STATEHOUSE (April 2, 2019) – “After several years of debate, the Indiana Senate today passed a bias-crime bill, Senate Enrolled Act 198, which will now be considered by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
“Over the course of my three years in the Senate, I have fought diligently for the passage of a bias-crime bill. Although this version is not the one I originally advocated for, I am grateful the General Assembly was able to come together to pass legislation that is inclusive and will protect all Hoosiers.
“As part of his 2019 legislative agenda, Gov. Holcomb also pushed for bias-crime legislation this session and recently called SEA 198 ‘a ginormous step forward,’ because it meets the original criteria necessary to remove Indiana from the list of five states currently without a bias-crime law.
“In addition, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, also a strong advocate for the passage of bias-crime legislation, supports SEA 198, with Chamber President Kevin Brinegar stating that the bill is ‘carefully crafted to be comprehensive.’
“Again, while this version of bias-crime legislation is different from the one I have advocated for, I believe today’s vote is a step in the right direction, and I am grateful Indiana is moving forward on this critical issue. As former Gov. Mitch Daniels likes to say, ‘Don’t let the perfect get in the way of the good.’”
-30-
Click here for a high-resolution photo of Sen. John Ruckelshaus.
