Sen. J.D. Ford

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 7) honoring Jeff Stant for his retirement from the Indiana Forest Alliance. It does not create new laws or affect policy; it simply expresses formal recognition of his service. The resolution was introduced by Senator Ford J.D. and passed unanimously by voice vote on January 21, 2025. It directly affects Jeff Stant by acknowledging his contributions through a formal legislative gesture.

Specifies that if a county adopts a resolution to authorize the circuit court clerk to establish a satellite office for a voter to cast an absentee ballot, the resolution must establish at least one satellite office for every 50,000 people that reside within the county.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 6) formally recognizes Young Men, Inc. for its public service contributions. It is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or direct impact on laws or individuals. The resolution was introduced by Senator Ford J.D. and unanimously adopted by voice vote on January 21, 2025. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to acknowledge the organization's work without altering any legal obligations or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors Joseph Olofson, a former Pike Township Fire Chief and Marion County Firefighter, for his service. It serves as a formal tribute from the Senate recognizing his contributions to public safety. The resolution does not create new laws or affect policies; it is a symbolic gesture of respect.

Maddy summarySB 163 establishes a social work licensure compact, allowing licensed social workers in participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. This compact directly affects licensed social workers seeking to work in multiple states and the state licensing boards that would recognize other states' credentials. The key mechanism is mutual recognition of licenses among states that adopt the compact, streamlining professional mobility. The bill does not change current licensing requirements within a single state but creates a framework for interstate practice. (Procedural bill; summary adheres to 1-2 sentence guideline.)

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 5) honoring Zionsville High School senior Chloe Montague-Himmell. It does not create new laws or affect policies; it is a symbolic gesture to recognize her achievements. The resolution was introduced by Senator Ford J.D. and unanimously adopted by voice vote on January 21, 2025. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond acknowledging the student's contributions.

Provides that not later than: (1) September 1, 2025, in the case of a state agency other than a state educational institution or a school corporation; (2) September 1, 2026, in the case of a state agency that is a state educational institution; or (3) September 1, 2027, in the case of a state agency that is a school corporation; a state agency shall partner with each nonprofit loan center (NLC) operating in Indiana to become a participating employer in the NLC's nonprofit loan center program (NLC program) by offering voluntary payroll deductions for eligible full-time employees to make payments toward the balance of a nonprofit loan center loan (NLC loan) made by a nonprofit loan center lender (NLC lender). Provides that after becoming a participating employer in an NLC program, a state agency shall allow an eligible employee to: (1) voluntarily request and establish payroll deductions for an NLC loan at any time; and (2) revoke the employee's authorization for payroll deductions for an NLC loan at any time; including any time that falls outside a designated open enrollment period for benefits. Defines an "NLC loan" as a loan that meets certain requirements with respect to the principal amount, loan term, finance charge, authorized fees, method of repayment, and other loan terms. Authorizes the state comptroller to authorize the electronic transfer of funds from the state treasury to a designated NLC lender in payment of an NLC loan on behalf of an eligible employee who has voluntarily given the state comptroller written authorization to make the transfer. Specifies that: (1) a loan made under the bill's provisions; or (2) a person that makes a loan under the bill's provisions; is subject to the requirements of the Uniform Consumer Credit Code chapter governing consumer loans. Provides that a depository institution may make a loan under the same terms and conditions that apply with respect to a nonprofit loan center loan to an employee of: (1) a state agency; or (2) any other employer; as long as the loan is made in compliance with any applicable law. Allows a wage assignment to be made for the purpose of making payment to a depository institution in repayment of a loan that is made to the employee by the depository institution under the same terms and conditions that apply with respect to an NLC loan. Authorizes the electronic transfer of funds from the state treasury on behalf of an employee of a state agency in payment of a loan made by a depository institution to the employee under the same terms and conditions that apply to an NLC loan.

Amends the statute that authorizes a water or wastewater utility, in the context of a general rate case, to establish a customer assistance program for qualified residential customers, to provide the same authority to energy utilities.

Maddy summarySB 531 prohibits schools from using corporal punishment on students, directly affecting K-12 students in public and private schools within the state. The bill allows school staff to use reasonable force only in specific situations, such as preventing immediate harm to students or others. It replaces previous allowances for physical discipline with a clear ban, except for necessary safety interventions. The bill was introduced by Senator Ford J.D. and referred to the Education Committee for review in January 2025.

Establishes the ballot tracking commission to review data concerning technology to track an absentee ballot using real-time tracking information. Provides that the commission expires June 30, 2026.