April 2nd: Here’s what happened at the Statehouse this week
This was the thirteenth 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 1200, Human trafficking, has been passed and adopted by the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law. This bill creates stronger protections for victims of human trafficking, especially for underage victims. HB 1200 has already passed through the House but has yet to be voted on by the Senate.
House Bill 1309, Pregnancy accommodations, has been passed and adopted by the Senate Committee on Pensions and Labor. HB 1309 has already passed through the House but has yet to be voted on in the Senate.
Why does W4C oppose HB 1309? HB 1309 only allows for women to ask for pregnancy accommodations, which is already legal. We strongly believe that pregnancy accommodations should be required, not optional.
House Bill 1365, Various election matters, has been returned to the House with Senate amendments. HB 1365 outlines several new voting and voting place regulations. This bill has already been passed through the House once.
House Bill 1384, Civics education, has been signed by the Speaker after the House agreed to Senate amendments. HB 1384 outlines a plan for creating standardized civics education in Indiana, and it has a strong chance of becoming law.
House Bill 1577, Telemedicine and abortion related services, has been passed and adopted by the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services. HB 1577 has already passed through the House but has yet to be voted on by 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. HB 1577 creates legislation on who is allowed to access mental health and telemedicine services and who is not.
Other Indiana news
Advocacy Groups Urge Funding For Food Banks, Domestic Violence Victims, Mental Health - WFYI
Pregnant Worker Legislation Heads To The Senate Floor - WFYI
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