Crider: General Assembly marks the halfway point of session

The Indiana General Assembly recently completed the first half of the 2024 legislative session.

In total, 297 bills were introduced in the Senate in the first half of session, and of those, 110 were passed.

Upon final passage in the Senate, 88% of bills received bipartisan support and 58% received unanimous support.

During the first half of session, State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) offered legislation to improve care for Hoosiers and better protect some of Indiana's most vulnerable citizens.

"I am happy to see my bills, along with other important pieces of legislation, pass the Senate and move to the House of Representatives for consideration," Crider said. "Going into the second half of session, I look forward to working with the members of the House to help pass measures that will support quality care for all Hoosiers."

Crider authored Senate Bill 45 to give Hoosiers better access to trauma care. This bill would require the Indiana State Board of Nursing to study whether the implementation of a trauma-informed care training program for nurses would be beneficial for their careers and their patients. SB 45 passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

To better protect Indiana's endangered adults, Crider authored Senate Bill 109. This would allow the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) the flexibility to contract with an outside entity in the case where a prosecutor declines or cannot provide the services needed to protect endangered adults. SB 109 passed the Senate unanimously.

To clarify compensation for victims of violent crimes and clean up language for previous legislation, Crider authored Senate Bill 172. SB 172 would make positive changes to the Violent Crime Victims Compensation Fund like extending mental health counseling opportunities an extra two years for victims and their families. It also clarifies and extends who is eligible for these resources. SB 172 passed the Senate unanimously.

Finally, to help expand mental health care throughout Indiana, Crider authored Senate Bill 233. This bill would make sure all Indiana qualified community mental health centers will be able to participate if Indiana is approved for federal funding to expand mental health services. This is a follow up piece of legislation to ensure Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2023) works to its full capacity. SB 233 unanimously passed the Senate.

These, along with all passed Senate bills, will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration.

To learn more about legislation moving through the process, visit iga.in.gov. 

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