INDIANAPOLIS — On Wednesday, the Indiana Senate Republicans released its caucus agenda for the 2025 legislative session, a few of which lined up with the priorities of Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Braun.
According to a news release from the caucus, the agenda focuses on five main areas, including:
- Enacting meaningful property tax reform
- Containing Medicaid costs and preventing fraud
- Lowering health care costs
- Responsible management of water resources
- Fiscal integrity and contract accountability
“In addition to a responsibly balanced state budget, our agenda is focused on lowering property taxes and good-government measures,” said Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville). “Though Indiana has one of the lowest property tax burdens in the country, we know Hoosiers are feeling the sting of rising property tax bills. We stand ready to collaborate with Gov.-elect Braun and our counterparts in the House to pass meaningful property tax reform. In addition, we will be pursuing several good-government measures to ensure Hoosier taxpayer dollars are being invested responsibly and with transparency and are again this year pursuing policies to lower health care costs.”
Senate Bill 1
Senate Bill 1, written by Indiana State Sen. Travis Holdman, a Republican from Markle, will give Indiana Senate Republicans the chance to collaborate with the Indiana House of Representatives and Braun to “pass meaningful property tax reform.”
“Even though Indiana has some of the lowest property taxes in the country, Hoosiers are justifiably frustrated by the year-over-year increases in recent years,” the release said. “Senate Republicans will strive to balance relief for Hoosier taxpayers with the budget needs of schools and local governments.”
Senate Bill 2
Senate Bill 2, written by Indiana State Sen. Ryan Mishler, a Republican from Mishawaka, will help implement “better controls” on eligibility for Medicaid. The bill will also reform the Healthy Indiana plan to encourage personal responsibility.
“Indiana’s Medicaid program is growing at unsustainable rates,” the release said. “Reforms must be made to ensure Indiana can continue to provide coverage for the Hoosiers who need it most.”
Senate Bill 3
Senate Bill 3, written by Indiana State Sen. Justin Busch, a Republican from Fort Wayne, would require health plan intermediaries to act in the best interest of the employers who sponsor health insurance for Hoosier workers.
“Employers who pay for their employees’ health care should be able to trust that the health plan intermediary they work with is acting in their best financial interest – not the best interest of the intermediary,” the release said.
Senate Bill 4
Senate Bill 4, written by Indiana State Sen. Eric Koch, a Republican from Bedford, centers around requiring permits for basin-to-basin water transfers and other large long-distance water pipeline projects.
“Indiana is blessed with abundant water resources, but as our state continues to experience record investment, we need to ensure our resources are being managed responsibly so Hoosiers continue to have the access they need,” the release said.
Senate Bill 5
Senate Bill 5, written by Indiana State Sen. Scott Baldwin of Noblesville, would help improve fiscal oversight to help protect taxpayer dollars.
When the government awards large contracts with taxpayer dollars, Hoosiers expect results,” the release said. “SB 5 would ensure alignment with legislative intent and result in improved management of public funds.”
According to the release, the 2025 legislative session is required to conclude by April 29. For more information, click here.
