Indiana Black Legislative Caucus announces ‘Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds’ 2025 agenda focus. (Photo Provided by IBLC)
The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) has announced its 2025 legislative agenda, prioritizing measures that address the health, safety, and well-being of Black communities across the state. The caucus’s agenda includes a comprehensive set of bills designed to enhance healthcare access, support mental health, protect vulnerable populations, and strengthen economic stability for individuals and families.
Health and Wellness Initiatives
The 2025 agenda places significant emphasis on both physical and mental health. Key initiatives include:
Voluntary Family Leave Insurance Program (SB 29) – Proposed by Senator Lonnie Randolph, this bill aims to create a voluntary family leave program to offer paid benefits to employees who need to take time off to care for family members. This bill is designed to ensure financial security for families during times of need.
Coverage for Living Organ Donors (SB 111) – Senator Andrea Hunley’s bill seeks to prohibit discrimination by insurance companies against individuals who are living organ donors, ensuring fair treatment in life, disability, and long-term care insurance policies.
Postpartum Care for New Mothers (SB 192) – Senator La Keisha Jackson’s bill would extend Medicaid coverage for postpartum care, including the option for long-acting reversible contraceptives. This bill also mandates follow-up postpartum care appointments, emphasizing the need for ongoing maternal health support.
Mental Health Support for Law Enforcement (HB 1199) – Representative John L. Bartlett has introduced legislation to provide law enforcement officers with mental health professionals during crisis interventions. This measure aims to ensure better outcomes for those involved in law enforcement encounters, particularly during mental health crises.
Repayment of Medical School Loans (HB 1068) – Representative Earl L. Harris Jr.’s bill establishes a medical school loan forgiveness program aimed at attracting doctors to practice in underserved areas of Indiana, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.
Economic and Social Justice Efforts
The IBLC is also focused on initiatives to reduce financial disparities and promote social justice:
Matching Grants for Home Repair (SB 397) – Senator Greg Taylor’s bill introduces a matching grant pilot program in Marion County for elderly homeowners who need repairs. This initiative addresses housing stability, particularly for senior citizens in low-income households.
Prohibition on Liens for Medical Debt (HB 1242) – Aimed at protecting individuals from the financial burden of medical debt, this bill introduced by Representative Vanessa Summers prevents medical debt from being used as collateral against a person’s home.
Utility Disconnections and Customer Data Reports (SB 97) – Senator La Keisha Jackson’s bill provides additional protections against utility shutoffs during extreme weather conditions and ensures transparency by requiring utilities to report customer data to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
Water Quality Grants for Schools (HB 1411) – This bill mandates that all school buildings test their drinking water for quality and ensures accountability for those who fail to do so, aiming to protect children from potential water contamination.
Designating Juneteenth as a State Holiday (HB 1315) – Representative Dr. Vernon G. Smith is advocating for Juneteenth to be recognized as an official state holiday in Indiana, marking the historic day that ended slavery in the United States.
Support for Vulnerable Populations
Several bills focus on safeguarding vulnerable groups within the state, particularly in the areas of human trafficking awareness, education, and healthcare:
Awareness of Human Trafficking (HB 1416) – Representative John L. Bartlett’s legislation requires gas stations to display human trafficking awareness posters, an effort to combat the growing problem of human trafficking in Indiana.
Cancer Screening Coverage (HB 1061) – Representative Cherrish S. Pryor’s bill ensures that state employee health plans and insurance policies provide coverage for supplemental breast examinations, focusing on early detection and prevention of breast cancer.
Support for First Responders’ Mental Health (HB 1352) – Representative Carolyn Jackson is pushing for a fund dedicated to mental health support for first responders, including compensation for those unable to work due to mental health treatment.
The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus’s 2025 legislative agenda also includes several Bills Yet to Be Determined (TBD). These bills represent important proposals that are still in development, and their specifics will be clarified as the legislative session progresses. Below are the key areas these TBD bills cover:
Hospice Program for Veterans – This proposed bill aims to establish a hospice care program specifically for veterans. It would provide comprehensive care and support for veterans nearing the end of their lives, ensuring they receive the services they deserve.
Changes to Indiana Code Regarding Bullying – This bill would introduce changes to the state’s existing laws on bullying, likely focusing on enhancing protections for students and individuals facing harassment. It could include measures for both prevention and better accountability in schools and other public institutions.
Paid Leave for Mental Health – A bill that would propose paid leave for employees dealing with mental health issues, ensuring that workers can take time off to address their mental health needs without fear of losing income. This initiative could be part of broader efforts to normalize and support mental health care in the workplace.
Prohibited Discrimination in Housing – This bill would address discrimination in housing, particularly focusing on ensuring fair housing practices for marginalized groups. It aims to prevent bias based on race, gender, and other protected characteristics in housing decisions, such as renting or purchasing homes.
Domestic Violence Reports – A proposed bill addressing the handling and reporting of domestic violence incidents. This could involve improving systems for victims to report abuse, ensuring better protection, and enhancing the response of law enforcement and social services to domestic violence situations.
The 2025 agenda of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) reflects its strong commitment to addressing key issues like healthcare, housing, economic justice, and social well-being. The ongoing legislative efforts, including several bills yet to be determined, showcase the caucus’s focus on improving the lives of Black residents by reducing disparities, empowering communities, and providing essential resources for long-term success. These initiatives underscore the IBLC’s dedication to enhancing public health, safety, and equity across the state of Indiana.
For further details on the proposed bills and ongoing legislative efforts, the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus encourages constituents to reach out through their official channels.
