Press release from Indiana House Republican Caucus

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - State Rep. Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) had four bills, which he authored and co-authored, handed down during last Thursday’s session.

The first bill (House Bill 1205) would bar funding for entities providing abortions. The bill prohibits state agencies from entering into contracts or making grants to any entity that performs abortions or maintains and operates a facility where abortions are performed, this bill excludes hospitals.

The second bill (House Bill 1561) pertains to recipients receiving unemployment benefits. It would require that individuals submit at least one job application each week that they claim unemployment benefits. The bill also states that unemployed individuals, who receive benefits after four weeks, be required to perform community service if requested by the Department of Workforce Development. The hours of community service required will depend on the number of weeks an individual has collected unemployment.  

“I feel particularly passionate about House Bill 1561. This bill was crafted to lead our state toward giving hand-ups and not handouts,” said Rep. McMillin. “There is work to be done in our communities and we have workforce ready individuals without jobs. Let’s utilize these individuals and better our communities.”

The third bill (House Bill 1559) states that recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) be required to randomly submit to drug testing. If a recipient tests positive, the bill then states that they complete a drug abuse treatment program and wait six months before they can reapply for assistance. The bill calls for similar measures to be taken by the Dept. of Workforce Development for individuals who receive unemployment insurance.

The fourth bill (House Bill 1558) prohibits unauthorized adoption facilitation and calls for a removal of language that makes it a Class A misdemeanor for a person to knowingly or intentionally provide, engage in, or facilitate adoption services to a prospective adoptive parent.

“I am excited to have these bills handed down and ready to advocate for them throughout session,” said Rep. McMillin.