Press Release

State Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation to allow the use of plastic-coated ammunition by police and military personnel in Indiana could soon become law.

House Enrolled Act 1095 would change the definition of certain bullets to match the current federal law, permitting plastic-coated ammunition to be used at gun ranges. Indiana law currently focuses on a bullet’s outer coating in the definition, but Burton said the federal regulation more accurately addresses the core of the bullet. The legislation would allow for the use of cutting-edge Syntech bullets, a target ammunition consisting of a soft lead core and an outer polymer coating or jacketing.

“Allowing Syntech bullets would provide a number of benefits for groups who engage in high-volume target practice, such as the military and police,” Burton said. “The plastic tip uses less lead than traditional bullets, and this minimizes the amount of smoke and lead residue. It also reduces the amount of lead shrapnel produced, which is safer, cleaner and better for the environment.”

Burton said because the bullets are only intended for use at gun ranges, they would rarely be carried as a means of self-defense. If enacted, the bill will align Indiana with current federal regulations, while still prohibiting armor-piercing ammunition, which poses an unnecessary danger to law enforcement.

House Enrolled Act 1095 has passed the House and Senate and will now proceed to the governor for consideration. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about this legislation.

State Rep. Woody Burton honored the Indianapolis Homeschool Wildcats boys basketball team in the House Chamber on Tuesday for their state tournament win.

After their third straight win at the Midwest Christian Homeschool Conference, the Wildcats went on to win the Indiana Christian Basketball Alliance varsity state basketball tournament in February.

Above is a photo of State Rep. Woody Burton with the Indianapolis Homeschool Wildcats boys basketball team at the Statehouse in Indianapolis on Tuesday, April 4, 2017.

“These young men know how to work hard and work as a team,” Burton said. “They are no stranger to doing well in tournaments, but they have continued to excel on and off the court. It is encouraging to see students come together as a team in our community, working toward a positive goal.”

Burton said the Indianapolis Homeschool Wildcats is a competitive basketball program for students from fourth through 12th grade. The teams compete against other homeschool, Christian, private and public school teams that are members of the Indiana Christian Basketball Alliance, Midwest Christian Homeschool Conference and National Christian Homeschool Basketball Championships.

Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Woody Burton to align Indiana colleges and universities with the state’s sanctuary cities law passed the House Tuesday.

Senate Bill 423 would include postsecondary educational institutions under a sanctuary city law that was enacted in 2011. The bill would require colleges and universities that receive state or federal funds to align their policies with an existing state law that prohibits sanctuary cities and towns. Current law prohibits a government body from enacting policies that restrict another governmental body from taking actions regarding the citizenship or immigration status of an individual, whether lawful or unlawful.

“My intention in sponsoring this bill is keeping our college students and their communities safe,” Burton said. “If law enforcement, for example, is investigating an issue on a Hoosier campus, the college or university should not hinder their efforts or withhold information. This bill would ensure that colleges are aligned with a preexisting statewide policy and federal law.”

Senate Bill 423 passed the House and will now be considered further by the Senate. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about this legislation.

Last week, I was visited at the Statehouse by a group of constituents representing Indiana Farm Bureau of Johnson County.

Agriculture is a major factor in our state’s economy and has an undeniable impact on all Hoosier citizens. Indiana Farm Bureau is an advocate for both agriculture education and the needs of rural communities.

The group and I discussed current bills that are moving thorough the legislative process, one of them being House Bill 1002. This legislation contains the House Republican’s long-term road funding plan that was recently passed by the House of Representatives. Indiana Farm Bureau is one of the many supporters of this bill and the actions it would take to maintain the roadways Hoosier farmers depend upon.

It was great to spend time with the Farm Bureau representatives and listen to their ideas and answer their questions. As always, I hope you take the opportunity to visit me at the Statehouse as well. Meeting with constituents and hearing your thoughts, opinions and questions about our state government is one of the greatest parts of my job. It also helps me better represent you and our community when I vote on legislation.

If you have any questions or would like to set up a time to meet with me, please contact my office at 317-232-9648 or h58@iga.in.gov.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Woody Burton

State Rep. Woody Burton was recently selected to serve as the public sector co-chair for the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Task Force on Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development.

“My years as an Indiana lawmaker and a chair of several legislative committees has afforded me the necessary experience to take on this position for the CIED Task Force,” Burton said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to join and lead this group, and I hope to not only serve Hoosiers, but to help move states across the country forward as well.”

As co-chair of this task force, Burton’s responsibilities will include overseeing meetings and working to ensure that the task force identifies and addresses issues that are important to taxpayers. Burton will also be tasked with finding new public and private sector members for the group.

Burton was nominated for this position and appointed by the national chair of ALEC.

Burton currently serves as the chair of the Indiana House of Representatives’ Committee on Financial Institutions.