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.
-
Bloomington hopes to create 'Stadium District' neighborhood by Memorial Stadium
The city is considering establishing the 'Stadium District' neighborhood by Memorial Stadium for economic development and tourism reasons.
Food banks brace for impact as government shutdown threatens SNAP benefits
Food pantries across Hamilton County are preparing for a potential surge in demand as the ongoing government shutdown threatens to pause SNAP benefits for Indiana families starting in November.
Attorney General files complaint against Indy-based security company
The state has filed a complaint against Indianapolis-based security company Protection Plus, saying the company is “unfit to practice” following federal wage law violations.
Tyrese Haliburton watches as Pacers celebrate Nancy Leonard in Finals rematch
Haliburton sported glasses, a pink sport button-down sweater, a white dress shirt and a pink tie in his first regular-season game since being ruled out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon.
