Guest Column

In the coming weeks, many students and educators will be heading back to the classroom for a new school year. While this is an exciting time, some may have questions about the steps being taken to ensure the safety of our children and those who dedicate their lives to educating our future leaders. School safety continues to be a top priority for state lawmakers as we build on our policies and offer a variety of resources to better ensure our children learn and grow in a safe environment.

Indiana has several safeguards in place to ensure students and educators are better protected at school. Our state has been highlighted as a national leader for implementing and investing in school safety policies by the Security Industry Association. We are among only five states with a “red flag” law, which allows firearms to be taken from individuals a court determines to be dangerous to themselves or others.

One of the most critical components to being prepared for an emergency is training. We are one of only a few states in the country to operate a School Safety Specialist Academy, which has trained and certified nearly 2,500 specialists at no cost to local schools. Indiana is 1 of 2 states to require every school district to employ a certified specialist who is trained annually on best safety practices. Additionally, each school must have a school safety plan and an assigned full- or part-time school resource officer in the district. These law enforcement officers have completed specialized training to protect the school community and have full police powers. The state also offers assistance and training for educators and staff on safety drills and building security protocols. And, while perhaps not widely known, local school boards do have the option to authorize specific teachers or administrators who are legally allowed to possess a firearm to carry while on school property.

This year we also worked with the governor, the Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Education to find ways to further improve our school safety policies.

In addition to the nearly $45 million Indiana has already invested toward the Secured School Safety Grant Program, we supported a new law providing an additional $5 million to help schools across the state employ school resource officers, conduct threat assessments and purchase security equipment.

Each school corporation will also update their safety plans filed with the DOE. Along with onsite district safety reviews, every school’s safety plan will be audited by the DOE with the voluntary assistance of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, state police and local law enforcement. This collaborative exercise will provide constructive feedback to further secure our schools. Furthermore, the Secured School Safety Board will be conducting a statewide review and will issue recommendations before next year’s legislative session.

In the past, some active shooters have pulled a school’s fire alarm in order to fill the hallways with students. To help prevent copycat attacks, the new law also gives schools updated evacuation guidelines in the event of an unexpected fire alarm. If an unplanned alarm goes off, school staff would have the option to block or barricade a door for up to three minutes while a designated official investigates the alarm. Without this flexibility, quick-thinking faculty and staff could be violating state fire safety laws.

More recently, it was announced every school in Indiana can receive hand-held metal detector devices at no cost. Schools that request these devices will begin receiving detectors by mid-August, with requests continuing to be filled through the fall. This new program is just one of many safety resources available to schools.

Moving forward, it is clear we need to continue providing resources and training to keep students and educators safe while they are at school. This will remain a top priority as we continue to collaborate with local and state leaders to ensure steps are taken to protect Hoosier students. If you have any questions or input about laws in place to keep students and educators safe, please contact our offices at 317-232-9600.

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,

which includes a portion of Johnson County.

 State Rep. Dave Frizzell (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 93,

which includes a portion of Marion and Johnson counties.

 State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,

which includes Brown County and portions of Lawrence, Jackson, Johnson and Monroe counties.

State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin) represents House District 47,

which includes portions of Johnson and Morgan counties.

We are nearing the final weeks of the 2018 legislative session. Several bills have already been approved by both the House of Representatives and Senate and are on their way to be signed into law, while other bills are still being debated and finalized. This is an exciting time because these potential new laws will positively impact the lives of Hoosiers throughout the entire state.

I am excited to see legislation I sponsored aiding students with dyslexia is almost through the entire legislative process. I have been working closely with students, parents and educators for several years on how to ensure students with dyslexia have the tools they need to be successful in the classroom. In 2015, I authored a law that started the conversation on what dyslexia is and why it is so critical to identify signs early. Dyslexia affects the way a person reads, writes, spells and pronounces words. At that bill signing, I met a little girl named Erin. She told me how she used to cry every night before she went to bed because she thought she wasn’t as smart as her classmates. Erin was eventually diagnosed as dyslexic, like me, and just learns differently. Children like Erin attend our community’s schools, and it’s important we equip educators with the tools needed to spot signs of dyslexia early and ensure these students receive a well-rounded education tailored to their unique learning needs.

Another bill I am honored to sponsor, known as “Savannah’s Law,” is named after Savannah Bettis, who tragically passed away in a 2015 car crash. The one-vehicle accident was the result of carbon monoxide gas building up in the cabin due to a faulty exhaust system. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas that can be fatal if inhaled in high concentrations continuously. Both Savannah and her boyfriend, who survived the crash, fell unconscious from the carbon monoxide which resulted in the accident. They really had no warning.

Savannah’s Law would give Hoosiers the opportunity to receive free carbon monoxide emissions tests for their vehicle at their local fire department. This test would take about 10 minutes and could save the lives of Hoosiers and their families. I used to work as a mechanic, so I can typically spot when cars are not working properly. Recently, my wife and I experienced headaches while driving. After getting the car checked out, we discovered our catalytic converter had come loose and was leaking carbon monoxide into our car. Everyone should be aware of this real danger. This legislation can be now be signed by the governor and could soon become law.

Last fall, I met with several families to discuss how we can improve Indiana’s adoption process and foster care program. After hearing stories from children and parents, it is clear that something must be done to ensure kids in the foster care system have a safe and loving place to call home. I have been working on legislation that would increase transparency and accountability throughout the entire adoption process. Under my proposal, prospective adoptive parents would receive a report with contact information of agency employees, giving them a place to voice concerns, ask questions and receive feedback. This gives Hoosiers looking to adopt a child a clear path to address concerns, if need be. This bill has been supported unanimously throughout the legislative session, and it is now awaiting the governor’s signature before it becomes law.

As we round the corner toward the end of session, lawmakers will be finalizing their bills. To keep track of legislation during this time, visit iga.in.gov. If you have any questions about my legislation or if there is anything I can do to help you or your family, contact me at h58@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9648.

Ideas for legislation come from a variety of sources. Sometimes, a lawmaker learns of an issue and works to find a solution, while other times communities reach out needing help from the General Assembly to provide support to accomplish different goals. Many of the best and most impactful laws are the ones inspired by Hoosiers.

Several years ago, I was approached at the county fair by Cheryl from our community, asking if I was familiar with dyslexia. Not knowing much about the learning disability at the time, I said no. Cheryl introduced me to her son, Josh, who has dyslexia and faced difficulties with schoolwork because he learns differently. After that conversation, I was motivated to find a way to ensure kids like Josh are able to receive a well-rounded education like other students.

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that can affect an individual’s ability to read, write, spell and pronounce words. It can occur in people of all backgrounds and is unrelated to intelligence. Dyslexia does not hinder a student’s ability to think or be creative. In the U.S., 1 in 5 people are dyslexic to some degree, and after speaking with Cheryl and her son, I now know I am also dyslexic.

In 2015, I authored a law providing resources for teachers to better identify students with dyslexia. Under this law, teachers have a clear definition of dyslexia and receive training on how to identify early signs of this learning disability in their students.

When then-Gov. Mike Pence signed this legislation into law, more than 100 students, parents and educators came to the Statehouse to show support. I was amazed at the number of children who shared with me they thought they were stupid, when in reality, they just learn differently. That legislation was a small step in helping students find success in school.

To build on that law, I am sponsoring legislation that would require schools and the Department of Education to take extra steps to further ensure every student who has dyslexia is identified and receives the needed additional help and resources to better address their educational needs. Under this proposal, students in kindergarten through second grade would be screened for signs of dyslexia. Additionally, an educator who specializes in dyslexia would be available to each school corporation in the state to address unique cases. Early detection of dyslexia is vital to getting students on a successful learning path.

Dyslexia is an issue I am particularly passionate about, and I will continue to raise awareness for this learning disability and stress the importance of recognizing it in Hoosier students. To follow the progress of this bill and other important legislation, visit iga.in.gov. As always, if there is anything I can do for you or your family, please contact me at h58@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9648.

The 2018 legislative session is in full swing, and we just reached the halfway point of this short session.  Bills that have been supported by the House can now be heard by the Senate, and the House will consider Senate bills. House Republicans have made great progress with our top priorities, including increasing K-12 funding, strengthening Indiana’s workforce, attacking the opioid epidemic and increasing government efficiency.

In addition to those legislative priorities, several of my proposals made it through the process.

My top priority this session is increasing accountability and transparency during adoption proceedings. I authored legislation that would provide prospective parents with a clearly defined pathway to voice concerns or ask questions at any time during the adoption process. This bill would require an adoption agency to supply these prospective adoptive parents with the contact information for all of its employees. Followed by an explanation of the document’s contents, the prospective parents would be asked to sign it. As a result, it is my hope that those considering adoption will be better able to work with caseworkers and, if need be, contact their supervisors. My ultimate goal has always been placing more children in safe and loving homes.

Another bill that is still moving through the process came from a dilemma brought to my attention by a Johnson County commissioner. The county did not have the authority to repair a subdivision’s drain that was endangering a county road. This proposal would allow counties or Indianapolis to enter into contracts with subdivision homeowners associations in order to finance and repair storm drains. If the HOA’s membership agrees, a special assessment would be charged to cover only the costs of the repair. This commonsense legislation will empower communities across the state to collaboratively resolve local infrastructure issues in a timely and efficient manner.

I also authored legislation to clarify unclaimed property laws. Right now, there are a lot of inconsistencies with the automatic renewal process for deposits like certificate of deposits. When a deposit comes up for renewal, there are several practices that have been unclear in the past. If the customer does not renew it for another period of time, banks can consider these funds unclaimed property and send them to the state’s unclaimed property fund. When this happens, that money can no longer accrue interest, and then there is a lengthy process the customer must follow to get funds back. I’ve heard many banks are already informing their customers of this practice, preventing funds from being incorrectly classified as unclaimed property. My proposal would ensure every bank is following this practice.

Some of my other proposals, however, did not get considered in committee this year, but they still remain priorities to me. For example, I filed a bill that would require schools to put an emphasis on civics education. Too many Hoosiers are graduating high school without fully understanding our country’s history or how to be an engaged citizen. My bill would have required schools to administer a final exam developed by the State Board of Education at the end of a U.S. government course. Because this legislation did not get a hearing by the committee report deadline, it cannot be considered going forward this session. Nonetheless, I strongly believe that all Hoosiers should be equipped with every tool available to be an engaged citizen. I will continue to advocate on the importance of civics next session.

The House of Representatives will begin considering Senate bills in committees in the coming weeks. To keep track of the bills as they switch chambers, visit iga.in.gov. A great way to stay up-to-date with what is happening at the Statehouse as well as see events that are going on in our community, is to sign up to receive my weekly e-newsletter at www.in.gov/h58. As always, I encourage you to contact me with your thoughts or concerns regarding legislation or if there is any way I can help you and your family. You can email me at h58@iga.in.gov or call 317-232-9648.

Over the last few months, I have watched some NFL players kneel during the national anthem with great interest. Issues like this always stimulate extreme controversy. These protests do nothing more than divide our country, and I believe there are more appropriate ways to express unease with our country’s current political climate. I believe football players cross the line when they choose to kneel for the national anthem.

I want to stress that I am supportive of the First Amendment. Everyone has the right to express their thoughts in a public arena, no matter the message. However, I have concerns with how these football players are voicing their opinions. In this day and age, there are few things that a majority of us can agree on, but respecting our flag and national anthem is one that has withstood the test of time. The history of ceremoniously raising our flag at the commencement of public events is a tradition that spans over 200 years. Moreover, the original poem, which provides the lyrics to our national anthem, is also more than two centuries old.

During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem after witnessing the British bombard Fort McHenry, an American-held fort, during the Battle of Baltimore. After the smoke had cleared, he looked over and saw our flag still flying high. He was so inspired by this image of defiance that he wrote the poem that would later become the Star-Spangled Banner, our national anthem. Over the decades, honoring the flag and playing the anthem has become a tradition at official ceremonies, war memorial services and, yes, even public sporting events. Because of this history, our flag and national anthem are not simply symbols, but rather the embodiment of our country and the American ideal of justice for all.  Countless lives have been lost protecting our freedoms, and we should show the utmost respect for them.

In 2004, I had the opportunity to travel to Bosnia, a European country. This trip opened my eyes to the horrors that exist within the world. Our group was escorted around the country by the military because the fighting between two factions had become so bad. Between these two groups, thousands of men, women and children were slaughtered for no reason. During the trip, my group visited an old battery factory, which was considered a peacekeeping facility that served as a meeting place for both sides. Our interpreter used to work at the factory with his family. In 2002, a combat team came to the factory and demanded four people come with them. By the end of that day, our interpreter’s brother, mother and father were all slaughtered in front of him. I cannot possibly imagine the horror of watching that happen. Bosnia experienced this kind of terror almost daily not so long ago. At one point, our guide said there were so many bodies in the water, they clogged the dam.

With tears in my eyes, I said, “I don’t see how you can talk about this.” He responded, “It’s simple. I need to do everything I can to ensure the U.S. stays in Bosnia to help our people.”

This is why I believe we should always stand for the national anthem. There are people around the world who are fighting to have what we have, and we must not take for granted the rights and security we enjoy.

We also have so many who have lost their lives and loved ones defending our great nation. I have a friend who served in the military during the Vietnam War. One night, he was over at my house, and, out of nowhere, he became extremely upset. He started telling me about his time overseas and his patrol partner. They were walking through the jungle for a routine patrol, and his partner stepped on a land mine. During the explosion, he lost his legs. As my friend was trying to comfort his partner, he just kept screaming, “Where are my legs? I can’t find my legs.” That soldier died, and the memory is still with my friend.

I tell you these things to show you there are real people out there, with real stories, who have made real sacrifices. This is why I sand for the national anthem.

Every day I’m proud to be an American, and I’m so thankful for the opportunities I have. I’m not against football players or any other athlete, but I do think that this has gone too far. Kneeling during the national anthem, no matter how peaceful or noble the cause may be, is an insult, albeit unintentional, to the men and women who have bravely defended our freedom, no matter the cost. There are other avenues to express your opinion. I urge anyone who is upset about anything happening in our country to continue to speak out. It’s your right as an American citizen, but I ask that you do so in a way that does not disrespect our flag, national anthem and veterans.