While I spend a large portion of the week in Indianapolis, it is important to juggle that with the need to also stay connected to our community and keep everyone up-to-date on the legislative proceedings.
With five weeks under our belt in the legislative session, we have already passed 56 bills through the House, so you can imagine how difficult it would be to share with you every bill we have discussed. However, today I would like to highlight a couple bills that are now making their way through the process.
One of those bills is House Bill (HB) 1338, legislation which I authored concerning safe driving practices near trash trucks. I will admit, we have all been in a situation where we are running late and get frustrated by having to slow down for these types of vehicles. It is easy to get wrapped up in your own commitments and think it is fine to simply zip around them. However, did you know that according to the Indiana Bureau of Labor, there have been four fatalities from accidents involving solid waste haulers and recycling trucks since 2011?
While four may not seem like a large number, that is four people who went to work like you and I do each day, but did not return home to their families that night. It is important for Hoosiers who have jobs in these fields to be able to safely remove waste and recyclables without fear of being hit by another vehicle. That is why I authored this bill making it a Class A infraction for a person who fails to make a lane change or slow their vehicle when approaching a stationary solid waste hauler that is giving a signal.
As a result of this legislation, if this failure to make a lane change or slow the vehicle results in damage to the property of another person, or in the injury or death of another person, an additional suspension of driving privileges will occur. HB 1338 passed the House unanimously on 3rd reading and will now go to the Senate for further consideration and debate.
Another bill I would like to share with you is HB 1065. This bill allows Hoosiers who have been diagnosed with a terminal disease or condition to try experimental drugs, biological products and devices.
It is important to note that these medicines will still have to clear basic safety tests, keeping not only the patient’s wishes, but also their safety in mind. Unfortunately, we have likely all experienced the loss of a loved one due to diseases such as cancer. I support this effort as a responsible way for Hoosiers to have access to non-toxic drugs, with the support of their doctors, when their lives are literally on the line.
As session continues, it is my goal to be a resource for our community, and I will continue to provide updates in the coming weeks. In addition, I hope you will continue to provide me your valuable input. One issue I would like your feedback on is HB 1609, which seeks to allow the State Board of Education to elect their own chair from the members of the State Board, rather than the Superintendent of Public Instruction automatically serving as the chair.
While many people have strong opinions about this, it is important that we look at these issues and determine how we can best serve Hoosier children. Ultimately, the legislature is constitutionally charged with overseeing education matters and these children and their education must be our number one priority. As parents, teachers and Hoosiers, I want to hear your thoughts on the best course of action.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at 317-234-9447 or email me at h33@iga.in.gov if you have any questions or comments regarding these bills or any other pertinent matters.
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