Lawmakers like state Rep. Sue Errington count wins and losses as legislative session enters final month
As the legislative session at the Statehouse winds down towards its mandated late April end, lawmakers are taking stock of how many bills they proposed will make it through session to the governor’s desk. IPR’s Ransom True spoke with Democratic Representative Sue Errington about this year’s session so far.
All the chairs were filled at Rep. Sue Errington’s (D-Muncie) public town hall in February, with an additional standing room only crowd. The air was humid with political dissatisfaction.
Before opening the floor to questions, Errington highlighted her proposed bills and her one significant success so far this legislative session.
“Now I said I had a bill that made it,” she said. “That was 1297, it’s called the Yellow Dot program. It’s already in 22 other states. If a first responder sees a yellow dot on the back window of the driver’s side, then that person knows to look in the glove compartment for a yellow envelope that has medical information about the driver.”
If signed by the governor, Indiana would be one of about two dozen states participating in the Yellow Dot Program. (Photo provided by Sue Errington)
This Yellow Dot Motor Vehicle Medical Information Program would be completely voluntary, and its goal is to give first responders critical information for emergency care in the case of auto accidents. The bill passed both chambers and is now awaiting approval by the governor.
Errington didn’t see success in all her proposals. One that fell short was an amendment to HB 1681, a bill which would place local public questions on general election ballots. Errington’s amendment would have allowed nonbinding ballot initiatives, which would give the public a chance to voice their opinion on various issues, even if lawmakers weren’t looking to directly change state laws or the state constitution.
Errington said it was needed because of what she sees as a disconnect.
“I believe that our legislative districts are so gerrymanders that the legislators in many places don’t really reflect what their constituents want.”
The amendment was struck down on the House floor.
According to records from this year’s session, Errington authored 10 bills and resolutions, co-authored 18, and co-sponsored one. Of the bills, two are currently assigned to be heard in committees.
Ransom True is a news fellow with Ball State Public Media’s Public Media Accelerator student fellowships.
