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Published on January 15, 2025
Rep. Chris Campbell Champions Health and Public Service Bills in Indiana Legislative SessionSource: Indiana House Democratic Caucus

State Rep. Chris Campbell, who represents West Lafayette, is making headway into the legislative session with a formidable slate of bills, prominently emphasizing mental and public health improvements. Tackling what she perceives as imperative needs in her community, Campbell has introduced legislation that takes aim at medical costs, children's healthcare, addiction recovery, and more, all in the service of fostering a healthier Indiana.

In a recent release, Campbell, a Democrat, remarked on her legislative goals, "We must protect our most vulnerable groups and ensure our neighbors can receive the health care they need without breaking the bank. This year I prioritized legislation that focuses on affordable, quality care," according to a statement obtained by Indiana House Democrats. Among the notable bills, House Bill (HB) 1438 stands out by insisting on capping fees for medical records, an initiative that aims to relieve patients from the financial strains associated with accessing their own medical histories.

HB 1444 emerges as a particularly contentious piece of legislation, seeking to roll back restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. The bill would erase prohibitions impinging upon doctors' abilities to provide, or discuss, such healthcare. "Our transgender youth deserve to know that they are not only welcome but valued in Indiana, and I will continue to fight for our trans community on the house floor," Campbell told Indiana House Democrats. Reflecting on the importance of communication in healthcare, Campbell's bill would restore to physicians a capacity to collaborate and provide the most informed care possible.

The legislative package also includes HB 1442, which targets addiction recovery by mandating the registration of recovery residences with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction. The aim is to afford transparency and assurance to individuals in recovery, ensuring that the facilities they engage with are equipped and sanctioned to provide aid on the difficult road to sobriety. Campbell elaborates, "People recovering from addiction and seeking out recovery services are entitled to know whether their recovery residence is qualified to help them start their new beginning," directly quoting from an official statement on the Indiana House Democratic Caucus website.

Additional bills filed by Campbell encompass a variety of public concerns ranging from township property tax levies (HB 1437) and the regulation of animal blood banks (HB 1445), to the specialized care needs of foster children (HB 1440 and HB 1441). Coauthoring HB 1268, Campbell moves to address environmental issues, prompting a study on groundwater and water withdrawals by the Department of Natural Resources. For those intrigued or impacted by the legislation, Campbell's office remains open for correspondence, inviting constituents to engage with the legislative process and share their viewpoints on these matters through email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-800-382-9848.