Indiana Lawmakers

Welcome to the first regular session of Indiana's 124th General Assembly, better known as the 2025 long session. No one, of course, can say with certainty how the session will unfold, but this much is clear: Lawmakers should buckle up for a hectic and, in all probability, historic four-month ride, thanks to a palpable hunger for change, a highly charged political climate, a dizzying array of high-stakes challenges, and a legislative agenda that would send the energizer bunny scrambling for a backup power source. Host Jon Schwantes speaks with Indiana's legislative Leadership, Speaker Todd Huston, Senate Pro Tem Rodric Bray, Minority Leaders Shelli Yoder and Phil GiaQuinta on the first episode of Indiana Lawmakers in 2025.

As always, the last word on Indiana's legislative session goes to the people who follow it closest. Take one last look at the bills that sparked major debate among legislators — and those with which Gov. Holcomb took issue — with Statehouse reporters Brandon Smith and Niki Kelly, as well as Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, a political science professor with the University of Indianapolis.

Green comes in many shades, but they don't always go together. Take, for example, the seeming incompatibility of “nature's hue” and the “color of money” — a clash that's on near-constant display at the Indiana Statehouse. This week, we'll examine the tension between two shades of policy priorities with Rep. Matt Pierce, Dr. Gabriel Filippelli of IUPUI, and Dr. Nick Soltis from UIndy.

According to the latest edition of the Indiana Civics Health Index, our state ranked 50th in the nation in voter turnout for the 2022 midterm election. What accounts for our state's chronic — and, by most measures, worsening — civic engagement issues? We look for answers with Sen. J.D. Ford and Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, a political science professor with the University of Indianapolis.

Over the years, the Indiana General Assembly has passed numerous measures to advance technology and promote its use. This session, however, the focus has shifted to reining in technology that might be detrimental, if not downright dangerous. We explore what measures our state legislature is taking to protect Hoosiers from data breaches and dystopian developments with artificial intelligence. 

Indiana ranks towards the bottom of states when it comes to the accessibility, affordability, quality, and efficacy of healthcare. That's bad news indeed for a state that already has one of the unhealthiest populations in the country. How did we get here and what can we do to fix the problem? We discuss with Sen. Shelli Yoder and John Ruckelshaus with the Indiana State Medical Association.

A complicated economy and an unprecedented level of competition for high-wage employers are causing a lot of Hoosiers to perceive “economic development” differently. State Senator Spencer Deery, a West Lafayette Republican from the Commerce and Technology Committee, and State Representative Renee Pack, an Indianapolis Democrat from the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee.

Time flies when you're having fun. It also flies when you're serving as the governor of a state that's struggling to improve public health, deal with deeply entrench suspicions of government, and become a player in a 21st-century global economy. This week, we sit down for our final post-State of the State interview with Gov. Eric Holcomb to reflect on his time in office and the future.

On this week's “Indiana Lawmakers” we take a final look back at the Indiana General Assembly's eventful 2023 session. Host Jon Schwantes welcomes back to the table four nonpartisan journalists who chronicled the session's every twist and turn.

The Indiana General Assembly's 2023 session wrapped up last week. How will lawmakers' decisions impact you and your fellow Hoosiers? Join host Jon Schwantes and the caucus leaders for the next “Indiana Lawmakers” for their assessments. 

On this week's “Indiana Lawmakers” we'll bring home the issue of affordable housing in Indiana - or more accurately, the lack thereof. What's the problem? Post-pandemic inflation? Burdensome regulation? Soaring mortgage rates? The short answer: YES!

This week on “Indiana Lawmakers” - examining some of the nearly 20 “anti-trans” bills introduced this session. Critics refer to such measures as the “slate of hate”. Supporters say they're motivated by a sincere interest in the health & wellbeing of kids.

Final negotiations over the state's biennial budget are fast approaching. On the next “Indiana Lawmakers”, we preview the House passed budget, the Senate's fiscal plan, and the spending priorities of the Governor. What priorities will win out? 

Next on Indiana Lawmakers, a “universal voucher” proposal may double the amount Hoosier taxpayers spend on vouchers. Backers say it's a wise investment in our children and in the state's future. Opponents say it would signal the end of public education.

Frustrated by the apparent failure of past attempts to contain healthcare costs, Indiana legislators are weighing potential remedies. What “is" the right approach? On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we invite you to scrub in for some “level-one drama”!

As virtually every Hoosier family can attest, the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness is a critically important issue. On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we discuss legislation calling for an expansion of mental health services statewide. 

Next on Indiana Lawmakers, we examine the state of voting in Indiana. Is anti-voter-fraud legislation now pending a sincere effort to secure election integrity or just the latest cynical attempt to gain, and/or maintain, power through voter suppression? 

This week on Indiana Lawmakers, we examine legislation that could, in theory, send K-through-12 teachers and librarians to prison for distributing books or staging performances that feature “matter harmful to minors.” And who decides what is harmful? 

Is it time in Indiana to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis? What ‘is' the current attitude of state legislators toward the longstanding ban on pot? We'll take up the issue on the next Indiana Lawmakers.

On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we examine whether the legislature should ban state investments made on the basis of fostering environmental, social, or governance (ESG) goals, and instead focus only on the express fiduciary duty to maximize returns?

On the next “Indiana Lawmakers”, should Hoosiers seeking election to a local public-school board be forced to run as Republicans, Democrats, or Independents? Or should our state do everything possible to keep partisan politics out of our schools?

On the next Indiana Lawmakers, we welcome Governor Eric Holcomb. Host Jon Schwantes will discuss the governor's 2023 agenda. Some of those proposals include increased funding for education, economic development, and public health.  

On the next Indiana Lawmakers, we discuss a proposed state constitutional amendment for Bail. Would it protect Hoosiers by allowing judges to deny bail for suspects thought to pose a threat to the public? Or would it erode bedrock civil liberties?

It's 2023 and that means our Indiana Lawmakers are back to work and so are we. Join us as we kick off this legislative session with caucus leadership on next and first episode. Indiana Lawmakers from the State House to your house. 

On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” host Jon Schwantes and Statehouse journalists will assess the just-concluded 2022 General Assembly session.

On this edition of Indiana Lawmakers, the four caucus leaders join host Jon Schwantes to review the General Assembly’s 2022 session.

Who is better equipped to shape the state’s regulatory landscape, state legislators or government employee experts? Next, Indiana Lawmakers.

On Indiana Lawmakers we discuss our state’s energy future from coal, natural gas, wind, solar, and organic waste to small nuclear reactors!

On the next “Indiana Lawmakers” we discuss a Statehouse bill that would allow most adults to carry a handgun without a permit.

On the next Indiana Lawmakers we look at Indiana’s ongoing debate over the legalization — or at least decriminalization — of marijuana.

On the next Indiana Lawmakers we discuss at the spike in violent crime: HOW did we get to this point and WHERE do we go from here?

On this week’s edition of Indiana Lawmakers we look at how hot-button social issues have dominated the General Assembly session and are impacting the highly charged education debate.

On this week’s edition of Indiana Lawmakers we look at how the Covid-19 vaccine mandates might play out in the Hoosier state, and what it means, both short term and long term, for our healthcare facilities, our schools, and our workplaces.

On this edition of “Indiana Lawmakers” host Jon Schwantes welcomes Governor Eric Holcomb for a one-on-one interview. The governor discusses his State of the State message and his vision for the state of Indiana.

The 2022 legislative session is picking up pretty much where the 2021 session left off, and not surprisingly, the same goes for this week’s “Indiana Lawmakers”. Join host Jon Schwantes and the four caucus leaders as they discuss the session.

This week on Indiana Lawmakers, host Jon Schwantes talks with Brandon Smith, Statehouse reporter for IPB, Lindsey Erdody of WFYI and Arika Herron of The Indianapolis Star to assess the past four months of work of the 2021 General Assembly.

This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes sits down with House Speaker Todd Huston, House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray and Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor to discuss the 2021 session.

This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes sits down with Sen. J.D. Ford, Rep. Tim Wesco and Indianapolis attorney Bill Groth to discuss election law proposals from the Indiana legislature.

This week on Indiana Lawmakers, Jon Schwantes sits down with Sen. Eric Koch, Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, Jamie Palmer of the I.U. Public Policy Institute and Gary Langston of the Indiana Motor Truck Association to discuss Indiana's infrastructure.

Indiana legislators are currently crafting a two-year budget for the state. How will the funds be allocated? Join us this week on Indiana Lawmakers as host Jon Schwantes asks our legislative panel how Hoosiers may be impacted.