Thank you Marin, kate mosher, Amy, and many others for tuning into our live video! Join us for our next live video in the app.
MADVoters Bill Tracker: https://www.madvoters.org/bill-tracker
To Submit Testimony: tinyurl.com/mv-testimony
Donate to MADVoters: https://www.madvoters.org/donate-here
HoosLeft’s Scott Aaron Rogers and Jessica Bunch from MAD Voters discussed the Indiana Statehouse’s recent activities. MAD Voters tracks legislation, with key bills including House Bill 1021 on firearm storage, House Bill 1073 on rape kit backlogs, and Senate Bill 79 on data center transparency. They highlighted the urgency of contacting legislators, especially during the last week of committee hearings. Bills like House Bill 1423, which reduces IPS school board power, and House Bill 1176, allowing charter schools to bypass regulations, were also discussed. The session emphasized the importance of public engagement to influence legislative outcomes.
Introduction and Overview of MAD Voters
Scott Aaron Rogers introduces Jessica Bunch from MAD Voters and the purpose of the meeting.
Jessica explains that MAD Voters is a local, volunteer-powered nonprofit focused on civic engagement and progressive policies.
Jessica explains that MAD Voters is a local, volunteer-powered nonprofit focused on civic engagement and progressive policies.
Jessica emphasizes the importance of reading every bill and amendment to understand legislative actions.
Impact of Sped-Up Legislative Session
Jessica discusses the sped-up legislative session, attributing it to the time wasted on the failed redistricting bill in December.
The session started in January, making the legislators a month behind schedule.
The session is expected to end in mid-February instead of mid-March, compressing the timeline for committee hearings and floor votes.
Jessica highlights the importance of the last week for committee hearings and the urgency of contacting legislators.
Committee Process and Public Testimony
Jessica explains the significance of committee hearings, where real work on bills is done, and public testimony is allowed.
Committees are crucial for adding amendments and hearing expert testimony.
The chair of the committee has significant influence over which bills are heard and can stop a bill by never scheduling a hearing.
MAD Voters provides tools for contacting legislators and submitting written testimony to ensure public voices are heard.
High-Priority Bills and Legislative Actions
Jessica highlights House Bill 1021, which aims to reduce unintentional firearm deaths by promoting safe storage.
House Bill 1073 addresses the backlog of rape kits, ensuring timely processing and justice for victims.
Senate Bill 79 focuses on transparency around data centers, including their impact on local communities and tax abatements.
Jessica encourages contacting committee chairs and legislators to support or oppose these bills.
Bills Moving Forward and Legislative Priorities
House Bill 1423 aims to reduce the governing power of the IPS school board, raising concerns about public education.
House Bill 1176 allows charter schools to be exempt from regulations and sell public school buildings to private entities.
House Bill 1002 focuses on utility affordability, aiming to prevent utility companies from raising rates.
House Bill 1001 addresses housing affordability by streamlining the approval process and reducing local regulatory barriers.
Opposed Bills and Legislative Threats
Senate Bill 88 mandates conservative religious instructions in schools, including the display of the 10 Commandments.
Senate Bill 182 targets trans, intersex, and non-binary Hoosiers by defining sex and gender based on biological characteristics.
Senate Bill 236 criminalizes receiving or mailing abortion pills, impacting access to reproductive health care.
Senate Bill 285 criminalizes homelessness by making camping on public grounds a crime, affecting vulnerable populations.
Call to Action and Final Remarks
Jessica urges the public to use the MAD Voters bill tracker to find their legislators and contact them.
MAD Voters provides a Tiny URL for submitting written testimony, ensuring public voices are heard.
Jessica emphasizes the importance of public pressure in influencing legislative actions.
Scott and Jessica conclude by encouraging viewers to support MAD Voters and the Progressive Indiana Network to amplify their voices.
MADVoters Bill Tracker: https://www.madvoters.org/bill-tracker
To Submit Testimony: tinyurl.com/mv-testimony
Donate to MADVoters: https://www.madvoters.org/donate-here
