Dale DeVon Representative | District 5
Overhauling Indiana's K-12 regulations
Overhauling Indiana's K-12 regulations
Did you know Title 20 in Indiana Code, which deals with education, is nearly equal to the length of the entire J.R.R. Tolkien "Lord of the Rings" trilogy? That's over 435,000 words of policy and regulation that schools must sift through to comply with state statute.
That's why House Republicans prioritized a new law to streamline our education regulations, reduce red tape and empower local schools with more control over education decisions.
House Enrolled Act 1002, which I supported, reduces Indiana's education code by nearly 10 percent. This includes eliminating "may" provisions on actions schools can already do without state permission, unused funding programs and inactive commissions, specific mandates enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic and duplicate code. The law also empowers schools to control certain training and professional development for their teachers and staff.
This law is possible thanks to various leaders and stakeholders working together to find and remove outdated requirements and increase clarity in our education laws. It's my hope that by reducing red tape, schools will be able to focus more on providing the best education possible for their students, being responsive to their community and innovating to better meet students' needs.
Click here to learn more about this and other new laws passed during the 2025 legislative session.
Prioritizing Mental Health
Prioritizing mental health this MayMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to come together as a community to raise awareness, reduce stigma and take meaningful steps toward supporting mental wellness in Indiana. Since 1949, this month has been a national observance dedicated to education, healing and advocacy.
This year, we’re called to do more than talk, but also act. The 2025 national theme is “Turn Awareness Into Action," which means checking in on loved ones and reaching out for support when you need it.
Indiana is making real progress in mental health. Just a few years ago, we ranked 42nd in the country for mental health access and outcomes. Thanks to the work of dedicated advocates, policy support and organizations like Mental Health America of Indiana, we’ve moved up to 26th. There is more work to do but progress is being made to support Hoosiers' mental health.
Mental Health Resources Available to You:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, 24/7 emotional support.
- Indiana 211: Dial 211 for help finding mental health counseling and other community resources.
- National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for referrals to local mental health and substance use treatment programs.
How You Can Help:
- Take a free, anonymous mental health screening at mhascreening.org.
- Start a conversation—ask someone, “How are you, really?”
- Support organizations like Mental Health America of Indiana, which provides care, advocacy and education statewide.
- Wear green this month to support Mental Health Awareness and be “Seen in Green."
Learn MoreIn 2023, a new law prioritized mental health infrastructure through the recommendations of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission to build a more responsive and accessible behavioral health system. Our new two-year state budget also prioritized mental health funding.
Mental illness impacts around 1 in 5 U.S. adults annually — and behind every number is a person. In May and beyond, let’s commit to building a state where everyone has access to the support they need.
Legislative Session Wrap-up
Indiana House Republicans deliver on key priorities for HoosiersAt the start of the 2025 legislative session, Indiana House Republicans set out to tackle several priorities aimed at protecting taxpayers, empowering Hoosiers and making government more efficient.
As the session concludes, these priority efforts made it across the finish line to improve the lives of Hoosiers and keep our state moving forward.Additionally, the following House Republican priority bills advanced through the House and Senate:
- House Enrolled Act 1001: Enacting an honestly balanced, two-year state budget that reduces government spending, strengthens our commitment to education and public safety, and protects taxpayers.
- House Enrolled Act 1002: Reducing regulations on K-12 schools to increase flexibility and give local communities more control over education decisions.
- House Enrolled Act 1003: Lowering health care costs for Hoosiers by improving transparency and predictability in pricing and billing and giving patients more control over their treatment options.
- House Enrolled Act 1004: Ensuring nonprofit hospitals act as nonprofit entities focused on delivering health care.
- House Enrolled Act 1005: Improving access to housing by expanding the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program (RIF) and streamlining the regulatory process for housing development.
- House Enrolled Act 1006: Strengthening public safety by creating a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to enforce our laws.
- House Enrolled Act 1007: Meeting the needs of today's energy economy while reducing costs for Hoosiers.
- House Enrolled Act 1008: Welcoming Illinois counties that have voted to secede from their state to join us in Indiana.
Learn MoreAs your state representative, it has been a privilege to serve you this session, and I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf to strengthen our community and state. To see the full list of bills that have passed through both the House and Senate and are now heading to the governor’s desk for final approval, click here.
Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month
Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month
With April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, it's important for Hoosiers to understand the prevalence and know the resources available to prevent it.
This year's theme is "Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention." You might see blue pinwheels around your community, serving as an uplifting reminder of a joyful childhood and the bright futures all children deserve.
The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) works to raise awareness and connect families to resources.
Healthy Families Indiana is a voluntary home visitation program to help with child development, access to health care and parent education. DCS also collaborates with Community Partners for Child Safety across the state to strengthen family units through home-based services and connecting to resources. Click here to learn about other state resources helping families to prevent child abuse.
Preventing child abuse is crucial to a safer future for Hoosier children. Visit the Child Abuse Prevention Month webpage for more resources and ways to help with prevention efforts.
Learn More
Indiana House Republicans
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
1-800-382-9841
Providing Hoosiers with property tax relief
Providing Hoosiers with property tax reliefThe governor recently signed into law Senate Enrolled Act 1, delivering real property tax relief and long-term reforms for Hoosiers.
Click here for more details on SEA 1.
What this will mean for you:
- $1.3 billion in homeowner savings over the next three years
- Two-thirds of homeowners will pay less property tax in 2026 than in 2025
- Additional savings for fixed-income seniors, disabled veterans, farmers and Hoosier small businesses
SEA 1 provides a 10% property tax credit (up to $300) for all homestead properties starting in 2026. Fixed-income seniors and disabled veterans will qualify for additional stackable credits of up to $550 total, bringing even more savings to those who need it most.
Additionally, the law delivers more than $125 million in tax relief for farmers and exempts more Hoosier small businesses from business personal property taxes. It also reins in local government debt and reduces the total amount of local income tax that local government can capture, reducing the cap from 3.75% to 2.9%, a reduction of $1.9 billion in local taxes.
Learn More
SEA 1 reforms the referendum process for more transparency and creates a new Property Tax Transparency Portal to give taxpayers better access to their tax data.
This law is a big win for homeowners, farmers, seniors and taxpayers across Indiana. To learn more and watch session and committee meetings, visit iga.in.gov.
FAFSA application deadline is April 15
FAFSA application deadline is April 15
As the end of the academic year approaches, many graduating high school students are preparing to continue their education through various programs, whether it be a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree. Financial aid can play a crucial role in making these opportunities more accessible, and a key resource available is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
To ensure you don’t miss out on state and federal assistance, I encourage students to submit their FAFSA application before the April 15 deadline. Completing the FAFSA is required for accessing federal grants, scholarships and student loans at the majority of educational institutions, including colleges, universities and vocational schools nationwide.
If parents or students have any questions or issues while completing the FAFSA, Learn More Indiana offers support by connecting them to their regional outreach coordinator. These experts are available to assist with FAFSA questions, financial aid concerns and other educational matters. Find your coordinator and contact information here.
Completing the FAFSA is an important step when considering additional education options. I encourage everyone to share this reminder with friends and family who may have students heading to college.
Indiana House Republicans
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
1-800-382-9841