Halftime Report
The Indiana House Republican 2015 Legislative Agenda focuses on the state’s budget, education, ethics and public safety. Below is an update on our agenda bills at the mid-session point.
HB 1001: State Budget
House Republicans remain accountable to taxpayers by creating a state 
budget that protects taxpayer dollars, maximizes funding for education, enhances public safety and maintains a stable fiscal environment. The budget has passed out of the House and moves to the Senate. Ways and Means Chairman Tim Brown outlines the priorities of the budget here.
HB 1002: Ethics Reform
HB 1002 focuses on increasing transparency by strengthening reporting requirements and disclosure of conflicts of interest. Authored by Speaker Bosma, HB 1002Â passed through the House unanimously.
HB 1003: Redistricting Study Committee
HB 1003 is a bipartisan bill that studies the process to how the legislative districts are created in Indiana. The bill establishes a twelve person committee composed of appointments by the two House leaders and two Senate leaders. HB 1003 passed through the House unanimously.
HB 1004: Safety P.I.N. (Protecting Indiana’s Newborns)Â
HB 1004 creates a grant program to combat infant mortality in Indiana. By incentivizing private and public organizations to develop innovative plans, the Safety P.I.N. program will create tangible results that protect newborns. Â HB 1004 passed out of the House unanimously.
HB 1005: Teacher Tax Credit
Putting more dollars into the classroom is a priority for the Indiana House Republicans. HB 1005 will provide teachers with a $200 tax credit for purchases of classroom supplies. The bill passed through the House unanimously. Watch this video to learn more:
HB 1006: Criminal Justice Funding
HB 1006 aims to reduce recidivism in Indiana. The bill helps communities develop correctional programs and alternatives to incarceration. HB 1006 unanimously passed through the House.
HB 1007: Domestic Violence Prevention Funding
Domestic violence prevention is a top priority for House Republicans. To combat this issue, HB 1007 doubles the funding in the state budget for domestic violence prevention, treatment and support of victims throughout the state. HB 1007 was inserted into the budget bill in committee.
HB 1008: Election Reform
HB 1008 extends the amount of time that a candidate who drops off the ballot can be replaced, assuring those elected will actually serve. The bill also makes it easier for Indiana communities to utilize vote centers. The bill has passed out of the House.
HB 1009: Freedom to Teach
Teachers know what works best for their students. HB 1009 allows teachers to teach and schools to operate with less regulatory interference. Freedom to Teach programs will also allow teachers rated effective and highly effective to be paid more. HB 1009 passed out of the House and now moves to the Senate.
HB 1010: Connect2Help 2-1-1
Last year, the 2-1-1 help line assisted 626,000 Hoosiers in need of community assistance. HB 1010 adds domestic violence and infant mortality to the list of items Hoosiers can receive information and references for. The bill passed through the House unanimously.
