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Sen. Deery Shares Update

May 6, 2026 | The Paper of Montgomery County |
Promoting Hoosier ValuesAs your state senator, I have voted for common-sense legislation that promotes Hoosier values, and that includes protecting our land from our nation’s adversaries.  This year, I supported a new law that strengthens Indiana’s ban on businesses from foreign adversary nations, like China and Iran, from owning any land in Indiana.  Senate Enrolled Act 256 builds on a 2024 law I supported that prevented individuals and businesses from adversarial nations from purchasing farmland.  SEA 256 also requires agents of a foreign adversary nation to register with the Attorney General’s office and prohibits businesses from these countries from entering into sensitive technology contracts with state or local governments. This year I also supported common-sense legislation that: Cuts taxes for Hoosiers; Prevents fraud and protects taxpayers; Keeps our communities safe; and Improves government efficiency.I encourage you to contact me with any questions or comments by filling out a “Contact Me” form online or by phone at 800-382-9467.
Public Safety, Education Bills Ceremonially Signed by GovernorTwo bills I spearheaded were ceremonially signed into law by the governor Wednesday. Senate Enrolled Act 160 allows judges to increase penalties for individuals who disguise their faces while committing a crime.  The law also creates the crime of malicious littering, which will apply when a hate group distributes leaflets with the intent to create a fear for physical safety.  House Enrolled Act 1242 requires two studies that will help the General Assembly make better informed decisions regarding education policy. One is a joint study between the Indiana Department of Education and Department of Local Government Finance that looks at disparities in operational funding per student, including a comparison of funding between districts in the same county and the impact of local assessed property values on funding disparities.  The other study requires the Department of Education to compile a report looking at various statewide metrics that measure administration efficiency and student outcomes like student population, chronic absenteeism, test performance, reading comprehension and teacher salary.