Several proposals and reports at the Indiana Statehouse this session are drawing attention to public safety, health care, and education policy.
A recent report on hospital finances warns that many Indiana hospitals remain under financial strain. Indiana Public Broadcating reports the analysis shows a significant number of hospitals operating at a loss, raising concerns about long-term stability and access to care, particularly in rural areas. Hospital leaders say reimbursement rates and policy changes continue to pressure already thin margins, according to Indiana Public Broadcasting.
Lawmakers are also debating a bill that would expand the governor’s authority to deploy the Indiana National Guard. Supporters say the measure is designed to clarify the governor’s powers during emergencies and other situations requiring Guard assistance. The Indiana Capital Chronicle reports opponents have raised concerns about oversight and the scope of executive authority. The proposal advanced following extended debate, according to Indiana Public Broadcasting.
Another bill moving through the legislature would require the Indiana Department of Child Services to conduct an in-person visit before closing certain child abuse or neglect cases. The proposal follows a case in Indianapolis involving the death of a child, where relatives alleged complaints were dismissed without a face-to-face check. Indiana Public Broadcasting reports lawmakers backing the bill say an in-person assessment is necessary to ensure a child’s safety before a case is closed.
Education policy is also under discussion with a revised bill addressing the Ten Commandments in public schools. The measure would allow teachers and principals to post the Ten Commandments and require a copy to be kept in school libraries, but it would prohibit teachers from reading the text aloud to students.
Bill author Representative Michelle Davis said she believes the Ten Commandments can offer guidance to students and said she continues to support the bill despite changes to its original language.
“We have a lot of violence going on, I work in an education system, so we have a lot of kids who don’t understand authority, who don’t respect authority, so I feel like this is a good start to help them understand personal responsibility,” Davis said.
Opponents argue the proposal could make some students feel excluded. Reverend Tim McNinch told Indiana Public Broadcasting the measure sends the wrong message to families who practice different faiths or none at all.
“It signals that real Hoosiers are religious and are Christian, and that those who opt to be unreligious or belong to different faiths are less valued in our state,” McNinch said.
The Ten Commandments bill now heads to the full Indiana House for consideration.
