Garten: Bill to address Indiana's balance of emergency powers passes Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kellyn Harrison, Press Secretary
Kellyn.Harrison@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498

Garten: Bill to address Indiana's balance of emergency
powers passes Senate

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2024) — A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would ensure a balance of powers among Indiana's three branches of government during a state of emergency passed the Senate Tuesday, Jan. 23 by a vote of 38-10.

• State of emergency declarations from lasting more than 30 days;
• The governor from renewing a state of emergency declaration; and
• The governor from declaring a new state of emergency upon expiration of an emergency, unless it is wholly unrelated to the first one.

"A prolonged state of emergency declaration has the power, like we have seen, to devastate businesses, damage our economy and create long-term mental health effects on our youth. We've seen the negative lasting effects, and Hoosiers do not want to relive a similar situation." Garten said. "Hoosiers' voices deserve to be heard at all times, especially in an emergency, and lawmakers have a responsibility to serve and represent their constituents' interests."

SB 234 will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration. To learn more about this bill and other legislation Garten is authoring this legislative session, visit iga.in.gov.

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State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) represents Senate District 45,
which includes Clark County and portions of Floyd County.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.