FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristen Gorski, Press Secretary
Kristen.Gorski@iga.in.gov
317-232-9539
Kylee Leahy, Press Secretary Intern
Kylee.Leahy@iga.in.gov
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2024) — The Indiana General Assembly recently completed the first half of the 2024 legislative session.
In total, 297 bills were introduced in the Senate in the first half of session, and of those, 110 were passed.
Upon final passage in the Senate, 88% of bills received bipartisan support and 58% received unanimous support.
During the first half of session, State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) authored legislation to better protect young Hoosiers and mitigate unnecessary license suspension.
"The legislative process is meant to give public policy ideas a thorough vetting so lawmakers pass laws that will work well for Hoosiers, and we were very productive on that front in the first half of session," Dernulc said. "This session, I've authored several bills that are meant to address issues constituents brought to me. While not all of the bills are moving forward, I think we have had very productive conversations on those issues, and I look forward to continuing my advocacy on behalf of the Hoosiers in Senate District 1 as we move into the second half of session."
Dernulc offered Senate Bill 13 to support children who have lost a parent to an auto accident in which the offender is convicted of driving while under the influence. This bill would require those convicted of driving under the influence who consequently caused the death of a parent to pay the victim's child restitution. Dernulc brought the bill because a child should not have to continue to suffer financially after a tragedy like losing a parent because of a person's reckless decisions. SB 13 was not heard on the Senate floor.
To mitigate unnecessary license suspension regarding proof of insurance issues, Dernulc authored Senate Bill 19. This bill would allow the compliance period to be extended for an additional 90 days for Hoosiers who did not provide proof of insurance upon the Bureau of Motor Vehicles' (BMV) request following an accident. SB 19 also allows for a Hoosier who believes their license was suspended in error to request a material error review, which would quickly allow an extra 90 days to show proof of insurance. SB 19 passed the Senate unanimously.
To better protect those serving young Hoosiers, Dernulc offered Senate Bill 102. This bill would grant immunity to child therapists, counselors and other professionals whose license falls under the behavioral health and human services licensing board in the event they break a code of conduct to protect a child. SB 102 was not heard on the Senate floor.
SB 19, along with all passed Senate bills, will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration.
To learn more about legislation moving through the process, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) represents Senate District 1,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
