Buchanan Bills Pass Senate

A couple of bills sponsored by State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) have cleared the Senate.

House Bill 1285 would ensure parents can record a meeting related to their child’s individualized education plan. It passed the Senate 46-1 with bipartisan support. House Bill 1489 would establish the Indiana-Ireland Trade Commission in order to increase trade and investment between the Hoosier state and Ireland and it also passed in the Senate.

On HB 1285, Buchanan said it was important.

“Parents have a right to understand what is being discussed during IEP meetings related to their own child,” Buchanan said. “This bill adds protections to ensure parents can go back and listen to a meeting so they can make the best decision for their child and family.”

The bill would also require at least one employee in each school building to have training in nonviolent crisis intervention and to be available to assist with de-escalation.

HB 1285 would also guarantee that if a student leaves the school for any reason, the school may not dispose of the child’s belongings until a parent has a chance to collect those belongings. The bill has gone back to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

HB 1489 aims to increase trade and investment between the state and Ireland.

“Indiana and Ireland have deeply rooted connections that go back generations,” Buchanan said. “With the recent announcement that direct flights between Indianapolis and Dublin would begin this spring, reconnecting Indiana to Europe, this bill would help strengthen our relationship and bring prosperity Hoosiers and Irish alike.”

Because HB 1489 was amended in the Senate, it now returns to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Buchanan encourages residents of Senate District 7 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Buchanan can be reached by filling out a “Contact Me” form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Buchanan or by phone at (800) 382-9467.

Buchanan represents Senate District 7,  which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.