FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (April 29, 2026) — Two bills spearheaded by State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) were ceremonially signed into law by the governor today.
Senate Enrolled Act 160, authored by Deery, allows judges to increase penalties for individuals who disguise their faces while committing a crime.
"Whether it's assaulting Jewish students on a college campus, or ANTIFA agitators trespassing onto a stage to cancel a speaker, wearing a mask to conceal your face during a crime can hinder a police department's efforts to apprehend criminals," Deery said. "This new law increases public safety by ensuring those who wish to harm Hoosiers remain behind bars longer."
The law also creates the crime of malicious littering if a hate group distributes leaflets with the intent to create a fear for physical safety.
House Enrolled Act 1242, sponsored by Deery, requires two studies that will help the General Assembly make better informed decisions regarding education policy. One is a joint study between the Indiana Department of Education and Department of Local Government Finance that will look at disparities in operational funding per student, including a comparison of funding between districts in the same county and the impact of local assessed property values on funding disparities.
The other study requires the Department of Education to compile a report looking at various statewide metrics that measure administration efficiency and student outcomes like student population, chronic absenteeism, test performance, reading comprehension and teacher salary.
"Throughout my time in the state Senate, I have always worked to ensure I'm making informed decisions," Deery said. "These studies will help my colleagues in the General Assembly see if our policy decisions are working and how we can create better legislation that will positively impact our schools, and most importantly, outcomes for our students."
Deery encourages residents of Senate District 23 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Deery can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Deery or by phone at 800-382-9467.
Photo caption: State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette, to the right of the governor) attends a ceremonial bill signing of Senate Enrolled Act 160, which allows judges to increase penalties for individuals who disguise their faces while committing a crime.
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State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) represents Senate District 23,
which includes Fountain, Parke, Vermillion and Warren counties,
and portions of Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Lance Gideon, Senior Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
