STATEHOUSE (April 14, 2021) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff's (R-Kokomo) bill to help Indiana car manufacturers prepare to develop electric vehicles could soon be law.
Karickhoff, author of House Enrolled Act 1168, said this legislation comes as General Motors recently announced plans to have 30 new electric vehicle options for consumers by 2025.
"It's clear electric vehicles are going to be more commonplace in the coming years, and our workforce and developers need to be ready to pivot their operations in order to keep Indiana's automotive powerhouse thriving and maintain the jobs held by thousands of hard-working Hoosiers," Karickhoff said. "This legislation is a proactive step to ensure our state continues to be a national leader in this key industry."
HEA 1168 would establish a commission made up of individuals appointed by the governor and legislators that would be responsible for assessing Indiana's capability and workforce to produce electric vehicles and identify training needs to help manufacturers transition into churning out this new technology. State Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo), a sponsor of the bill, said this group would also be responsible for determining how the industry could build upon its existing infrastructure and workforce to adapt to these changes.
"This is an exciting piece of legislation, especially with the way our automotive industry is trending with regard to electric-powered vehicles," Buck said. "I'm pleased to see HEA 1168 receive strong support in the General Assembly, and I look forward to the positive impacts it will have on Hoosier manufacturers and workers."
According to Karickhoff, this legislation received support from the United Autoworkers Union, Stellantis North America, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, General Motors, and Zef Energy and Battery Innovation Center.
For more information about HEA 1168, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
State Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo) represents Senate District 21,
which includes Howard and Tipton counties as well as portions of Clinton, Grant and Hamilton counties
