Weekly Statehouse Update: Historic Police Reform, Holcomb Unveils Budget Proposal
January 15, 2021
Article origination IPBS-RJC
A “historic” police reform bill clears committee. The Holcomb administration unveils the governor’s state budget proposal. And an education funding guarantee is moving in both chambers.
Here’s what you might have missed this week at the Statehouse.
A House committee unanimously approved legislation this week that makes several police reforms – supported by law enforcement agencies and groups that include the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, the NAACP and the Indiana Black Expo.
Among the changes: banning chokeholds unless deadly force is warranted, requiring de-escalation training and making it easier for the state to de-certify police who commit misconduct (essentially preventing them from remaining employed).
Coronavirus: Vaccine Registration Begins For Hoosiers 80+, Indiana To Host March Madness
Article origination IPBS-RJC
On Friday, Hoosiers age 80 and older began scheduling vaccination appointments. Those who haven’t yet can do so at OurShot.in.gov or by calling 211.
Provided by Indiana University Health
The Indiana Department of Health reported 502 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the state’s total to 8,613 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 37,500 new cases in the last week.
Since moving to Stage 5 of its reopening plan on Sept. 26, the state has reported 446,286 positive cases and 5,223 confirmed deaths – 79.1 percent of the state’s total positive cases and 60.6 percent of deaths for the entire pandemic.