Indy Standard

Marion County legislators have been appointed to serve on interim study committees, which will convene throughout the summer and fall to examine policy issues and collaborate on identifying solutions.

The legislators will gather testimony from the public, experts, and stakeholders as they develop bill recommendations for the upcoming budget session in January.

State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) has been named chair of the Interim Study Committee on Education. Additionally, he will serve on the Midwestern Higher Education Compact Commission, the Governor's Workforce Cabinet, and the Education Commission of the States.

"Hoosier students need a safe learning environment to thrive in school," Behning said. "Lawmakers will look at additional steps that could be taken to ensure students' safety, as well as what can be done to improve school attendance."

State Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) will join Behning as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Education. She is also appointed to the Commission on the Social Status of Black Males.

"Maintaining safe schools and regular attendance are crucial to students' success," McGuire stated. "To help them have a brighter future, we need to provide a safe and engaging learning environment and consider factors that are keeping them from regularly coming to school."

State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) has been designated chair of the Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary. He will also participate in several other committees: Corrections and Criminal Code, Probate Code Study Committee, Bail and Release Review Commission, and Indiana Uniform Law Commission.

"These discussions throughout the interim provide lawmakers opportunities to review a variety of proposed policies aimed at improving the procedure and functions of our court system," Jeter noted. "This summer and fall, our committee will review Indiana's homeowner association system, and explore ways to improve permanency outcomes for children in foster care."

State Rep. Mike Speedy (R-Indianapolis) has been assigned as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance.

The 2024 legislative interim study committee assignments for House members can be found online along with study committee topics. Committee hearings typically occur at the Statehouse in Indianapolis and can be viewed live online via iga.in.gov.