State Representative Vernon G. Smith has been serving the people of Indiana House District 14 for 35 years. This year, he’s filed nine new pieces of legislation aimed at addressing key issues in the community.
“I’m grateful to continue serving my community,” Smith said. “During my time in the Statehouse, I’ve witnessed many attempts to undermine the people of Gary. But together, we have always risen to these challenges. My role is to protect and uplift our community.”
One important bill, House Bill 1540, targets chronic student absenteeism. It requires the Department of Education to study student absences and develop effective strategies to improve attendance, especially in schools where attendance issues are prominent.
“Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a troubling rise in student absences,” Smith noted. “As a former administrator, I’ve seen how missing even a few classes can impact a student’s future. We need diverse solutions because every student has unique challenges. Some miss class due to illness, while others may lack necessary support at home. HB 1540 aims to explore these issues and create targeted solutions for schools.”
Two more of Smith’s bills focus on public safety. House Bill 1317 requires individuals convicted of domestic violence to turn over their firearms to the court, with penalties for non-compliance. House Bill 1318 proposes the establishment of a Hoosier Scam Prevention Board to combat scams that threaten residents.
“We must protect our citizens from all types of crime,” Smith emphasized. “Those convicted of domestic violence should not be able to access firearms. Similarly, a board dedicated to scam prevention can help keep our residents safe from fraud that can ruin lives.”
Another bill, House Bill 1539, aims to enhance safety in schools by requiring timely reporting of bullying incidents to parents. Smith wants parents to be informed about issues affecting their children.
Smith’s agenda also includes recognizing Juneteenth as a state holiday with House Bill 1315 since it marks the end of slavery in the U.S. He believes it underscores the fundamental rights of all citizens.
In addition to these pressing issues, Smith is also working on pension benefits, tenant utility fees, judicial immunity, energy regulation, and simplifying tax forms for nonprofits. These bills aim to improve financial stability and consumer protection in Indiana.
“I hope to advance all nine of these initiatives for our community this year,” Smith said. “I remain committed to serving District 14.”
Here’s a full list of Smith’s legislation:
- HB 1314: Deferred Retirement Option Plan
- HB 1315: Designation of Juneteenth as a State Holiday
- HB 1316: Sewer and Storm Water Fees Incurred by Tenants
- HB 1317: Surrender of Firearms for Domestic Violence Crimes
- HB 1318: Hoosier Scam Prevention Board
- HB 1350: Judicial Immunity
- HB 1537: Net Metering for Electricity Generation
- HB 1538: Nonprofit Tax Form Simplification
- HB 1539: Education Matters
- HB 1540: Chronic Absenteeism
If you have questions, you can reach out to State Rep. Smith’s office via email or phone.
Check out this related article: Exciting News: Montana Education Board Greenlights Second Wave of Public Charter Schools
Source link