Update from the Statehouse

Happy Friday! 

It’s been a whirlwind of a legislative session these past few weeks. We have had some ups and downs, but we are still working on issues that are important to our members, allies, and the Muslim community!

HB 1037: Enforcement of equal education opportunity ​

Digest: Defines "antisemitism," specifies that the state's public policy is to provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination, and provides that antisemitism is discrimination based on religion.
Current Status: The bill has been passed onto the Senate. We have been and continue to work extremely hard to stop this bill with partnering organizations. On its face, the bill looks harmless. However, it's not. The bill tries to codify the IHRA definition of antisemitism in Indiana. 
If passed, this bill will categorize any criticism of Israel as antisemitic. It is an attack on the freedom of speech. While we will always stand with our Jewish friends to fight anti-semitism, this bill does not help fight it. The definition is not only controversial and upsetting within the Muslim community, but also within the Jewish community.
To help stop this bill, call or email:

• Senator Raatz: 317-233-0930 | Senator.Raatz@iga.in.gov
• Senator Glick: 317-232-9493 | Senator.Glick@iga.in.gov

Afghan Refugees

We are still working hard to get funding from the Lt. Governor's office for non-profits to aid our mostly settled Afghan neighbors. This funding would help fund English and tech, literacy classes. 

SB1: Behavioral health matters

Digest: Provides that, subject to certain procedures and requirements, the office of the secretary of family and social services may apply to the United States Department of Health and Human Services: (1) for a Medicaid state plan amendment, a waiver, or an amendment to an existing waiver to require reimbursement for eligible certified community behavioral health clinic services; or (2) to participate in the expansion of a community mental health services demonstration program. 
Current Status: Passed in the senate unanimously and is now in the House. 

SB 7: Physician non-compete agreements

Digest: Provides that beginning July 1, 2023, a physician and an employer may not enter into a non-compete agreement.
Current Status: Passed in the Senate and on its way to the House. 

SB 202: Housing Bill

Digest: Urges the legislative council to assign the topic of various housing matters to the appropriate interim study committee.
Current Status: Moved to a study committee. Note from our lobbyist: There are some concerns from the Apartment Association that it's punishing all landlords because of a few bad ones.  This bill does multiple things to help renters. Requires essential systems to be repaired or replaced within 24 hours.

SB 248: Driving Privilege Cards

Digest: Provides that an individual who is an Indiana resident and cannot provide proof of identity and lawful status in the United States may apply for a driving privilege card to obtain driving privileges. 
Current Status: Unfortunately, this Senate bill didn’t pass. Our lobbyist testified along with various law enforcement officials and other groups in favor of this bill. This bill could have potentially passed if it included language to help eligible people towards citizenship. 

SB 376: Medicaid eligibility for legal non-resident citizens

Digest: Provides Medicaid eligibility for certain individuals who have immigrated and are lawfully residing in the United States and meet other Medicaid eligibility requirements. Specifies eligibility for the children's health insurance program (CHIP) for lawfully residing individuals who are less than 19 years of age. 
Current Status: Passed on to the House. IMAN’s lobbyist testified with a few other groups. It successfully passed out of the committee 7-0.