My favorite State Senator is back again to give us another update on some important legislation that is moving through our statehouse as we near the end of this legislative session. Here’s what we cover:
1. House Bill 1423 – Indianapolis Public Schools Governance Reform
What it’s about:Restructuring the governance of Indianapolis Public Schools by creating a new appointed “super board” with mayoral appointees that would sit above the currently elected IPS board. It also aims to align charter and traditional public schools on transportation, facilities standards, and academic expectations.
What we discussed:Senator Hunley breaks down the tension between standardizing school systems (transportation guarantees, consistent standards) and removing local democratic control. She explains concerns about replacing a fully elected, majority-Black women school board with a mayor-appointed body, raising questions of representation, race, and who gets to make decisions for public education. While implementation wouldn’t begin until 2027–2028, she emphasizes that governance decisions made now shape long-term equity and authority within the district.
2. House Bill 1359 – Early Voting Period Reduction
What it’s about:Originally related to ballot scanning procedures, the bill includes an amendment that would reduce Indiana’s early in-person voting period from 28 days to 14 days.
What We Discussed:Senator Hunley talks about how shortening the early voting window impacts working-class voters, rural communities, elderly residents, and people who rely on flexible voting access. She questions why lawmakers would reduce opportunities to vote when broader participation should be the goal. She also connects this proposal to the larger 2026 election cycle, noting that for the first time in over 40 years, all 25 Indiana State Senate seats up for election will have Democratic challengers.
3. Senate Bill 76 – Immigration Enforcement Mandates
What it’s about:An immigration enforcement bill requiring state and local agencies—including law enforcement and schools—to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement operations. The House amended the bill to strengthen enforcement provisions before sending it back to the Senate for concurrence.
What We Discussed:Senator Hunley shares how the bill could create fear within immigrant communities and force local law enforcement to collaborate with minimally trained federal actors. She raises concerns about racial profiling, confusion in schools, and the chilling effect on families—particularly around civic participation and trust in institutions. She also situates the bill within a broader pattern of legislation that divides communities while distracting from urgent policy issues like childcare affordability and medical debt.
🖱️Click Throughs…
Learn more about the bills still on the table (and the ones that have already passed) this session: https://iga.in.gov/legislative
Check your voter registration status: https://www.in.gov/idr/hoosiers-vote/update-or-confirm-registration/
We also discussed thesignificant number of Democratic Party filings being challenged by THE MARION DEMOCRATIC PARTY.
Follow Senator Hunley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senatorhunley/?hl=en
Learn more about Senator Hunley’s work (and volunteer for whatever might be coming next): https://andreahunley.com/
