INDIANAPOLIS — A rolled-back version of a bill aimed at restricting what teachers can and cannot say about race, history and politics in classrooms has been adopted by the Senate education committee.
It comes after public outrage and criticism from Indiana educators.
The committee adopted significant changes that watered down much of what was in House Bill 1134, the Associated Press reports.
A hearing on the bill ended around 6:35 p.m., while educators, students and concerned Hoosiers waited outside the Senate chambers to testify.
MORE | Bill banning transgender girls from playing school sports in Indiana passes Senate committee
Committee Chair Sen. Jeff Raatz said about 91% of those who signed up to testify were against the bill and its amendments. The rest were neutral or in support.
Not all who signed up to testify got a chance to speak at the podium.
Raatz said he tried to randomly pick names from the list to “get a good mix” and include students.
Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis said there’s bipartisan opposition to the bill and pointed out some of the original language that is still included in the amendment. He said he will continue working with the committee on the bill.
MORE | Southside Indianapolis homeless camp cleared after orders by INDOT
The amendment to the bill will be brought back up by the committee next Wednesday.
Sen. Linda Rogers R,-Grangers, who introduced the amendments, said the bill is still a work in progress. She suggested including a portion addressing mental health and asked lawmakers to bring their constructive criticism to her.
The bill is authored by Rep. Anthony Cook, R-Cicero, co-authored by Reps. J.D. Prescott, R-Union City and Chuck Goodrich, R-Noblesville and Sponsored by Sen. Rogers.
-
1 dead, 1 critically injured in shooting at west side apartment complex
IMPD is investigating after one person was killed and another was critically injured in a shooting at an apartment complex on the city's west side Friday night.
IMPD released bodycam footage from fatal shooting of carjacking suspect in Oct.
IMPD released body cam footage of a shooting in which officers shot an armed carjacking suspect on the east side of Indianapolis in October.
Emma Donnan schools hold 5th annual holiday shop to help students in need
The event allowed students and their families to pick out toys, clothes, food and household items they may need this winter.
Local business wants more communication from USPS following shipping delays
Tracking numbers not working and packages being delayed are some of the issues central Indiana customers are facing. Some businesses are asking for more communication from the postal service.
