STATEHOUSE (Dec. 16, 2024) – Southern Indiana legislators recently received appointments to serve on key House standing committees at the Statehouse.
House standing committee appointments are made by the Indiana House Speaker biennially after the November election and are in effect for the duration of members' two-year terms. State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) was reappointed as chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, and will serve as a member of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee and the House Public Policy Committee.
"As a veteran, I am always looking to continue our efforts to help Hoosier service members with a successful transition from active duty to civilian life, as well as helping all veterans," Bartels said. "One of my top priorities is working with Gov.-elect Braun to establish an office of school safety under the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. I will also continue to reduce government and make our agencies more efficient. It is an honor to be reappointed as chair and I look forward to increasing public safety and supporting law enforcement in the upcoming session."
State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) was reappointed as chair of the House Statutory Committee on Ethics, and will serve as a member of the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee and the House Local Government Committee.
"Legislators need to be held to the highest ethical standards with the trust voters have placed in us," Engleman said. "We will continue to promote transparency and make sure we all remain accountable."
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) will serve as a member of the House Financial Institutions Committee, House Public Policy Committee and the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. Lucas said committees are responsible for vetting bills, including hearing public testimony and considering amendments.
"Indiana owes so much to our veterans and public safety officials who keep our local communities safe," Lucas said. "In this upcoming session, I look forward to joining my peers at the Statehouse to review different ways we can further support our police officers, firefighters, emergency medical service providers and other vital Hoosiers."
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) was reappointed as chair of the House Local Government Committee, and will serve as a member of the House Financial Institutions Committee and the House Roads and Transportation Committee.
"Local government plays a huge role in the lives of everyday Hoosiers," May said. "We need to continue ensuring the state is working with municipalities to provide the most effective use of Hoosier taxpayer dollars."
House lawmakers are scheduled to convene at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 8 for the first day of the 2025 legislative session. Hoosiers can visit iga.in.gov to find legislation, view calendars, and watch committee meetings and session.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
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State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes all of Harrison County, and portions of Clark, Floyd and Washington counties.
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State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
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State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,
which includes all of Lawrence County, and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.
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