Clinical trial program, Roe amendment, defense caucus, Democratic Party elections

Indiana House Bill 1065 passed unanimously in the Senate Health and Provider Services Committee Thursday. The bill aims to create the Cancer Clinical Trial Participation Program, which would allow independent organizations, such as patient groups, corporations or government entities to cover additional costs for patients participating in clinical trials. 

Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis: “My family has experienced firsthand the devastating impact of cancer. My father, mother, and oldest brother all passed away from the disease in their early 50s. Among them, my mom fought the hardest, battling cancer for over five years and participating in a range of experimental treatments. Throughout this time, we repeatedly heard the urgent need for greater diversity in clinical trial participation, as well as the immense financial burdens that accompany it.

“I am optimistic that, with the continued bipartisan support, we will pass this crucial legislation and make a lasting difference for those who need it most. Having lived through this experience, I can say without a doubt that the relief this bill offers is not just necessary—it’s vital."

On Thursday, Rep. Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis, proposed an amendment to Senate Joint Resolution 21 that aimed to establish protections similar to Roe v. Wade in the U.S. Constitution. The amendment was voted down 26-56. 

Hamilton: “Today, I offered an amendment to restore comprehensive reproductive health care for women and girls. Two and a half years after Indiana passed a near-total abortion ban, we now know that this is hurting women, families and our state. We also know that 64% of Hoosiers support access to abortion. I offered this amendment on behalf of the majority of the state that supports this measure, and for all of the Hoosiers who fear for their own health or that of their daughters, granddaughters or any woman in their life. ...

“This ban is not family friendly. It is hurting Hoosiers. It is hurting our economy. It is hurting the future of our state. I will continue to do everything in my power to restore access to life-saving health care and privacy to Hoosier women and girls.” 

Rep. Stephen Bartels, R-Eckerty, has been named co-chair of the Indiana General Assembly’s defense caucus. The caucus is to focus on military base infrastructure, service member needs and expanding Indiana’s role in the defense industry.

Bartels: “This caucus will look at ways we can bolster our military bases, enhance their infrastructure and operations, and grow our defense industry. We also hope to address housing and other needs of Hoosier servicemembers to further support our military personnel."

Rep. Todd Huston, R-Fishers: "With his robust military background, Representative Bartels will help identify opportunities for Indiana to be an innovative leader in the defense sector, support our military and contribute to state and national security." 

The Indiana Democratic Party will hold leadership elections during its State Central Committee meeting on Saturday in Indianapolis. 

From the press release: “The Indiana Democratic Party will hold its quadrennial reorganization elections at its State Central Committee (SCC) meeting this Saturday, March 15 at 10:30 AM at IBEW 481 in Indianapolis.

“Candidates for Chair are as follows in alphabetical order by last name: Derek Camp, Valerie McCray, Karen Tallian, Darren Washington, and Destiny Wells. SCC members will also elect the next Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.”

Gov. Mike Braun signed Executive Orders 25-37 and 25-38, addressing environmental policy in Indiana, this week. Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend, expressed concern that the orders could limit Indiana’s ability to enact state-level environmental regulations and defer decision making to federal authorities. 

Bauer: “As the former state lead of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) and an advocate for environmental protections that safeguard the health of the public we serve, I express grave concern with Gov. Braun's executive orders. These directives aim to limit and undermine the ability of the Indiana General Assembly to enact laws and regulations that best serve our state and its residents.

“Environmental policy should be driven by science, not political agendas or fear of doing what is right. Gov. Braun's actions today align with the Trump administration's repeated efforts to slash funding and cut jobs at the EPA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Weakened federal protections disproportionately endanger communities already burdened by pollution while also jeopardizing key industries, such as agriculture and tourism, sectors that are vital to Indiana's economy and workforce. Sustainable economic growth relies on responsible environmental stewardship, not reckless deregulation.”

The Indiana House Committee on Elections and Apportionment reviewed two election-related bills on Wednesday. Senate Bill 10 would remove the ability of college students to use their official student ID to register to vote in Indiana. Senate Bill 287 would require school board candidates to declare a political party affiliation to appear on the ballot.

Lawmakers voiced concerns that Senate Bill 10 could discourage college students from voting by adding barriers to participation. They argued that Indiana already struggles with low voter turnout and that universities are reliable sources for verifying student residency. 

From a statement by ranking minority member Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond, Rep. Pat Boy, D-Michigan City, Rep. Sue Errington, D-Muncie, and Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis, who serve on the House Election Committee: “Today, people from across the state came to testify against Senate Bill 10 and the disenfranchisement of college students. Our institutions are trusted to determine if a student is an Indiana resident when they decide to charge them in-state or out-of-state tuition. Why are we suddenly deeming them an unreliable source for verifying residence?

“Indiana is one of the worst states when it comes to voter turnout. On both sides of the aisle, we agree that is it important to get our young people engaged in our democracy. Adding an additional barrier will inherently discourage college students from participating in elections that will directly impact them.” 

Audubon advocates gathered at the Indiana Statehouse for Audubon Great Lakes Advocacy Day to call for stronger conservation efforts to protect bird habitats. The event aimed to encourage long-term investment in Indiana’s natural resources. Governor Mike Braun also spoke at the event.

Marnie Urso, senior policy director for Audubon Great Lakes: “The loss of 3 billion birds in North America since 1970 is a warning we can't ignore. Birds rely on healthy natural spaces throughout Indiana to thrive. Indiana needs a greater investment in our state’s outdoor heritage and our natural resources, including our forests, streams, lakes, prairies, wetlands and wildlife habitat.”

Gov. Mike Braun, R-Indiana: “Everyone likes birds and other wildlife, and supporting their protection is the most bipartisan thing you can do. As Governor, I'll continue Indiana’s heritage of conservation that I stood for in the U.S. Senate. The once-threatened Purple Martin is now thriving due to the efforts of American bird conservationists. Thank you, Audubon Great Lakes, for your conservation efforts, and to Audubon members who traveled here today to share your love of birds.”

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, EmployIndy and Indy Parks launched the 2025 Project Indy summer jobs hiring season this week at Frederick Douglass Park. Project Indy connects young adults in Marion County with finding job opportunities.

From the press release: “Since the creation of the program by Mayor Hogsett in 2016, Project Indy has positively impacted thousands of young adults in Marion County by providing work experiences that increase their employability skills and the opportunity to explore new career fields. ...

“Open positions include lifeguards, cashiers, day camp counselors, and more, with on-the-spot offers available to job seekers. Youth can learn more and register ahead of time here.”

Foster Success provides financial education and basic needs assistance to older foster youth in Indiana, aiming to help them become self-sufficient. The organization states that many young adults who have experienced foster care face financial instability and mental health challenges, including PTSD, which can make it difficult to secure housing and employment. Its programs offer crisis support for issues like homelessness and transportation as well as financial literacy training. 

From the press release: “For many of Indiana’s 24,000 teens and young adults with lived experience in foster care, the road to self-sufficiency is filled with obstacles. PTSD and other mental health challenges often intersect with economic instability, making it difficult for young adults to find employment, maintain housing or meet their basic needs. Foster Success is working tirelessly to change this.

“Last year, Foster Success supported more than 1,100 young people—70 percent of whom reported being at or below the federal poverty level. By providing critical resources and assisting in overcoming financial challenges that lead to more stress, Foster Success is empowering the next generation to lead successful, independent lives.”

A group of bipartisan lawmakers, led by U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Indiana, has introduced legislation aimed at restoring retirement benefits for former Delphi employees. The proposed bill seeks to use the appreciated assets currently held by the Pension Benefits Guarantee Corporation to restore these benefits without adding to the federal budget.

From the press release: “In 2009, over twenty thousand salaried employees lost their full benefits due to the auto industry collapse and Delphi's bankruptcy. In July of 2009 a formerly fully funded pension plan was dissolved, and all assets were transferred to the Pension Benefits Guarantee Corporation (PBGC). Due to the Great Recession and crash of the financial markets, the fair market value of the assets at the time was not sufficient to cover pension liabilities and retiree benefits were reduced.”

Spartz: "This bill restores retirement benefits for thousands of hard-working Americans wronged by the politics of an auto-industry bailout in 2009 with no fiscal impact to the taxpayers. This issue has not been resolved for too long, and I appreciate the bipartisan support to finally bring justice for so many people around the country.”

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) and the National Weather Service are encouraging residents to prepare for severe weather during Severe Weather Preparedness Week, which runs March 9-15, 2025. 

From the press release: “Severe Weather Preparedness Week (March 9-15) is a time to remind and educate Hoosiers about the seasonal weather threats and how to effectively prepare for them. March 9-15 was declared Severe Weather Preparedness Week through a proclamation signed by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun.”

Mary Moran, IDHS Emergency Management and Preparedness director: “The time to figure out what to do during a tornado is not when tornado sirens are sounding off. Hoosiers need to have a tornado plan and practice that plan, so when weather turns, your family, coworkers and friends already know where to go and what to do.”

U.S. Sens. Todd Young and John Barrasso have introduced the Local Radio Freedom Act, stating that Congress should not impose new taxes or fees on locally owned radio stations. Several senators from both parties have co-sponsored the measure.

Young: "Locally owned radio stations are essential to keeping communities connected, informed, and safe. From providing local news and weather updates to delivering emergency alerts, this bill ensures that small businesses and families, particularly in rural areas, will continue to benefit from the invaluable service these stations provide.”

A coalition of Parkinson’s advocacy groups will gather at the Indiana Statehouse on March 18 for a rally aimed at raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease and advocating for a statewide anonymous registry to support research efforts. Various organizations dedicated to Parkinson’s support and research will present information about available services.

From the press release: “On Tuesday, March 18, the Indiana Parkinson’s Action Coalition (IPAC) will hold a rally at the Indiana Statehouse to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease and to urge legislators to create an anonymous statewide registry of cases to further research. State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) will be speaking at this event along with Gov. Mike Braun and Scott Newman, founder of Rock Steady Boxing.

“Parkinson’s Disease is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease in the United States, impacting an estimated 1 million people, with more than an estimated 90,000 new cases diagnosed each year. It is most prevalent in those ages 65 or older but can strike at any age.”

Public Advocates in Community re-Entry (PACE) is expanding its Breaking the Chains program with a new post-release workshop called Guidance for Post Support (GPS). This three-week program aims to help individuals transition back into society by addressing barriers to employment, financial stability, and social reintegration. 

PACE Executive Director Rhiannon Edwards: “This post-release program is designed to help reduce barriers to success after justice involvement. If we work with offenders both before release and after, they can gain the skills to get quality jobs and take care of their families and avoid going back into the justice system.” 

Program participant Griffie: “"Breaking the Chains and the GPS workshop have been very instrumental and helpful because they have taught me there are resources and organizations willing to help, but you have to take accountability for your life. You have to want that change. BTC and GPS have been a constant support to my re-entry, as well to others. PACE has shown me that if you take one step, they will take a step with you. To sum it up, BTC and GPS have given me tools to help me shift my thinking, behavior, and character. I now have a more positive attitude and outlook, and I feel more confident and motivated about the things I want to accomplish in my life. I am truly grateful to PACE and those who have walked beside me. I’m very thankful."

—Caleb Crockett