INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A House bill creating and funding specialized firearms safety training for teachers continued its way through the Indiana Statehouse this week.
The specialized training and curriculum would require the use of money from several different state funds. There would also be a component of counseling services in the event of a school shooting.
Representative Tonya Pfaff, who is a teacher in the Vigo County School Corporation, voted against the bill this week, saying in testimony on the House floor that more guns in schools will lead to more gun violence.
The bill passed through the House with a 71-24 vote.
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A Senate bill aiming to get more high schoolers to fill out the FAFSA passed out of committee this week.
The legislation would require all high school seniors to complete and submit the free application, but does give the option to sign a waiver declining to fill out the form.
Every school corporation would be required to send out a notice including information on the requirements and exceptions for completing the FAFSA.
Indiana State University Deborah Curtis said school leaders are in support of this legislation, as it would help bring in more students who qualify who may have otherwise not filled out the form and pursued higher education.
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A bill cracking down on animal cruelty will be heard in committee next week.
The bill would make animal cruelty a Level 5 felony instead of a Level 6 felony. Level 6 felonies are the lowest level in Indiana, carrying a penalty of six months to two and a half years in prison if found guilty.
A Level 5 felony sentencing could result in between one and six years in prison. Both Level 6 and Level 5 felonies carry a penalty of up to $10,000 in fines.
The bill will be heard Tuesday in the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law.
To find out more about any legislation proposed in Indianapolis this session, visit the IGA’s website.
