As your state senator, it is my priority to ensure Indiana is a great place to live, work and raise a family. That's why in recent years I've supported efforts to improve the efficiency of our state agencies and keep Hoosiers and their families safe.

Promoting effective government
Too many times, my constituents and I find ourselves unable to reach anyone on the other side of state agency phone numbers. Senate Resolution 40 is my call urging the Legislative Council to assign the topic of agency personnel performance to a summer study committee to find a solution.

Ensuring a safe and secure Indiana
It's important to keep our citizens safe and uphold the Rule of Law.

That's why, in 2023, Senate Republicans made increasing Indiana State Police pay one of our caucus's top priorities. That same year, we began pursuing an amendment to Indiana's constitution that would allow Indiana judges to deny bail for extremely dangerous arrestees. Current Indiana law only allows a judge to deny bail if the suspect is charged with murder or treason.

It's become too common to hear about dangerous repeat criminals who were arrested but let out of jail on little or no bail, only to hurt more innocent people. Understandably, many people are fed up with “catch and release” policies that fail to keep dangerous criminals behind bars. SJR 1 would make it clear to Indiana judges that there are circumstances when it is acceptable to hold a suspect in jail because releasing them poses too substantial of a risk to the public.

For an amendment to be made to the Indiana Constitution, the language must be passed by two separately elected General Assemblies, and voters must ratify the amendment in a statewide referendum. Since SJR 1 passed for the first time in 2023 and was passed again by the 2026 Indiana General Assembly, Hoosiers will have the opportunity to vote on the amendment on the 2026 general election ballot in November.

Another bill I supported in 2026 will make sure arrestees have legal protections that guarantee their constitutional rights will be respected when judges set their bail.

Other steps I've supported taking to improve public safety include passing laws that:

• Increase sentences for fentanyl dealers;
• Require county sheriffs to assist in deporting illegal immigrants who commit crimes in Indiana; and
• Ban companies from China and other foreign adversaries from buying up Indiana's farmland, as well as land near Indiana's military bases.

I encourage you to contact me with any questions or comments they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form online or by phone at 800-382-9467.