Baldwin’s legislation to strengthen health care competition & public safety ceremonially signed by governor

Submitted by Office of State Sen. Scott Baldwin

Legislation authored by State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) to strengthen health care competition, establish a counter drone framework, and modernize judicial security in Indiana was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Braun on Tuesday, April 14.

Senate Enrolled Act 189 builds on the federal No Surprises Act of 2021 by triggering a good-faith conference between parties to negotiate a reimbursement agreement instead of conducting an Independent Dispute Resolution case, which will avoid delays in medical care and increased costs. SEA 189 also expedites care by prohibiting insurers from charging a fee for out-of-network care, which allows health care employers to provide care based on patient need and clinician expertise.

“Health insurance companies often use their power to force health care providers to use specific health insurance carriers, which often delays care that Hoosiers need in a timely manner,” Baldwin said. “Senate Enrolled Act 189 will alleviate these burdens and enhance competitiveness within Indiana’s health care marketplace.”

To address the threat of drones, Senate Enrolled Act 227 creates a federally compliant framework to allow law enforcement throughout the state to detect and respond to unauthorized drones only when federal law permits. The law also designates the Indiana State Police as the coordinating agency that sets training and approval standards and provides oversight and liability protections.

To strengthen judicial security, Senate Enrolled Act 291 repeals the existing Supreme Court Sheriff safety model and replaces it with a dedicated Supreme Court Marshal. The Court of Appeals would also be allowed to create their own marshal system, which would provide security for the Court of Appeals and Tax Court. These marshals will have multiple tasks, including protecting justices, judges, court staff, facilities, and judicial residencies. SEA 291 provides marshals limited police power while on duty, which permits them to carry weapons, temporarily detain individuals to address security threats, and have access to law enforcement intelligence like criminal history records and threat assessments.

“As the risks to public safety continue to change, keeping Hoosiers safe is always a top priority for me,” Baldwin said. “Senate Enrolled Act 227 ensures Indiana is prepared to respond to the threats drones present to large public events, airports and critical infrastructure, and Senate Enrolled Act 291 ensures judges can do their job without fear of intimidation and preventing tragic shootings like the one involving Judge Steve Meyer and his wife at their home.”

State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) represents Senate District 20, which includes Noblesville, Carmel, Cicero and unincorporated areas of Hamilton County.