Bill Tracker 2024

The Indiana General Assembly commenced on January 8th, 2025. The Indiana Catholic Conference is actively involved in the following list of bills. As we continue to track more legislation, we will update this page.  

Universal School Choice 

This bill would remove the income cap on the current school voucher program. All families would be able to take the state’s budget allotted for their student(s) to go to public school and apply it to a non-public education tuition. The ICC supports this effort because it would give all parents the ability to choose the school or educational route that they believe is best for their children. The Church does not take lightly that parents are to be the primary educator of their children, thus our support for this bill’s effort has long been part of the ICC’s mission.  

SB11 Minor Access and Use of Social Media (Sen. Bohacek)  
This bill requires a social media operator to restrict a minor user's access to social media without first obtaining verifiable parental consent for the minor user. Defines a "minor user" as an individual who is less than 16 years of age. Additionally, there is a very similar companion bill authored in the House, HB1321. The ICC supports this bill because it would facilitate more parental participation in a youth’s online activity. Protecting children from online harm and their consequent effects on one’s well-being is a priority of the Church. To read the testimony we gave in support of this bill in committee click here.  
 
 HB1030 Repeal of the Death Penalty (Rep. Morris)  
This bill repeals the law concerning the imposition and execution of death sentences and makes conforming amendments. Specifies that if a person was sentenced to death and is awaiting execution of the death sentence, the person's death sentence is commuted to a sentence of life imprisonment without parole. Provides that when a defendant is charged with a murder for which the state seeks a sentence of life imprisonment without parole, the defendant may file a petition alleging that the defendant is an individual with an intellectual disability. Provides that if a defendant who is determined to be an individual with an intellectual disability is convicted of murder, the court may sentence the defendant only to a fixed term of imprisonment.  

HB1044 Dissolution of Human Remains (Rep. Genda) 

This bill would amend the definition of cremation to include alkaline hydrolysis as a means for the dissolution of human remains. Requires the state board of funeral and cemetery service to adopt rules governing the operation of alkaline hydrolysis facilities. Adds alkaline hydrolysis to statutes that allow for burial or cremation. The ICC will oppose this effort because the dissolution of human remains does not treat the deceased’s body in a dignified manner.  

HB1224 Driving Privilege Cards (Rep. Karickhoff) 

This bill provides that an individual who is an Indiana resident and cannot provide proof of identity and lawful status in the United States may apply for a driving privilege card to obtain driving privileges. This is another bill that the ICC has long supported. Allowing immigrants in our state the privilege of driving legally benefits all Hoosiers. There would be less hit and runs from these drivers and a larger number of insured drivers would decrease the rates for all drivers. This effort dignifies those persons who live and work in our state but are unable to obtain a driver’s license.  

 SB142 Eviction Issues (Sen. Brown) 

This bill provides that the court shall order an expungement in a qualifying eviction case automatically. (Under current law, the tenant is required to request the expungement.) Permits an expungement in an eviction case if: (1) a money judgment related to the eviction action is entered by the court against the tenant and the tenant has satisfied the money judgment; or (2) a judgment is entered by the court against the tenant and at least seven years have elapsed since the entry of the judgment. The ICC supports this bill because it gives relief for those Hoosiers who have suffered a prior eviction and hopes for more accessible stable housing in the future.