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Phone: 800-382-9467
or 317-232-9400
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Indiana State Senate, 2018 - Present
Republican
Appropriations, Ranking Member
Rules and Legislative Procedure, Ranking Member
Joint Rules
Tax and Fiscal Policy
Scottsburg High School
Indiana University Southeast
• Scott County Public Defender, Board Member
• Scott County Chamber of Commerce, Former Vice-President
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Life Member
• National Rifle Association (NRA), Life Member
• National Federation of Independent Business, Member
• Indiana Farm Bureau, Member
• Indiana Builders Association, Member
• Marine Corps League, Member
• American Legion, Member
• United States Marine Corps Reserve Forces (2001-2021 with broken time in service; approx. 14 satisfactory service years)
• Two combat tours in Iraq (2003, 2005-2006)
• Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps (2019-2021)
• “Indiana Power 50,” named by Howey Politics and State Affairs in 2024 & 2025
• “Crystal Apple Award,” awarded by the Parents of School Options for Indiana in 2025
• “Legislative Champion,” named by the Foundation for Government Accountability in 2024
• "Commitment to Excellence," recognized by the Indiana Association of Counties in 2023
• "Legislator of the Year," named by the Indiana State Police Alliance in 2023
• "Legislator of the Year," named by the Indiana Bankers Association in 2022
• "Senator of the Year," named by Aviation Indiana in 2022
• "Legislator of the Year," named by the Disabled American Veterans in 2021
• "John C. Hart Presidential Award," awarded by the Indiana Builders Association in 2021
• "First Steps Champion," recognized by ProKids Central Indiana First Steps in 2019
• "Dwight and Marilyn Chamberlain Policeman's Friend Award," awarded by Amick-Baker-Kellems Lodge 156 Fraternal Order of Police in 2018
• "James W. Robinson Young Professional of the Year," presented by One Southern Indiana in 2017
• "Small Business of the Year," awarded by the Scott County Chamber of Commerce in 2014 & 2016
• "20 Under 40," honored by Southern Indiana Business Source in 2016
• "Highest Award for Achievement," bestowed by the Dale Carnegie Leadership Course in 2015
• "Young Entrepreneur of the Year," recognized by the Indiana Southeast Business Development Center in 2012
Founder, Owner & President of Signature Countertops, Inc.
Northside Christian Church
Married: Beth
Children: Hayden, Hudson, and Greyson
Clark County and portions of Floyd County
A bill sponsored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) to improve health care price transparency and accountability was ceremonially signed into law on Wednesday, June 18, by Gov. Mike Braun. more »
A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) to reform the state's Medicaid program was ceremonially signed into law today by Gov. Mike Braun. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2025) – The Indiana Senate today passed Senate Republicans' top priority bill – Senate Bill 1 – to provide $1.3 billion in property tax relief for homeowners over the next three years. The bill's passage will result in two-thirds of Hoosier homeowners seeing lower tax bills in 2026 compared to their 2025 bill. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) authored a resolution to thank the Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council for their service to Indiana and for providing young Hoosiers a firsthand lesson in civic engagement. more »
Area legislators are recognizing the latest local recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. more »
Communities in Senate District 45 will receive nearly $4 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2025) — State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) gathered with legislators, educators and students for the Parents for School Options of Indiana Capitol Day on Jan. 15. Garten and State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) were honored with the Crystal Apple Award at the event for being champions of school choice, along with the late State Sen. Jack Sandlin (R-Indianapolis) in memoriam. more »
The Indiana Senate Majority Caucus met today in Indianapolis to elect its leadership team for the 124th General Assembly. more »
Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) is issuing the following statement today in response to several statements issued by State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) that grossly mischaracterize Sen. Garten's comments from today's budget committee meeting. Members of the media are encouraged to review archive footage of the meeting when it becomes available for the full context of Sen. Garten's comments. more »
STATEHOUSE (July 31, 2024) — Last week, Politico published an article highlighting a 2023 lawauthored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that requires the divestment of Hoosier pension funds from entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and prevents any future investment in those entities. more »
STATEHOUSE (July 24, 2024) — The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring-semester internships in its communications, information technology, legal, legislative, page and policy offices during the 2025 session of the Indiana General Assembly, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »
STATEHOUSE (March 25, 2024) – State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) and State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) are recognizing the latest local recipient of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. more »
Bills authored and sponsored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) to reform Indiana's state government were signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb. more »
State Sen. State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in February. more »
A Senate Republican agenda bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars will now move to the governor's desk for final consideration. more »
A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would promote competition in Indiana's health care system to help lower costs for Hoosiers will now move to the governor's desk for final consideration. more »
State Sen. State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in January. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomes the Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council (ILYAC) to the Statehouse Monday, Feb. 12. more »
Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) made the following statement regarding Meta Platforms Inc.'s $800 million investment in a new data center in Jeffersonville, Indiana: more »
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. more »
A Senate Republican agenda bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars unanimously passed the Senate Tuesday, Jan. 23. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) is spearheading a Senate Republican priority bill during the 2024 legislative session to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. more »
The Indiana Senate is now accepting applications for the 2024 Senate Page Program, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »
Communities in Senate District 45 will receive more than $3.1 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »
The Indiana County Commissioners (ICC) Board presents State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown, second from left) the Commitment to Excellence Award at the Statehouse Thursday, Oct. 19, for performing at an exemplary level while making notable contributions to advance local government leadership. more »
Jack lived a life worthy of considerable admiration as a Christian, husband, father, grandfather, veteran, police officer, state senator and proud Hoosier. more »
Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) made the following statement regarding the passing of State Sen. Jack Sandlin (R-Indianapolis) more »
The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring-semester internships in its communications, information technology, legal, legislative, page and policy offices during the 2024 session of the Indiana General Assembly, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »
This task force will conduct a comprehensive review of Indiana's high health care costs in a number of ways, including examining the market share of Indiana's hospital and insurance space and hearing testimony from national experts and major stakeholders with extensive knowledge in this field. As we work toward a data-driven solution to lowering the price of high-quality health care, our state remains wholly committed to improving health care accessibility and affordability for Hoosiers. more »
The Indiana State Police Alliance (ISPA) recognized State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) as a 2023 Legislator of the Year at the Statehouse Thursday, Aug. 17. more »
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2023) — The Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force will hold its first meeting in the Senate Chamber Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 1:30 p.m., said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), chair of the task force. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) will serve as chair of the Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force, Government Reform Task Force and a Sales and Use Tax working group within the State and Local Tax Review Task Force and serve as a member of several other study committees in preparation for the 2024 legislative session. more »
A Senate Republican budget priority, spearheaded by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), to increase the salary and improve the pay matrix for Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers went into effect July 1. more »
Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) made the following statement regarding the conclusion of the 2023 legislative session: more »
A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that protects Hoosier investments was signed into law by the governor. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in March and April. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in February. more »
A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would protect Hoosier investments unanimously passed the Senate today with bipartisan support. more »
A Senate Republican priority bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) and State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville) that provides tax relief to Indiana small businesses was signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb today. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomes the Indiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council (ILYAC) to the Statehouse Tuesday, Jan. 31. more »
A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would protect Hoosier investments passed the Senate Committee on Pensions and Labor this week by a bipartisan vote of 10-0. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) will be spearheading efforts to increase compensation for the Indiana State Police (ISP) this session. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) to serve on the Indiana State Budget Committee. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) to serve on three committees for the 123rd Indiana General Assembly. more »
The Indiana Senate is now accepting applications for the 2023 Senate Page Program. State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) is encouraging students from Senate District 45 to apply. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) today gathered with fellow legislators at the Statehouse for Organization Day – the ceremonial start of the 123rd Indiana General Assembly. more »
The Indiana Senate Majority Caucus met today in Indianapolis to elect its leadership team for the 123rd General Assembly. more »
The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring-semester internships in its communications, information technology, legal, legislative, page and policy offices during the 2023 session of the Indiana General Assembly, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) will serve as vice chair of the Administrative Rules Review Task Force in preparation for the 2023 legislative session. more »
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 17, 2022) — Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) today announced he has appointed State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) Majority Floor Leader of the Senate Majority Caucus. more »
STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2022) — Rural broadband projects in Senate District 45 will receive a total of $18,420,905.87 to improve broadband connectivity through the third round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »
STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2022) — Communities in Senate District 45 will receive more than $4 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »
STATEHOUSE (April 5, 2022) – Area legislators today announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. more »
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2022) – State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) welcomed the following local students to the Statehouse who served as Senate pages in January. more »
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 16, 2021) — State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charleston) gathered with fellow legislators today at the Statehouse for Organization Day – the ceremonial start of the Indiana General Assembly. more »
In the 2021 session, I championed Senate Enrolled Act 316, which has allowed more military families to receive grants through the Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) by expanding the number of veterans who are eligible for the Fund. more »
Members of the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus today sent a letter to Indiana University President Michael McRobbie urging the University to reconsider and rescind the policy mandating all students and staff receive the COVID-19 vaccine. more »
A bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would establish an appeals process for Hoosiers to contest local health orders issued during a state-declared emergency passed the Senate today. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) to serve in numerous key leadership roles during the 122nd Indiana General Assembly. more »
Communities in Senate District 45 will receive more than $6.5 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) was recently appointed Assistant Majority Caucus Chair by Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville). more »
Area legislators recently announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. more »
The Indiana Senate is now accepting applications for the 2020 Senate Page Program. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) gathered with fellow legislators yesterday at the Statehouse for Organization Day – the ceremonial start of the Indiana General Assembly. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), along with Gov. Eric Holcomb, presented Hanover resident Dale Crafton with a Sagamore of the Wabash Award in the governor’s office Monday, Oct. 21. more »
Communities in Senate District 45 will receive nearly $3.9 million to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG), said State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown). more »
Area legislators today announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) made the following statement today on the governor’s announcement of rural broadband grant recipients more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) joins Gov. Eric Holcomb, State Rep. Ed Clere (R-New Albany), River Ridge Executive Director Jerry Acy and One Southern Indiana CEO Wendy Chesser at the Statehouse Thursday, June 27, for the ceremonial signing of legislation Garten authored during his first session. more »
State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) will host a town hall meeting with State Sen. Ron Grooms (R-Jeffersonville) from 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Clarksville Branch of the Jeffersonville Township Public Library to discuss the 2019 legislative session. more »
