Indy Standard

The Indiana General Assembly is progressing through the second half of its 2025 legislative session. This phase involves the House of Representatives examining bills passed by the Senate, while the Senate considers legislation approved by the House.

House Republicans have prioritized several bills for this session, focusing on taxpayer protection, government efficiency, and empowering residents. Out of 689 filed House bills, 179 have moved to the Senate. Over 90% of these bills had bipartisan support, with 53% passing unanimously.

A member of the House Ways & Means Committee highlighted involvement in crafting the state budget bill. The proposed budget in House Bill 1001 aims to protect taxpayers while funding essential areas like education and public safety. It includes a plan to continue reducing income tax rates over two years and increases K-12 education funding by more than 4% over two years. The budget also proposes removing income limits for Choice Scholarships and funds Career Scholarship Accounts for work-based learning opportunities. Additionally, it seeks to enhance public safety by creating a public prosecution fund for county prosecutors and expanding infrastructure support for housing projects.

House Bill 1002 aims to reduce regulations on K-12 schools to provide more flexibility and local control over educational decisions. This bill intends to cut down on bureaucracy so teachers can focus more on educating students rather than managing extensive reporting requirements.

Another significant proposal is House Bill 1064, which mandates that starting July 2025, cash payment options be available at school extracurricular activities or events. This bill also seeks to amend language regarding school athletic transfers in Indiana Code, offering student-athletes more choices about their schooling. It would empower the Indiana High School Athletic Association with rule-making authority concerning transfers.

The legislative session must conclude by April 29. Lawmakers are prepared to review Senate bills in this period while continuing their representation efforts for constituents of House District 54. Constituents are encouraged to engage with questions via phone at 317-232-9850 or online at in.gov/h54.

For updates on these and other legislative processes, visit iga.in.gov.