Senate Bill 582 passes through the Indiana House STATEHOUSE — Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) is pleased to see Senate Bill (SB) 582 pass through the Indiana House today with a vote of 84-8. SB 582 will allow the governing board of a county hospital, a municipal hospital, or private hospital to establish a hospital police department. “It is important that we do everything we can to insure Hoosiers safety,” said Rep. Morris. “Instead of having to wait on the police to arrive and take action, this legislation will allow for highly trained officers to be on the scene immediately if a situation should arise, creating a safer environment for all patients.” Currently, if an issue arises at a Hoosier hospital, hospital authorities are required to call 911 and wait for local responders. SB 582 would allow action to be taken immediately by trained hospital police officers, insuring hospital staff and patients are in a safe environment at all times. Indiana would become the 29th state in the nation that authorizes hospitals to recognize hospital police officers and permit hospitals to approve them. SB 582 was authored by Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn). Along with Rep. Morris, sponsors of the bill in the House were Rep. Kathy Heuer (R-Columbia City), Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne). “I will continue to promote ways to protect Hoosiers, especially when they are most vulnerable,” said Rep. Morris. |
