Laws strengthening Hamilton County & state take effect

By SCOTT BALDWIN
State Senator

As your state senator, I’m committed to making our state and Hamilton County communities stronger and even better places to live.

Several laws my colleagues and I worked to advance this year took effect at the start of this month. These efforts include laws to bolster local responses to mental health and substance abuse crises, improve our schools, strengthen public safety and support our first responders and veterans.

House Enrolled Act 1385, which I sponsored, created the Community Cares Initiative, a statewide grant program to help communities establish mobile crisis teams to respond to those experiencing mental health and addiction crises. This initiative is modeled after the innovative NobleACT program launched by Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen. Expanding it statewide will help Hoosiers across Indiana get increased access to care when and where they need it, better allocate public safety resources, and undoubtedly save lives.

Senate Enrolled Act 1, legislation I co-authored, aims to improve reading instruction in our schools. The law added reading proficiency requirements and increased targeted support to Hoosier students who are struggling with reading. With one-in-five of our third graders unable to read proficiently, this law will ensure all students gain this foundational skill and set them up for a successful future.

Senate Enrolled Act 5, a law I co-authored that took effect earlier this year, created a mechanism to help utility companies replace lead water pipes across the state quicker and more efficiently. These pipes pose a major health risk to Hoosiers, and there are still too many in service, which is why it’s critical they’re replaced as soon as possible.

House Enrolled Act 1142, which I sponsored, established the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor, an accolade that can be awarded to first responders who go above and beyond the call of duty in service to Hoosiers. And Senate Enrolled Act 49, another bill I co-authored, enabled certain disabled veterans to participate in Indiana’s free youth hunting days. As a former law enforcement officer and a U.S. Marine Corp veteran, I’ll always champion efforts to support our first responders and military members, both during their service and when they return home.

During the 2023 legislative session, I authored Senate Enrolled Act 3, which established the State and Local Tax Review Task Force. The task force continues to meet and discuss how to improve Indiana’s tax system, including looking for ways to reduce the burden of income taxes and property taxes on Hoosiers. The task force will submit recommendations to the General Assembly ahead of the 2025 legislative session. I look forward to seeing the task force’s recommendations and advancing policy to help Hoosiers keep more of their hard-earned money.

Stronger Hoosiers, stronger communities, and a stronger Indiana: that’s what I’ll continue to work toward as your state senator.

Please reach out to my office at indianasenaterepublicans.com/baldwin to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can do just that, together.