Sen. Jeff Raatz

Establishes a new teacher appreciation grant program. Removes and repeals certain requirements concerning staff performance evaluations. Repeals the current teacher appreciation grant provisions. Makes conforming changes.

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.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the National FFA Organization and the Indiana FFA Association for exemplary work in the advancement of agricultural education in Indiana and across the country.

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.

A SENATE RESOLUTION to honor the West Baden Renewal Project for its efforts in restoring the West Baden (Colored) First Baptist Church in West Baden Springs, Indiana.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SCR 14), not a policy bill. It formally honors Bella Bauer, founder of the Purple Project, for her advocacy work supporting children and teens with epilepsy. The resolution expresses legislative recognition of her contributions but does not create any new laws or affect any policies or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SR 3) is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Jean Breaux. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals; it solely serves to memorialize her life and service. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Senate on February 6, 2025, with multiple senators as authors and coauthors. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legislative or regulatory impact.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 22) formally honors Asra Hussain through a symbolic gesture by the state legislature. It does not create new laws, impose obligations, or affect any specific group or policy. The resolution serves as a commemorative statement recognizing Asra Hussain's contributions or service, as determined by the legislators who sponsored it. (Note: Memorial resolutions like this are procedural and do not alter state law or impact constituents directly.)

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 18) is a ceremonial measure honoring Bonnie McNair and Lauren Hackert. It does not create new laws or affect policy; instead, it formally recognizes their contributions through a Senate resolution. The resolution was introduced by Senator Goode and adopted unanimously by voice vote on February 3, 2025, with broad bipartisan support from 40+ senators. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate Resolution (SR 2) honoring Senator Mark Messmer for his service in the Indiana Senate upon his retirement. It formally recognizes his contributions through a symbolic gesture adopted by the full Senate via voice vote on February 3, 2025. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a procedural acknowledgment of his retirement.