STATE HOUSE (Sept. 8, 2020) — State Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) announced today that he will retire from the Senate in November. First elected to the Senate in 1990, Merritt is the longest-serving current Republican state senator. He is also the longest-serving Caucus Chairman in the history of the Indiana General Assembly, having served in that leadership role for the Senate Majority Caucus since 2004.
"Serving the people of Indiana for the past 30 years has been the greatest honor of my life," Merritt said. "I'm incredibly thankful to the people of Marion and Hamilton counties who have placed their trust in me and given me the chance to work on so many critical issues for our region and state. It's hard to step down from a role that I am so grateful to serve in, but I look forward to the opportunity to serve in new capacities in the years ahead."
Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) praised Merritt's record of service in the Senate.
"Jim has been a dedicated, hard-working member of our caucus for decades, and he will leave an admirable legacy behind when he steps down," Bray said. "He has a true servant's heart and cares deeply about the lives of Hoosiers across the state – especially those who face tough struggles and hardships and are at risk of falling through the cracks. His knowledge, compassion and helpful spirit will truly be missed in the Senate."
In addition to his leadership role as Majority Caucus Chairman, Merritt currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Utilities, and as a member of the Senate Committees on Commerce and Technology, Homeland Security and Transportation, Public Policy, Rules and Legislative Procedure, and Veterans Affairs and the Military.
Background
Merritt has represented portions of Marion and Hamilton counties in the Senate since 1990. Senate District 31, which Merritt currently represents, includes portions of Northeast Marion County and Southeast Hamilton County.
Over the course of his service in the Senate, Merritt has led efforts on numerous issues to improve the lives of Hoosiers.
Kids First License Plate
In an effort to support nonprofits that seek to keep kids safe, such as Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, Merritt sponsored legislation establishing the "Kids First" license plate, with the proceeds going to programs that prevent child abuse.
211, Cell Phones for At-Risk New Parents, Reaching Families in Crisis, Safe Haven Law
Merritt’s experience with child welfare issues allowed him to understand the stress that at-risk families experience on a daily basis. To provide support, Merritt created the Reaching Families in Crisis task force to effect change. As a result, the Cell Phones for At-Risk New Parents program at then-Wishard Hospital was born. To provide more outreach and assist families in need, Merritt led the effort to bring 211 to Indiana. Continuing his interest in helping families, Merritt authored the Safe Haven Law after a newborn was abandoned outside Community North Hospital in 2000.
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
In 1996, Merritt authored Senate Bill 1 to address the issue of chronically slow service at local BMV branches across the state. This important measure allowed technology to be utilized for BMV services and helped eliminate long lines at branches.
Lifeline Law
In the fall of 2011, numerous college student body presidents met with Merritt, leading to the creation of legislation that would become Indiana's Lifeline Law. Since 2012 countless lives have been saved due to this law that allows underage Hoosiers to call or text 911 in an effort to save the life of an inebriated minor friend without fear of prosecution. Merritt created the “Make Good Decisions” awareness campaign to help save lives by informing Hoosiers about this law.
Aaron’s Law
The tragic opioid overdose death of a neighbor of Merritt’s named Aaron was catalytic to his tireless leadership in efforts to stop the abuse of heroin in our state. “Aaron’s Law” allows Hoosiers to obtain a prescription for Naloxone if they believe someone they know is at risk of an opioid overdose.
Historic Preservation
Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Merritt has displayed a passion for preserving Indiana's rich historical tradition. He authored Passing the Torch: Preserving Indiana's Heritage, which focused on the value of historic preservation. He led the effort to conserve Indiana's two state constitutions and helped raise funds to construct and install a special display in the State House rotunda so all Hoosiers can see and enjoy these historic documents. He also worked with then-First Lady Judy O'Bannon to create the annual Statehood Day Celebration at the State House.
Awards
During his service, Merritt was recognized with multiple awards, including National Legislator of the Year in 2001 and being chosen to participate in the Council of State Governments' Toll Fellowship program – one of the nation's premier leadership development programs for state government officials.
Merritt plans to resign his seat in the Senate on Nov. 4. He looks forward to continuing to stay active in the community and finding ways to serve his fellow Hoosiers.
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Click here for a high-resolution photo of Sen. Merritt.
