INDIANAPOLIS---The Indiana General Assembly has begun to advance a number of proposals during the 2013 legislative session. State Senator Earline Rogers (D-Gary) has authored a number of bills aimed at improving several areas of Indiana education, ranging from school buses to college tuition rates.

School bus safety belts
Senate Bill (SB) 421 would require seat belts to be installed on public school buses. Keeping children safe from the beginning to the end of the school day is imperative. Once a semester, bus drivers would be required to review how to properly fasten seatbelts as well as conduct an evacuation drill. Bus drivers who are found not performing these actions may be dismissed from employment or have their employment contract cancelled.

Family friendly school designation
SB 422 would create the Family Friendly School designation program encouraging opportunities for increased parent engagement and participation. Schools would be awarded the Family Friendly School designation. The goal of the program would be to encourage student achievement and to signify a school as being committed to family involvement. Statewide organizations that link family involvement with student success will assist the State Board of Education in developing the program. 

Charter school approval process
Under SB 423, new charter schools located in a school corporation where a quarter of students already attend established charter schools would require approval by a school board. The school board would evaluate the impacts the new charter would have on the school corporation before the request could be accepted or denied. If enacted, the legislation would affect the 2013-2014 school year.

Turnaround Academies

SB 426 would provide guidance for the oversight of organizations contracted by the state to take over underachieving schools. The legislation would give the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) specific standards to regulate those private organizations contracted for public school takeovers.

Resident tuition rate
SB 420 establishes additional criteria for someone to pay in-state tuition fees at a public university. The bill would require an individual to verify they meet certain criteria, such as having graduated from an Indiana high school and attended an Indiana high school for at least three years. The bill aims to provide opportunities for undocumented students who, through no fault of their own, have come to Indiana and are looking to receive financial assistance to further their education and become members of Indiana’s professional community.

Sen. Rogers represents Indiana Senate District 3 which encompasses portions of Lake County. District 3 communities include Gary, Lake Station, New Chicago, Hobart, Ainsworth, Merrillville and Crown Point. For more information on Sen. Rogers, her legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.IN.gov/s3.

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