As you read this article, the second part of the session is complete and it is now conference committee time until the statutory conclusion date, April 29. During this time, conference committees meet to work out differences between House and Senate versions of the same bill that will then be voted on by both bodies. This period can be confusing for anyone trying to track specific bills. Do not hesitate to call and ask about any bills that interest you.
A variety of bills, spanning many topics, were considered this session. Indiana is a diverse state that presents a wide range of issues to be addressed. One piece of legislation we have recently studied is a joint resolution on the right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife. Indiana has a rich heritage of hunting and fishing, and the General Assembly recognizes the value of preserving that heritage for future generations. The resolution provides that Hoosiers have a right to hunt, fish and harvest wildlife (including using traditional methods) as long as they follow existing state laws. This approach is an effective way to both preserve our heritage and promote wildlife conservation and management in our state. Once passed, the resolution will appear on the next general election ballot for Hoosiers to vote on whether the right to hunt and fish should be added to Indiana’s Constitution.
Another initiative we have considered this session is funding for domestic violence prevention. The House proposed budget doubles Indiana’s appropriation for prevention and treatment. In the past, many people have been turned away from Indiana shelters because of overcrowding and lack of funds. It can be very difficult for victims to get out of abusive situations for many reasons, including fear, guilt and shame. If someone overcomes these and other barriers and gathers the courage to seek help, our goal is to ensure they are never denied the assistance they need. Doubling Indiana’s funding for domestic violence prevention will go a long way toward providing help to those in abusive and unhealthy situations.
Each year, Speaker Bosma chooses a charity organization for the General Assembly to support throughout session. This year he chose the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which provides services and assistance to those suffering from domestic abuse. ICADV is just one of many organizations in Indiana that serve some of our most vulnerable citizens.
Some bills have already been signed by the governor. Most bills go into effect on July 1, but House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1065 was a special case and went into effect immediately. The bill, called Right to Try, allows patients with terminal diseases to receive medical treatments that are nonconventional or experimental to address their illnesses. The treatments must pass phase one of FDA approval before they can be used, and they must be recommended to the patient by their physician. Because this law has the potential for live-saving results, it went into effect immediately. The sooner some of these patients can access the treatments they need, the better it is for all of us. You see what I mean about the wide range of legislation we pass? It is a privilege to be involved in so many areas of Hoosier life and be able to contribute to the hope and healing of others through some of the legislation we pass.
On a more personal note, the repairs continue after our lightning strike. The pump, furnace, computer, TVs, garage door openers, electronic components, light switches and, oh yes, the two windows are all in some process of repair. It is not a one-stop shop: all these categories of personal property require a specific repairman. We are fortunate to have an electrician capable of doing a meggering test on our entire house. What is a meggering test? It is an insulation resistance test. It is intended to test existing wiring for safety purposes and to avoid a total rewire if proven unnecessary. The insurance company made it very clear that this time and labor consuming test was very necessary to ensure our safety and our home. Our company has been very cooperative, especially after the photos and the adjustors report.
The community continues to grieve for Curt Mills. His funeral was April 13 and he leaves many who loved him and will miss him.
Stay in touch. It is your government.
More later,
Bill Friend
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Rep. Bill Friend represents portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties. He also serves as Speaker Pro Tempore.
