🎙️ Today’s Conversation
On Monday, I attended The People’s Panel, a fairly comprehensive bill review hosted by Whispering Shelf at draft. Today, I’m sharing a bit of what I learned about five 2026 pieces of legislation moving through the Indiana General Assembly. I also reflect on what it meant to be in a room full of people trying to figure out how to engage more deeply in our activism.
🪴 The Bills
* SB 152 (Utilities & Affordability)Limits what utility companies can pass on to customers, allows assistance programs for ratepayers, creates right of first refusal for municipalities, and requires itemized utility bills.
* HB 1423 (Education Governance / IPS)The Indianapolis Local Education Alliance recommendations and the proposed creation of a mayor-appointed Indianapolis Public Education Corporation overseeing IPS—raising concerns about home rule, democratic control, and charter influence.
* HB 1039 & SB 122 (Immigration Enforcement)Twin bills discussed with insights from ACLU Indiana, expanding ICE cooperation, mandating E-Verify, and requiring reporting by hospitals and FSSA—measures Patrick describes as urgent and dangerous.
* SB 125 (Evictions in Marion County)Would move most eviction cases out of Superior Court and back into township courts, lowering barriers and intimidation for tenants navigating eviction proceedings.
* SB 78 & HB 1034 (Cell Phone Bans in Schools)A proposed expansion of phone restrictions in schools, with discussion on safety, distractions, and improved student engagement.
