Sen. La Keisha Jackson

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution recognizes Tru Colors Indy for its work creating leadership opportunities for youth. It is a symbolic acknowledgment with no policy changes, funding, or legal effects. The resolution formally honors the organization's community impact through a ceremonial gesture. It was introduced by Senators Ford, Taylor, Qaddoura, Hunley, and Jackson and passed unanimously.

A SENATE RESOLUTION to honor Todd M. Duncan for his service and commitment to the skilled trades and SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation) Union.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 11) is a ceremonial concurrent resolution honoring Dr. Nikki Woodson for her service as Superintendent of Washington Township Schools upon her retirement. It does not create new laws or affect policies; it solely expresses legislative recognition through a formal resolution approved by both chambers. The resolution was coauthored by multiple representatives and passed first readings in both the House and Senate in early January 2025. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond acknowledging Dr. Woodson's retirement.

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.)

Beginning January 1, 2026, provides that from June 21 through September 23 (in addition to the period from December 1 through March 15, under current law) of any year, an electric or gas utility may not terminate residential electric or gas service for an individual who is eligible for and has applied for assistance from a home energy assistance program administered by the lieutenant governor. Amends the same section of the Indiana Code as follows: (1) Prohibits an electric, gas, or water utility from terminating service for any residential customer on any of the following days: (A) A Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. (B) A legal holiday. (C) Any day, or after noon on the day preceding any day, during which customer service representatives of the utility are not available to respond to customer inquiries during regular business hours. (2) Strikes a provision that authorizes the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) to establish a reasonable rate of interest that a utility may charge on the unpaid balance of a delinquent customer bill. (3) Prohibits an electric, gas, or water utility from charging or collecting a deposit or reconnection fee as a condition of, or in connection with, restoring service to a residential customer after a termination of service for nonpayment. Requires the IURC to amend, not later than December 31, 2025, its administrative rules as necessary to conform the rules to these provisions. Requires a utility to: (1) amend its residential tariffs as necessary to conform the tariffs to these provisions; and (2) file with the IURC a petition for approval of each amended tariff; not later than June 15, 2025. Requires a utility that: (1) is under the jurisdiction of the IURC for the approval of rates and charges; and (2) provides residential electric, natural gas, water, or wastewater utility service at retail to customers and low income customers in Indiana; to report to the IURC on a quarterly basis certain data concerning customer accounts and low income customer accounts. Provides that the first reports submitted to the IURC must include the required information with respect to the third calendar quarter of 2025. Provides that: (1) a utility shall report all required information in the aggregate and in a manner that does not identify individual customers and low income customers; and (2) the IURC may not require utilities to disclose confidential and proprietary business information without adequate protection of the information. Requires the IURC to adopt rules to implement these provisions. Provides that, beginning in 2026, the IURC shall annually compile and summarize the information received from utilities for the previous calendar year and include the summary in the IURC's annual report.

Requires that certain health care providers and hospitals ensure that a Medicaid recipient who gives birth schedules a follow-up appointment for postpartum care not later than 60 days from the date the woman gives birth.

Maddy summarySB 98 makes it legal to possess fentanyl test strips, removing them from the category of criminal offenses. This directly affects individuals who use drugs and harm reduction programs, as it allows them to safely test substances without fear of criminal penalties. The key provision is a clear statutory change stating that possessing these strips is not a crime. The bill, currently under review by the Corrections and Criminal Law committee, aims to support public health safety without involving criminal justice consequences.

Requires a person wishing to sell, trade, or transfer (transfer) a firearm to another person to transact the transfer through a dealer and provide the dealer with certain information. Specifies the background checks that a dealer must complete prior to the transaction. Permits a dealer to refuse to transact a firearm transfer. Requires a dealer to abort the transaction in other instances. Specifies requirements for a dealer who refuses to transact or aborts a firearm transfer. Makes a dealer immune from civil liability and damages in certain instances. Makes the offenses of firearm transfer fraud and the unlawful transfer of a firearm Level 6 felonies. Enhances both offenses in particular instances. Specifies exceptions and a defense. Requires a retail dealer to display a sign with language stating that failing to secure a firearm against unauthorized access poses a safety risk to children. Prohibits a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector from selling or delivering a: (1) firearm that is not a handgun to a person who is less than 21 years of age; or (2) semiautomatic assault weapon. Defines terms.

Provides that, for an individual who has received a property tax deduction available to certain veterans in a previous year, increases in assessed value that occur after December 31, 2025, are not considered for purposes of determining whether an individual is eligible to receive the deduction. Provides an additional tax deduction for a disabled veteran who rents a dwelling for use as the disabled veteran's principal place of residence.

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.