FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 30, 2026) — Two bills authored by State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) unanimously passed the Senate this week.
Senate Bill 223 would require a state agency providing workforce development programs to include the number of people who participated in more than one workforce program and the average increase in the person's wages after exiting the program in their annual reports.
"The goal of Senate Bill 223 is to gather as much data as possible to gauge the effectiveness of these programs going forward," Buchanan said. "The state spends millions of dollars on workforce development programs each year, and knowing if they are working and meeting our goals is important so we know if taxpayer dollars should continue to be invested in these programs or be put to better use on other options."
Senate Bill 293 would remove the requirement for pharmacists to take a law exam to become a licensed pharmacist in Indiana. Instead, pharmacists would take continuing education courses to ensure they understand current state laws and policies.
Buchanan worked with the Indiana Pharmacy Association on the legislation.
"Pharmacists are a vital part of the health care industry, and Senate Bill 293 is aimed at reducing the red tape needed for students to get their pharmacist licenses," Buchanan said. "I was grateful for the help from the Butler and Purdue students on this legislation and thank them for their work."
Both bills now head to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Buchanan encourages residents of Senate District 7 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Buchanan can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Buchanan or by phone at 800-382-9467.
Photo caption: State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) poses with pharmacy students from Butler and Purdue universities at the Statehouse on Jan. 27.
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State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) represents Senate District 7,
which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
