Rep. Vernon Smith

Rep. Vernon Smith announces 2022 legislative priorities

Contributed By:The 411 News

State Representative and member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) Dr. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) recently announced his legislative agenda for the 2022 Legislative Session.

Smith has introduced legislation to address a wide range of issues facing his district and the state, including: clarifying responsibilities between landlords and tenants, protecting victims of domestic violence, prioritizing student mental health and safety, lowering Gary Community School Corporation debt, and encouraging economic development in Northwest Indiana.

House Bill 1263 Sewer and Storm water fees prevent landlords from experiencing liens on their properties due to tenants’ unpaid utility fees.

“This law will create clarity over who is ultimately responsible for unpaid bills and prevent landlords from being sent to collections or having a lien placed on their property due to tenants’ unpaid utility bills,” Smith said.

House Bill 1264 Surrender of firearms for domestic violence crimes prohibits ownership and requires the surrender of firearms from a person who is convicted of domestic violence.

“According to the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Indiana has experienced a 45% increase in domestic violence-related 911 calls and a 113% increase in domestic violence-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic,” Smith explained. “Black women are particularly vulnerable as they were already 2.5 times more likely to experience violence even before the pandemic. Abusers with guns are 5 times more likely to kill their victims; this common-sense legislation would save lives.”

House Bill 1265 Prohibiting bullying in schools requires the governing body of a school corporation to prioritize the safety of targeted students. Under the bill, parents of targeted students and perpetrators must be informed of incidents and school corporations must approve a transfer of a targeted student.

“Increased anxiety, incidents of trauma and frequent disruptions associated with the pandemic have had devastating effects on our school children. Unfortunately these issues add up to increased incidents of bullying in our schools,” Smith said. “Children deserve to learn in a safe environment, free of violence. Providing parents with resources and remedies to keep their children mentally and physically safe are necessary for optimal student outcomes and our students’ overall well-being.”

House Bill 1266 Gary Community School Corporation debt forgives the outstanding Common School Fund loan made to Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC).

“It’s time to pull back from the state takeover of the Gary School District and restore local control,” Smith said. “The General Assembly has the power and means to forgive the district’s Common School Fund loan as it has for other charter schools across the state. Shoring up Gary School District’s financial state will show the legislature is truly invested in improving academic outcomes and supporting historically under-invested communities.”

House Bill 1267 Merrillville food and beverage tax establishes a Food and Beverage Tax Receipts Fund that can be used for financing a convention center, community center or other economic development project.

“This legislation would support the ‘main street’ of Merrillville near U.S. 30 and Interstate 65 that has suffered economic losses since the demolition of the Star Plaza Theatre, Radisson Hotel and Twin Towers in 2018,” Smith explained. “The idea was recommended by the town council who recently adopted a resolution endorsing the tax. New development will support local restaurants, bars and businesses and create new jobs in the region.”

Story Posted:01/16/2022