislators to strive to manage the use of devices for K-12 students. In 1994, Smith passed House Enrolled Act 1202, which prohibited the use of pagers and handheld telephones during school hours. The bill was repealed in 1995, as part of a rewrite of Indiana’s school discipline statutes.

“I saw how disruptive devices were during my time as a principal,” Smith said. “Students weren’t paying attention in class. They weren’t interacting as much during lunch or passing periods. That’s why I first tried to manage this issue in 1994. Since then, the problems snowballed with smartphones and social media.

“Around 72% of U.S. teachers say cell phones are a major problem. By prohibiting devices, we encourage students to focus more on their studies, listen to their teachers and interact with their peers. Studies show that Florida’s all-day cell phone ban significantly improved test scores and reduced the number of unexcused absences. 

“This is also about more than academics. Social media use is linked to an increase in anxiety, depression and cyberbullying. I hope students learn to set boundaries on their social media use, so they can live their lives fully, not through a screen. 

“We can all benefit from less time on our phones, especially our children, whose young minds are still forming.” 

Errington honored with resolution on House floor

On Feb. 10, State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) was honored in the House, with House Resolution 24, for her years of service in improving the lives of Hoosiers. Errington, first elected to the State Senate in 2006, and later to the House of Representatives in 2012, will retire at the conclusion of her term this November.

During her time in office, Errington focused on strengthening public health and safety, supporting families and ensuring communities have the tools they need to respond to emergencies. Most recently, she led efforts to create Indiana’s Yellow Dot Program, a measure designed to give first responders quick access to critical medical information during emergencies. The legislation reflects her longstanding commitment to practical, people-centered solutions.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement on Errington’s years of service and impact:

“Sue leads with heart. She has always put people first and never lost sight of why she came to the Statehouse, which is to serve her community with compassion and purpose. Working alongside Sue has meant seeing firsthand how deeply she cares about the families she represents and how committed she is to finding solutions that truly help Hoosiers. Her work, especially on programs like Yellow Dot, reflects her belief that government should protect and support people in their most vulnerable moments. She will be missed in the legislature, but her dedication to Muncie and this state will continue long after her time in office. Our caucus and the people of Indiana are stronger because of her service, and we wish her the best in her retirement."

Errington reflected on her decision and her years representing Muncie and surrounding communities in the following statement:

“Serving the people of Muncie has been one of the greatest honors of my life. When I first stepped into public service, I believed government should work for people in ways that are practical, compassionate and rooted in real everyday needs. That belief guided every decision I made, and it is something I will carry with me long after this chapter ends.

"Over the years, I've had the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues, advocates and community members who never stopped fighting for a better Indiana. Even in difficult moments, I have always been inspired by the resilience, kindness and determination of Hoosiers. Those relationships and shared efforts are what I will cherish most.

"Last legislative session, I authored House Enrolled Act 1297 to establish Indiana’s Yellow Dot Program. That work is especially meaningful to me because it shows how thoughtful policy can protect people when they are at their most vulnerable. Knowing this program will help first responders act quickly and safely gives me tremendous pride, and it represents the kind of people-centered solutions I have always tried to pursue.

"As I step away from elected office, I am also looking forward to spending more time with my family, who have supported me throughout this journey. Their encouragement and sacrifice made my service possible, and I am grateful to spend more time with them as I enter this next chapter of my life.

"While I am retiring from elected office, I am not stepping away from service. Muncie is my home, and my commitment to this community remains as strong as ever. I will continue to be an advocate, a listener and a resource for the people who trusted me to serve them. Public service does not stop with a title. It lives in how we support one another and work together to strengthen our communities.

"To the people of Muncie and to Hoosiers across Indiana, thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives and your stories. I encourage anyone who needs help or guidance to continue reaching out. I look forward to staying engaged, giving back and supporting the work that keeps our community moving forward."

Bauer’s amendment affirming marriage equality blocked in House

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) offered an amendment on the House floor to Senate Bill 76, that would have affirmed that no governmental body may deny, restrict or interfere with the right to marry based on race, color, ethnicity or national origin. The amendment was blocked on the House floor.

The amendment followed recent committee testimony entered into the legislative record in which a representative of the Mass Deportation Coalition argued that immigration changes the nation’s demographics and culture and described the “mixing of populations” as harmful, questioning the underlying intent of SB 76.

Bauer released the following statement:

“Today I offered an amendment to make clear that Indiana will not return to eras defined by exclusion and discrimination. Hearing testimony that framed immigration and the ‘mixing of populations’ as something harmful was appalling, and it is deeply concerning that rhetoric rooted in fear and division continues to surface in 2026.

“When language questions who belongs based on race or background, lawmakers have a responsibility to respond. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law. Marriage rights are not conditional or cultural. They are constitutional. By codifying this amendment into Indiana code, we would have ensured that no government body in Indiana could deny that right based on race, ethnicity or national origin.

“Moments like this require clarity. Silence risks allowing harmful ideas to go unchallenged. Indiana should stand firmly for equal protection, dignity and the principle that discrimination has no place in our laws or in this chamber. Hate will not get the last word.”

Jackson passes amendment to allow ICE detainees to challenge their detainment

Today, Feb. 10, the Indiana House of Representatives adopted Amendment 19 to Senate Bill 76. The amendment, authored by State Rep. Carolyn B. Jackson (D-Indianapolis), would allow U.S. citizens detained by ICE to challenge their detainment. Jackson also offered an amendment to allow detainees to seek damages up to $10,000 for wrongful detainment, but that amendment was rejected by a vote of 31-63.

Jackson released the following statement on the acceptance of Amendment 19:

“I’m very proud that Amendment 19 was adopted to give U.S. citizens recourse if they are wrongfully detained by ICE. We’ve already seen many wrongful ICE detainments across the nation, and we need to do everything we can to ensure that Hoosiers don’t fall victim to that kind of government overreach. This amendment is a necessary step toward that goal. 

“While I’m glad that my colleagues have accepted Amendment 19, I’m disappointed that my other amendment was not adopted. Amendment 37 would have allowed those wrongfully detained to seek financial damages for the time they spent in custody. Being wrongfully detained or misidentified can come with significant financial loss if someone is forced to miss work. People deserve to be able to seek compensation if they are detained unlawfully simply because of their appearance, accent or skin color. SB 76 is a dangerous piece of legislation, and all my amendments would have ensured fairer treatment for all Hoosiers in the face of its provisions.”

Republicans defeat effort to protect law enforcement undue liability

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Mitch Gore (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment to Senate Bill 76 to protect local law enforcement officers from being put into situations where they are detaining individuals longer than is legal. The amendment failed by a vote of 34-61. 

Gore, a high-ranking sheriff's deputy, issued the following statement:

“This amendment is about keeping our officers, sheriffs, and jail staff out of hot water—legally, operationally, and financially. Senate Bill 76 ties release decisions to being able to present a passport or a U.S. birth certificate. That may sound simple on paper, but in the real world of policing and jail operations, it creates serious problems. 

“Many people are here in this country legally but are not citizens—green card holders, visa holders, refugees, asylees. Under the current bill language, those individuals could be held longer than legally justified simply because they don’t have a passport or birth certificate in their pocket when they’re arrested. That doesn’t make sense.

“We ask a lot of our law enforcement officers. The least we can do is make sure the laws we pass don’t set them up for failure. This will protect the men and women wearing the badge from being put in an impossible position—forced to choose between releasing someone improperly or holding someone unlawfully.

“My amendment would have fixed that by replacing a citizenship test with a lawful-status standard, which is how federal law actually works. It also removes an artificially narrow list of documents that would otherwise force jails to hold people solely because of missing paperwork.

“Indiana’s police chiefs and sheriffs were supportive of this measure to protect our public safety agencies. I am deeply disappointed that my Republican colleagues chose not to listen to the law enforcement officers who serve their communities."

DeLaney amendments to protect Hoosiers from harmful provisions in ICE bill rejected

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Ed DeLaney offered a series of amendments to Senate Bill 76 to make hospital police, university police and school resource officers exempt from coordinating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain people suspected of being in the country illegally. The amendments were all rejected. 

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

“School resource officers should not be expected to grab children out of classrooms. Campus police officers should not be forced to snatch students on their way to a lecture. Officers protecting hospitals should not be tasked with detaining people seeking health care. This is an outrageous overreach of government that puts local law enforcement in impossible positions. We ought to show our respect for local law enforcement, but forcing a task upon police that is offensive to the people they serve is not respect. 

“These amendments would simply protect peace in places that are meant to be sanctuaries. Unfortunately, chaos and violence seem to be prevailing.”

Additionally, DeLaney offered an amendment that would require violent criminals to serve their sentence in Indiana before being deported to another country. That amendment was defeated. 

“It is against Hoosier values to allow violent criminals to walk free in their country of origin. If someone commits a violent crime against my neighbor, I want them to be held accountable and serve their sentence in the State of Indiana, not shirk responsibility when they get deported. Victims of violent crimes deserve no less.” 

Harris amendment to support businesses rejected by supermajority

Today, Indiana House Republicans rejected an amendment to Senate Bill 76, offered by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago). The amendment would have removed a provision that would have penalized employers for having undocumented workers on their payroll. It was voted down by a vote of 41-55.

Harris issued the following statement following the vote:

"Indiana's economy thrives on small businesses, manufacturing and agriculture. It is imperative that we prevent any action that could penalize entrepreneurs and employers for hiring reliable workers to help them operate. The employer provision in this bill could jeopardize not only small businesses throughout the state, but Indiana's fiscal stability and long-term economic growth.

"If more legislators really cared about our economy and workforce, they would have passed this amendment to protect employers, workers and our vital institutions from overreach."

Dant Chesser thanks Mayor Moore for his public service

State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser (D-Jeffersonville) released the following statement congratulating Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore on his retirement: 

“Mayor Moore has made a lasting impact on Jeffersonville. His career has been defined by vision, common-sense policies and unprecedented economic growth. Mike and I worked together extensively to create high-quality jobs in our community. He has been a key partner in ensuring that residents benefit from the ripple effects of economic development. 

“While we didn’t always agree on policy, I always knew where he stood and that his interests were firmly rooted in the betterment of Jeffersonville. We have, and hopefully always will, communicate through our concerns to collaborate. 

“I am grateful for his leadership and for the many years he’s dedicated to our community. I wish him a wonderful retirement full of time with his family and growing grandchildren.” 

Porter passes amendment increasing financial transparency at Miami Correctional Facility

Today, Feb. 10, State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) successfully amended Senate Bill 76. Porter’s amendment requires the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) to report how much money was spent or made from its 287(g) agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The report must include information about the $15.79 million allocated for the detention center at Miami Correctional Facility. 

Porter released the following statement: 

“This is about fiscal oversight and transparency. Republicans opened the budget and gave the IDOC $15.8 million for a detention center. That money could have been spent on the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) or the other waiver waitlists. We need an update on how that money is being spent, especially since it’s in partnership with ICE. 

“We’re watching ICE violate people’s constitutional rights on the national news. Every dollar the state spends on that organization needs oversight. I don’t want this to be like the IEDC, where Republicans give millions away and have no interest in following the paper trail.

“To me, the most frightening thing is that the state could profit from this agreement. The state is relying on the number of detainees and the per diem rate for reimbursement. It’s an incentive to lock up as many people as possible to get as much money as possible. 

“We have a responsibility to be good fiscal stewards with taxpayers' money. I’m grateful Republicans chose transparency today.” 

DeLaney inspired by student advocacy

Over the last few weeks, students across the Indianapolis area have acted to protest violence committed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minnesota.

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis), a member of the education committee,  issued the following statement:

“Throughout American history, students have been exercising their First Amendment right to be at the forefront of peacefully protesting to bring about social change. I appreciate that young Hoosiers are engaged in issues of consequence to their generation. These Hoosier students have the right to use their voice to stand against the injustice being wrought against our immigrant communities by ICE, particularly when ICE impacts our schools.  

“It is not the place of the school to stymie student expression, but study is important. I urge students and school administration to collaborate to minimize academic disruption while students continue to pursue these complex topics. This is an opportunity to find creative solutions that encourage civil discourse and civic engagement amongst this upcoming generation. Let’s use this opportunity. 

“I am inspired by the student activism I have seen from high schoolers in my district and throughout the state. Young people being this engaged is worthy of applause, not scolding.”

Op-Ed: Fear does not equal good policy

Title: Fear does not equal good policy

By: Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville)

Word Count: 615

The Indiana General Assembly should be focused on solving real problems for Hoosiers, not fighting proxy battles for the federal government. Yet political divisiveness remains convenient, and too often it blinds lawmakers to what actually serves Indiana’s best interests. We are sent to Indianapolis to be the voice of reason for our communities, not to chase headlines or rehearse national talking points.

Right now, immigration has become the centerpiece of a misguided state agenda that wrongly paints our neighbors as a drain on taxpayers and a burden on public services. That framing leans on fear and exclusion instead of facts. Immigrants are part of why communities across Indiana are growing, working and moving forward.

Does implementing aggressive state immigration policies solve anything? No. It fractures families, disrupts communities and distracts us from meaningful reform.

Immigration touches nearly every corner of our economy - health care, manufacturing, agriculture and construction, to name a few. These industries rely on real people doing real work that keeps Indiana running. Yet we continue to debate policies that treat human beings as statistics or political leverage instead of neighbors deserving dignity.

Legislative decisions driven by fear, misinformation or national rhetoric do not strengthen our state. They shatter families. They deepen mistrust. And, they move us further away from practical solutions.

Let me be clear: there is a better way to approach immigration policy without being cruel, irrational or disruptive. Senate Bill 76 is political messaging disguised as reform. It inserts Indiana into a complicated federal system without offering meaningful solutions. At the same time, it suggests that our law enforcement agencies are somehow failing in their duties. That is a disservice to the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe.

There has been no comprehensive economic study evaluating how SB 76 would affect Indiana. That matters. We should understand how immigrant workers contribute to our workforce and tax base, but we must also recognize that their value extends far beyond economics. These are families, neighbors and community members. They deserve to be treated with dignity, not reduced to talking points.

Meanwhile, Indiana is still owed an undisclosed amount of federal funding for housing detainees at the Miami Correctional Facility. Hoosiers are footing the bill while Washington delays reimbursement. That is a serious fiscal issue, yet it receives far less attention than political theater.

All of this is happening while families across Indiana struggle with child care costs, housing affordability and access to health care. People are losing faith in government - yes, even at the state level - because they see energy poured into symbolic fights while everyday needs go unmet.

We are trying to renovate a house built on a cracked foundation. If we keep patching around the edges instead of addressing the system as a whole, the damage will only spread. Immigration reform requires thoughtful, comprehensive action at the federal level, not piecemeal state measures that divide communities and strain resources.

Indiana should be competing to improve quality of life, strengthen our workforce and support families - not racing toward policies that create fear, instability and resentment. When people come here to work, raise families and contribute to our communities, they are pursuing the same promise that built this country. The message should not be: the American Dream for me, but not for you.

I am fighting for every Hoosier because Indiana is our home. My responsibility is to protect the people who live, work and build their lives here. All of them. We can take a step back, reject harmful distractions, and pursue real, actionable solutions that strengthen our communities instead of dividing them.

That is the work Hoosiers deserve.