Rep. Vernon Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 32) is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Adopt-A-Block program. It directly recognizes the community service of this local environmental initiative and its volunteers. The resolution has no policy changes or funding provisions - it formally honors the program's milestone through a legislative declaration. (Coauthored by 18 representatives, adopted in first reading on March 24, 2025.)

Maddy summarySB 403 requires charter schools to provide access to their financial data under the same rules that apply to traditional local public schools. This directly affects charter schools by mandating transparency in their financial reporting. The bill extends existing requirements for local schools to share financial information with the public, ensuring charter schools follow the same standards. It does not create new financial obligations but applies current disclosure rules uniformly. The measure passed unanimously (49-0) in the House.

Maddy summaryHCR 27 is a symbolic resolution designating March 18, 2025, as "Indiana Senior Day" at the Indiana Statehouse. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group with policy changes; it simply recognizes seniors through a formal statehouse observance. The resolution has no funding requirements or regulatory mechanisms, as it is purely commemorative. This procedural bill has moved through initial readings but does not alter existing policies or obligations.

Maddy summaryHR 24 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Regional Care Group for its 50 years of community service. It does not create new policies, allocate funds, or affect any specific laws or individuals. The bill formally honors the organization's contributions through a congressional acknowledgment. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding legal effect beyond the recognition itself.

Maddy summaryHCR 12 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late State Senator Earline Rogers. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on constituents, as it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The resolution was introduced by Representative Smith V, cosponsored by several senators, and has moved through standard procedural steps in the legislature. This type of resolution does not create new laws or alter government functions.

Requires a public school to do the following: (1) Notify a parent of a student not later than 24 hours after the student makes an allegation that an employee of the public school engaged in misconduct. (2) If the public school determines that an allegation is unsubstantiated or otherwise dismissed, provide written notification to the employee and parent of the student not later than 14 days after the determination. Amends the definition of "bullying". Provides that certain discipline rules adopted by the governing body of a school corporation include timetables for reporting of bullying incidents to the parents of both the targeted student and the alleged perpetrator not later than one business day after the incident is reported. (Current law provides reporting of bullying incidents not later than five business days after the incident is reported.) Requires the governing body of a school corporation to: (1) require a school corporation to determine the severity of an incident of bullying and whether the incident may warrant transfer of the victim or the alleged perpetrator to another school in the school corporation; and (2) require a school corporation to approve the transfer of a victim or the alleged perpetrator of an act of bullying to another school in the school corporation under certain circumstances.

Maddy summaryHCR 25 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing April 2025 as Parkinson's Awareness Month and April 11, 2025, as World Parkinson's Day. It does not create new laws or policies, but formally acknowledges these observances through a joint statement by the legislature. The resolution directly affects no specific individuals or groups, as it serves only to highlight awareness efforts. This procedural bill has advanced through initial readings but holds no binding effect on government action or funding.

Defines "chronically absent". Requires the department of education (department) to do the following: (1) Create a list of best practices to reduce student discipline and chronic absenteeism. (2) Study and prepare a report regarding the basis for the categorization of certain suspensions and expulsions. (3) Establish a categorization framework to distinguish between excused and unexcused absences based on the reason for the absence. (4) Collect certain information regarding absences from school corporations and charter schools. (5) Prepare and post a report regarding the information on the department's website. Provides that the absence policy adopted by the governing body of a school corporation must provide for the categorization of excused and unexcused absences in accordance with the categorization framework established by the department. Allows a prosecuting attorney to conduct a meeting, collaborate, and make reasonable efforts to secure appropriate support services for a child and the child's family before filing an affidavit with regard to a violation of compulsory school attendance requirements. Requires a public school to hold an attendance conference not later than 10 instructional days (instead of five instructional days) after the student's fifth absence. Prohibits a public school from expelling or suspending a student solely because the student is chronically absent or a habitual truant.

Maddy summaryHCR 19 is a concurrent resolution honoring the late State Senator Jean Breaux. It formally recognizes her service and contributions to the state legislature. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals. The bill was introduced by Representative Pryor and has advanced through initial readings in both chambers. This type of resolution serves only to express legislative respect and remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a substantive bill. HR 14 formally recognizes the 14th Annual Bill Johnson Black Film Festival. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or people directly; it simply expresses congressional recognition of the event. The resolution was introduced by Representative Smith V and passed its first reading on February 13, 2025.