Messmer Column: Interim Study Committees

Local Sources- On this week's Messmer Column, State Senator Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) discusses interim study committees.

Every year, during the summer and fall, lawmakers meet with stakeholders from various fields to discuss the issues Indiana is facing and possible ways to address those issues through the legislature. These meetings are known as interim study committees.

These meetings are an important part of the legislative process. There are only so many topics the General Assembly can address during the fast-paced legislative session. When something comes up that we believe needs further consideration, it can be assigned to a study committee. Here, lawmakers have more time to have discussions with experts in that specific field, as well as concerned citizens, to flesh out ideas and determine the best course of action when session begins in January.

This year, we are studying topics such as factors contributing to high health care costs, how to streamline education mandates on schools, trends in criminal behavior, potential health benefits or drawbacks of THC products, issues leading to housing shortages and more.

In addition to these concerns, I will be addressing environmental topics by serving on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's Compliance Advisory Panel and the Environmental Adjudication Director Selection Panel.

Anyone interested in following these meetings can view agendas and stream hearings online at iga.in.gov.

I look forward to hearing from my colleagues and fellow citizens in the coming months on how we can continue to make Indiana a great place to live and work.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.