Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today signed into law the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (Senate Enrolled Act 11), which creates a savings program for Hoosiers to better provide for their loved ones with special needs by allowing them to save money for disability-related costs without placing other benefits at risk. The bill is aimed at easing the financial strain faced by an individual with disabilities by making tax-free savings accounts available to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing, health care and transportation. The ABLE Act was included on the Governor’s 2016 legislative agenda and championed by State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell and Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Carmel).

“Hoosiers with disabilities face enormous financial hurdles and planning for the future becomes a daunting task,” said Governor Pence. “Today as we sign the ABLE Act into law, we open a financial door for individuals with disabilities and empower them to save in a way that enables them to experience life to its fullest.”

“I’m grateful today for the partnership of Governor Pence, lawmakers, stakeholders, and advocacy organizations who helped bring this important bill to fruition,” said Treasurer Mitchell. “The ABLE Act will give Hoosiers with disabilities the tools to invest in a brighter future. I was honored to spearhead this legislation and am especially proud today as the Governor signs this bill into law.”

The bill creates ABLE accounts that will allow individuals and their families to create a tax advantaged savings account that can be used for certain disability related expenses, such as education, housing, health care, and employment training. These accounts are structured similar to a College Choice 529 Direct Savings Plan and will enable families and individuals to save for qualified expenses without risking their eligibility for other relied upon benefit programs, such as Social Security and Medicaid.

The ABLE Act passed the Indiana General Assembly this legislative session with unanimous, bipartisan support. The bill was signed into law in a public ceremony held in the rotunda of the Indiana Statehouse. A photo of the ceremony can be found attached.

Also Signs Bills Regarding Law Enforcement Matters

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today signed one of his agenda items to add human trafficking to the Child In Need of Services (CHINS) code to allow the Department of Child Services (DCS) to intervene and serve children who are victims of human trafficking. SEA 305 is authored by Sen. Randy Head (R – Logansport) and Sen. Patricia Miller (R – Indianapolis).

“The criminal enterprise of human trafficking takes advantage of victims who are often vulnerable kids,” said Governor Pence. “I’m pleased to sign Senate Enrolled Act 305 into law which will allow the Indiana Department of Child Services to intervene on behalf of victims and provide valuable services as we seek to protect Hoosiers from this grievous crime.”

The Governor also signed the following bills into law regarding law enforcement procedures.

HEA 1019– This act, authored by Rep. Kevin Mahan (R – Hartford City), establishes a procedure for the release of law enforcement recordings under the Public Records Law.

• SEA 357– This bill, authored by Sen. Carlin Yoder (R – Middlebury), Sen. Randy Head (R – Logansport) and Sen. Brent Steele (R – Bedford) defines child abuse and requires the Division of State Court Administration to create a registry of individuals convicted of a crime of child abuse.

Also Signs Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship Bill, Educator Background Checks Bill

Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today joined teachers and students at Eagle Elementary School in Zionsville to sign House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1395, which eliminates the ISTEP test, effective July 1, 2017. The bill, which was authored by Rep. Bob Behning (R – Indianapolis), also establishes a 23-member panel to study alternatives to ISTEP, and requires that members are appointed by May 1, 2016. The panel includes the Superintendent of Public Instruction and her four appointees, the Commissioner of Workforce Development, the Commissioner of Higher Education, the Chairperson of the Senate Education & Career Development Committee, the Chairperson of the House Education Committee, a member of the State Board of Education, five Governor’s appointments, four President Pro Tempore appointments and four Speaker of the House appointments.

“By signing House Enrolled Act 1395, we’re taking the first step toward eliminating ISTEP and ensuring that multiple perspectives are considered as Indiana develops its next iteration of assessment and accountability of our schools,” said Governor Pence. “I’m also grateful to sign into law bills that will help ensure students in Indiana receive an excellent education in a safe and nurturing environment, and that working teachers who take in additional responsibilities may receive recognition and compensation for their efforts.”

• HEA 1002 – This bill, authored by Speaker of the House Brian Bosma (R – Indianapolis), establishes the Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship Fund, which offers $7,500 scholarships to eligible candidates in the academic year beginning after June 30, 2017.
• HEA 1005 – This bill, authored by Rep. Dale DeVon (R – Granger), establishes the Career Pathways and Mentorship Program to provide for, in addition to base salary and other applicable supplements, differentiated pay for qualified teachers based on demonstrated effectiveness and additional responsibilities in advanced roles. In addition to several education items, this bill requires schools to disclose any knowledge of substantiated abuse or neglect incidents regarding a teacher.

In January, Governor Pence signed two education agenda bills in the rotunda of the Indiana Statehouse focused on supporting teachers and schools. The first, Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 200, authored by Sen. Dennis Kruse (R – Auburn), Sen. Luke Kenley (R – Noblesville), and Sen. Ryan Mishler (R – Bremen), holds schools harmless for their A-F accountability grade for the 2014-2015 year to accommodate the transition to more rigorous academic standards. The second, House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1003, authored by Rep. Robert Behning (R – Indianapolis), ensures that teacher bonuses and evaluations are not negatively impacted by the transition to a new test this year.

Photos from today’s bill signing can be found attached.