March 12th: Here’s what happened at the Statehouse this week
We started the week off by celebrating International Women’s Day on Monday, March 8th. This was the tenth full week of the Indiana General Assembly’s 2021 session. Below are updates on a section of the bills that W4C is following.
Indiana Statehouse Updates
Below are updates on a selection of bills that W4C is following closely.
House Bill 1577, Telemedicine and abortion related services, has been reffered to the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services. This bill has already passed through the House but has yet to be voted on in the Senate.
Why does W4C oppose HB 1577? We believe that mental health services should be accessible to all, regardless of a patient’s history with abortion. We also believe that telemedicine services should be accessible, especially during a pandemic. In short, HB 1577 creates legislation on who is allowed to access mental health and telemedicine services and who is not.
New authors
Senator Mike Gaskill (R, District 26) was added as a cosponsor of House Bill 1577, Telemedicine and abortion related services.
Representative Michelle Davis (R, District 58) was added as a cosponsor of Senate Bill 81, Training for investigators of sexual assault cases.
Federal Bills Updates
W4C has also been following a selection of federal bills that align with our legislative priorities, such as the health and advancement of women and voting rights. Below are some updates on a selection of federal bills that W4C is following.
House Bill 1, For the People Act, has passed through the House and is on its way to the Senate. This bill would ensure automatic voter registration, independent redistricting, and donor transparency. The bill also aims to limit felony disenfranchisement and advocates for DC statehood.
House Bill 5, Equality Act, has passed through the House and is on its way to the Senate. This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation, making the passing of this bill through the House an exciting event for women and members of the LBGT+ community. HR 5 offers protection against discrimination in housing, employment, education, and more.
House Bill 7, Paycheck Fairness Act, has been introduced in the House but has yet to be voted on. This bill combats gender based wage discrimination, and would make it unlawful for employers to make employees sign contracts agreeing to nondisclosure of wages.
The Momnibus Act is beginning to be introduced in the House. The Momnibus Act is a group of 12 bills all geared towards better maternal healthcare. Many of these bills have corresponding Senate bills. Keep reading to see what each of the 12 bills covers!
House Bill 943, Social Determinants for Moms Act, would address social determinants for maternal health and establish task forces to decrease maternal health disparities.
The Kira Johnson Act will invest in community-based organizations to help improve Black maternal healthcare. The bill has yet to be introduced to the House.
House Bill 958, Protecting Moms who Served Act, will work with the VA in order to provide resources for pregnant veterans and study veteran maternal health.
House Bill 945, Perinatal Workforce Act, would specifically sponsor maternal healthcare workers who are able to offer culturally congruent support to women.
House Bill 925, Data to Save Moms Act, would create a study that focuses on how to improve maternal healthcare in Native American communities.
House Bill 909, Moms Matter Act, focuses on creating mental health resources and substance abuse recovery programs for mothers.
House Bill 948, Justice for Incarcerated Moms Act, would provide funding for incarcerated pregnant women, creating better access to healthcare within our prison system.
House Bill 937, Tech to Save Moms Act, would increase the use of maternal telehealth in an effort to decrease maternal mortality rates.
House Bill 950, IMPACT to Save Moms Act, would educate mothers on payment options for maternal healthcare and create a Perinatal Care Alternative Payment Model Demonstration Project.
The Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act proposes conducting research on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected maternal healthcare. This bill has yet to be introduced in the House.
House Bill 957, Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act, will address climate change related risks to maternal health.
House Bill 951, Maternal Vaccination Act, would provide funding for more flu and Tdap vaccinations for mothers.
Other Indiana news
NAACP holds annual Legislative Day at Indiana Statehouse - WTHI
Hoosiers 50 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Click here to find out how to register!