2017 INDIANA LEGISLATION
INDIANA LEGISLATIVE SPOTLIGHT
Along with our partners in the Indiana Reproductive Justice Coalition, Pro Choice South Bend is actively engaged in legislative activities at the state level.
Bills that could either positively or negatively impact Hoosier families are firmly under the umbrella of reproductive justice and deserve our attention.
Thanks to Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana and Kentucky for ongoing legislative updates.
HELPFUL LINKS & INFORMATION
BILLS WE SUPPORTED
SB9
SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND DRUG CONVICTIONs
Sponsors:
LAST STATUS:
FAILED IN COMMITTEE 3/6/2017 - Referred to the House Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs.
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SB154
asset limitation for snap eligibility
Sponsors:
CURRENT STATUS: ACTIVE
On 04/27/17 SB 154 became Public Law 207. This law will be in effect on July 1, 2017 and be implemented by January 1, 2018.
How did the General Assembly vote?
House Role Call
Senate Role Call
IMPLICATOINS OF THE LAW
Allows families increased financial security by raising the new maximum assets a family can have and still qualify for SNAP benefits to $5,000 from $2,250 - $3,250. Assets include bank accounts, cash, real estate (excluding home residence), personal property, and vehicles. This law could increase the number of children eligible for free or reduced lunch and free textbooks. Indiana is one of 14 states that has yet to eliminate SNAP asset limits.
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HB1278
CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION
Sponsors:
CURRENT STATUS: ACTIVE
On 04/10/2017 HB 1278 became Public Law 23. On or before December 31, 2018, the department of health must submit a report to the governor and general assembly outlining their plan to combat cervical cancer.
How did the General Assembly vote?
IMPLICATIONS OF THE LAW
Creates a taskforce to research ways to combat cervical cancer and charges states agencies to coordinate with each other and with researchers to reduce morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer.
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BILLS WE OPPOSED
HB1128
ABORTION MATTERS
(Concerning "reversible" medical abortions)
Sponsors:
LAST STATUS: FAILED IN COMMITTEE
After passing the House this bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. According to an article by Niki Kelly from the Journal Gazette, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Rodric Bray, chose “not to hear the legislation” for this legislative year.
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SB285
STUDY COMMITTEE
(Concerning law enforcement responses to protesters who block traffic)
Sponsor:
LAST STATUS: FAILED IN COMMITTEE
This bill passed the Senate on 02/28/2017 and was referred to the House on 03/01/2017 where it was then put in the Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedures.
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RULED UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND STRUCK DOWN BY THE 7TH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS ON 8/27/19:
SEA404
(FORMERLY SB404)
ABORTION, CHILD ABUSE, AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
(Concerning parental notification for minors seeking abortions)
Sponsors:
CURRENT STATUS: ACTIVE
How did the General Assembly vote?
IMPLICATIONS OF THE LAW
Restricts the rights of minors to seek abortion care and allows parents to seek civil damages against those who aid unemancipated pregnant minors in obtaining “unlawful” abortions. Rewire provides a clear overview of this TRAP law.
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