Editor’s note: The following releases were sent to MuncieJournal.com from local legislators this week.
House approves Prescott’s legislation to strengthen immigration laws
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2025) – The Indiana House passed State Rep. J.D. Prescott’s (R-Union City) legislation to clarify the enforcement of federal immigration laws by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The legislation would ensure that governmental bodies and postsecondary institutions adhere to immigration detainer requests and provides additional tools for compliance and enforcement.
House Bill 1531 would include provisions that require governmental bodies to comply with immigration detainer requests, inform individuals of their detention status and provide specific records related to those requests. The bill would also establish immunity for governmental bodies or employees acting in compliance with such detainers and outlines penalties for non-compliance, including potential withholding of state funding.
“Ensuring that Indiana is fully cooperating with federal immigration enforcement is crucial to protecting our communities,” Prescott said. “This bill would strengthen our commitment to upholding federal immigration laws while providing clear support and protections for local officials and law enforcement. I am proud to see this important legislation progress to the Senate.”
Additionally, the bill would mandate that judges report individuals convicted of felonies or misdemeanors to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and introduces penalties for employers knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.
House Bill 1531 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
State Rep. Rowray’s legislation to expand child care assistance for foster families heads to Senate
STATEHOUSE – The Indiana House passed State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray’s (R-Yorktown) legislation to expand eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program and offer additional support for foster families.
House Bill 1248 would make households with a foster parent eligible for CCDF assistance, regardless of the number of biological children in the home, if they meet income eligibility requirements.
“I’m proud to see the House support this bill as it would be a big step forward to ensure foster families receive needed assistance,” Rowray said. “By expanding CCDF eligibility, we are helping to ease the financial burden of child care and allow foster parents to focus more on providing a stable and loving environment for the children in their care.”
According to a report by Sevita, there are over 11,000 Hoosier children available for adoption but only 4,500 foster homes currently available. Additionally, with inflation affecting child care costs, many families are struggling to afford these services for their biological children, leaving less ability for them to provide foster children a loving home. Rowray said her legislation would exempt foster families from additional eligibility requirements for CCDF vouchers that apply to non-foster families to give them equal access.
Rowray encourages all constituents to share their thoughts and input on this legislation by visiting her website at in.gov/h35 or calling 317-232-9748.
House Bill 1248 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
Rep. Prescott to continue focus on school board elections through Senate Bill 287
Below is a statement from State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) regarding his decision to shift focus from House Bill 1230 to Senate Bill 287, which addresses school board elections and compensation.
STATEHOUSE – “Ensuring transparency and fairness in school board elections is an important issue for our communities and state. After careful consideration, I have decided to table House Bill 1230 and instead focus on working with my Senate colleagues to advance Senate Bill 287. This legislation takes a comprehensive approach to aligning school board elections with other local elections and updating board member compensation to better reflect their responsibilities. I am committed to working with colleagues in both chambers to get this important legislation enacted,” said State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City).
House Bill 1230 will no longer be pursued, while Senate Bill 287 will continue to move through the legislative process. Rep. Prescott is the House sponsor for SB 287. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
ERRINGTON’S HB 1297 PASSES UNANIMOUSLY OUT OF THE HOUSE, MOVES TO THE SENATE
HB 1297 establishes the Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Medical Information Program
STATEHOUSE—State Rep. Sue Errington’s (D-Muncie) House Bill 1297 passed unanimously out of the House. The bill creates a voluntary Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Medical Information Program, designed to provide first responders with vital medical information during automobile accidents. The program includes a yellow decal for the vehicle’s rear window and an envelope with medical details to be kept in the glove compartment.
Errington released the following statement on the bill’s passage:
“The Yellow Dot Program is a life-saving initiative that helps first responders access critical medical information quickly, especially when accident victims are unable to provide it themselves. The program is already active in 22 other states, offering added benefit for Hoosiers traveling out of state.
“I want to thank the constituent in my district with Parkinson’s Disease who brought this idea to my attention, as well as our dedicated first responders who serve as heroes in our communities.
“While this program will primarily benefit older residents, it’s designed for individuals of all ages, both healthy and those with medical conditions.”
As HB 1297 heads to the Senate, Errington expressed her hopes for continued bipartisan support to improve the lives of Hoosiers and support first responders in their critical work.
The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration. To follow HB 1297, click here.
