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By Mathew Norris, Krieg DeVault
The 2023 legislative session of the Indiana General Assembly began this week, with the House of Representatives releasing seven bill file lists and the Senate releasing six. This session is a long session and must adjourn by Saturday, April 29, 2023.
The bill filing deadline for the House was Thursday. Below are upcoming deadlines for the House:
- Tuesday, February 21: Committee Report deadline
- Thursday, February 23: 2nd reading deadline
- Monday, February 27: 3rd reading deadline
The bill filing deadline for the Senate was Friday. Below are upcoming deadlines for the Senate:
- Thursday, February 23: Committee Report deadline
- Monday, February 27: 2nd reading deadline
- Tuesday, February 28: 3rd reading deadline
THIS WEEK
State of the State
Governor Eric Holcomb delivered the annual State of the State address on Tuesday evening. He spoke about increasing the state’s spending in public health and education while continuing to maintain healthy reserves and pay down the state’s debts. The Governor touted $22 billion in committed capital invested in 2022, with $7.2 billion of that coming from overseas. In addition, the state ranks number one in GDP growth compared to surrounding states. Highlighting public health concerns in Indiana such as smoking, obesity, and life expectancy, Holcomb called for a significant increase to the state’s public health appropriations. The Governor focused much of his remarks on making the case for budget proposals he announced to the State Budget Committee the week prior.
State of the Judiciary
Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush delivered the State of the Judiciary address on Wednesday afternoon. She focused on the courts’ connection to economic development efforts. “The sooner a person can get before a judge and resolve differences and settle disputes, the sooner they can get back to their families and back to work. The same is true for businesses; the labels for efficiency and fairness are paramount in fostering a safe community and strong economy” Rush said. Also highlighted were problem-solving courts, which are designed to take a different approach to individuals’ needs like veterans’ issues, mental health, and addiction. Currently 30 counties lack these specialized courts, but Chief Justice Rush promised “there are more to come.” She called attention to the new statewide jail management system, INJail, that is being created in partnership with the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, which she described as a “revolutionary tool” in a letter written last month to the State Budget Committee in which she asked for an additional $2 million for court technology upgrades.
Governor’s Budget Presentation
Governor Holcomb unveiled his 2023 Next Level Agenda last week, seeking $5.5 billion in increased spending on education, economic development, and public health. Below are some of the main priorities outlined:
- An 8% increase in K-12 tuition support
- $500 million for another round of the READI grant program to drive economic development projects in communities across the state
- Expansion of eligibility for the On My Way Pre-K program to families earning up to 138% of federal poverty limit
- Completion of the 92-county rollout of My Healthy Baby program
- An 8% increase in higher education funding
- Raising the starting salary of Indiana State Police and other agency law enforcement officers to $70,000
- $50 million to broaden Indiana’s network of trails and $25 million for land conservation
Additionally, the Governor is calling for the legislature to eliminate textbook and curriculum fees for all students in public and charter schools. He also called for Indiana’s average annual teacher pay to be increased to $60,000 before his term is over.
Senate Republicans Agenda
Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) and other top Republicans revealed their caucus’ agenda on Monday. Health care issues are the main priority this session–particularly expanding access to behavioral health care and lowering costs. Three of those major health-related bills are being carried by Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso), who chairs the Senate Health and Provider Services committee. Separately, Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle), chair of the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy committee, is looking to establish the State and Local Tax Review Commission to study the practicality of eliminating the individual state income tax. In addition, Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) has proposed an amendment to the Indiana Constitution that will allow judges to deny bail if the accused “clearly poses a substantial risk to the public.”
You can access more information about the Senate Republican agenda, including bills, here.
House Republicans Agenda
Speaker of the House Todd Huston (R-Fishers) laid out the House Republican Caucus agenda on Thursday. Top priorities for the 2023 session include education, health care costs, and energy. To address Indiana’s workforce needs, the Republican caucus seeks to provide more apprenticeship and internship opportunities for students. In an effort to lower health care costs, House Republicans have proposed bills they say will increase competition in the provider and insurance space by requiring more transparency of prices.
You can access more information about the House Republican agenda, including bills, here.
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