5/5/2023 Final Session Update
By: Anna White
The 2023 Legislative Session has come to a close, and this is our final update. We are so grateful to our readers, Action Advocates, and volunteers.
Thanks to you, two birth control bills were signed into law this week. The first is HB 1568, which allows pharmacists to prescribe hormonal patch and pill birth control to those 18 and older. We hope that this bill allows women who struggle to access healthcare clinics to get the contraceptives they need.
The second bill is SB 252, Long-Acting Hormonal Contraceptives (LARCs). This bill allows LARCs to be transferred among Medicaid recipients, which reduces medical waste and has the potential to save the state millions of dollars. Plus, it means that some patients might have the option to have their LARC inserted in just one appointment if one is available. Since up to 50% of patients don’t return to have their LARC inserted due to logistical barriers like transportation, same-day insertion is the best option for many, and reduces unintended pregnancy rates.
HB 1009, Court-Ordered Expenses, requires that fathers pay roughly 50% of prenatal care and delivery expenses. It was signed by the governor on May 1.
Unfortunately, two bills we oppose were also signed this week. The first is HB 1334, Absentee Voting. Those who vote by mail will now be required to provide a photocopy of a valid, government-issued ID or certain identification numbers. Previously, the only requirement was being a registered voter, although first-time absentee voters had to provide proof of residence, such as a utility bill. This places a burden on senior and low-income voters, who are less likely to have a government-issued ID.
HB 1608, Indiana’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill was signed into law yesterday. It prohibits mention of “human sexuality” (read: the LGBTQ+ Community) from pre-K through third grade, and forces staff to out trans and nonbinary students to their parents. It also ensures that teachers and staff will not face disciplinary action for refusing to comply with students’ preferred pronouns, titles, names, and words.
Every legislative session has its wins and losses. While we’re frustrated with bills like 1608 and 1334, we are proud of the great legislation that was passed this year, and we couldn’t have done it without you!
