FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emma Balzer, Senior Press Secretary
Emma.Balzer@iga.in.gov
317-232-7184
Leah Tanner, Press Secretary Intern
Leah.Tanner@iga.in.gov
State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) issued a statement regarding the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session Friday, March 8. That statement has been updated to reflect an error made when commenting on Senate Bill 293, which did not move forward in the legislative process. The corrected version of the statement is as follows:
STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2024) – "Today, we concluded the 2024 legislative session during which the General Assembly passed legislation to benefit Hoosiers across the state. I'm proud to have authored several bills that would protect our most vulnerable Hoosiers and strengthen our criminal justice system.
"Senate Enrolled Act 16 would establish a pilot program requiring courts to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) in scenarios where a woman with an intellectual disability, who is subject to a guardianship, has a child. This would ensure that the parental rights of the mother are protected in these situations.
"In a world where the internet is available to everyone, we need to ensure that our children are being protected online. Senate Enrolled Act 17 would require websites that publish pornographic content to use reasonable age verification methods.
"The Indiana Department of Correction has reported numerous drone sightings in 2023 and over a dozen confirmed drone drops of contraband inside state correctional facilities. Senate Enrolled Act 182 would criminalize the use of a drone to deliver contraband to an inmate or intentionally obstruct or interfere with a correctional officer's duties at a state correctional facility.
"Property is one of the most valuable things a person can own, which is why I supported Senate Bill 293. The bill would have allowed for a member of law enforcement to, in certain circumstances, serve as an agent for the property owner in an event where the owner is not present to deny someone entry or ask a person to leave. While it did not move forward in the legislative process, I will continue to support legislation that will protect Hoosiers’ property rights in the future.
"The legislation passed this session will further protect children and the rights of Hoosiers. I'm thankful for my fellow legislators and their collaboration with me on these bills. I look forward to working on more legislation next year that best serves the interests of Senate District 8."
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State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) represents Senate District 8, which includes
Starke County and portions of LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
