On May 12, the Indiana General Assembly’s Legislative Council announced interim committee topics for legislators to study between now and the 2027 budget session. The council authorized and directed 15 different legislative interim committees and task forces to deal with 29 topics and responsibilities (of the 97 proposals submitted for consideration by the four legislative leaders). Thirteen statutory study committees and task forces (including Health Care Cost Oversight) will not meet as they were not assigned any topics for the interim.
The Interim Study Committee on Education was assigned two topics, primarily related to K-12 education: 1.) “Hear a presentation by the Department of Education of a report concerning grants awarded under IC 20-32-8.7 (Student Learning Recovery Grant Program and Fund) and the progress made by eligible entities awarded grants under IC 20-32-8.7 in meeting the metrics and proposed improvements identified in the eligible entity's plan”; and 2.) “Study the topic of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes at the high school level”.
Of the three topics assigned to the Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health, and Human Services, one is to “Study the topics of Indiana's sexual assault response workforce, availability of services to survivors, and sexual assault response plans,” and another is hearing “a presentation by the Indiana Department of Health and hold a public hearing on an annual report concerning grants awarded under IC 16-46-16.5-6 dealing with the Health Issues and Challenges Grant Program and the progress made in meeting the metrics and goals identified in the plan to prevent or reduce the prevalence of health issues, or improve the health and behavioral health of Indiana residents”.
Among the seven tasks assigned to the Interim Study Committee on Fiscal Policy, one includes conducting a public hearing on a report from the Legislative Services Agency that has a review, analysis, and evaluation of workforce related programs.
The House and Senate heads have yet to assign members to interim committees and task forces. The two chambers tradeoff who chairs the groups, and it’s the House’s turn this year. Committee member rosters, meeting agendas, hearing schedules, and live streams will be available at the Indiana General Assembly website.