Indy Standard

House Speaker Todd Huston announced the legislative priorities of House Republicans for 2025, focusing on taxpayer protection, government efficiency, and empowering Indiana residents. Huston highlighted Indiana's strong fiscal position due to conservative leadership and emphasized the creation of a balanced state budget.

"Thanks to years of fiscally responsible, conservative leadership, Indiana is well-positioned to craft another balanced, two-year state budget that protects Hoosier taxpayers while making strategic investments for the future," Huston stated. He also noted efforts to reduce regulations and lower costs for residents.

The proposed agenda includes several bills aimed at various aspects of governance:

1. **Fiscal Responsibility and Government Efficiency**: The introduction of House Bill 1001 by Rep. Jeff Thompson aims for a balanced budget with key investments in education and infrastructure while safeguarding taxpayers. House Bill 1002 by Rep. Bob Behning seeks to reduce K-12 school regulations to enhance flexibility and local control.

2. **Cost Reduction and Service Improvement**: Transparency in healthcare pricing is targeted by House Bill 1003 from Rep. Brad Barrett, aiming to provide patients better access to information and treatment options. House Bill 1004 from Rep. Martin Carbaugh focuses on ensuring nonprofit hospitals function as intended.

3. **Energy Economy Needs**: To address energy costs while expanding generating capacity through small nuclear reactors (SMRs), House Bill 1007 has been proposed by Rep. Ed Soliday.

4. **Community Strengthening**: Public safety funding is addressed in House Bill 1006 by Rep. Chris Jeter, providing more investment for deputy prosecutors. Housing access improvements are targeted with the expansion of the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program under House Bill 1005 from Rep. Doug Miller.

Additionally, House Speaker Todd Huston introduced House Bill 1008 proposing an Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission following votes from Illinois counties expressing interest in joining Indiana due to its low-tax environment.

"We are proud of the work we've done in Indiana to grow our economy, cut taxes and run an efficient government," said Huston, citing Indiana's top rankings for business climate and tax conditions in the Midwest.

The legislative session will conclude by April 29th this year with further details available on iga.in.gov regarding legislation proposals and session activities.