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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA special session of the Legislature will be held at the Indiana Statehouse to address abortion and inflation next month, but the start date on legislative work has been delayed.
House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, and Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray, R-Martinsville, announced Wednesday afternoon lawmakers will now return for a special session on July 25 instead of July 6.
Gov. Eric Holcomb had called lawmakers back next week to discuss a $1 billion refund for taxpayers to help with inflation costs, but after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade via Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on Friday, the governor, Huston and Bray all stated they planned on adding abortion legislation to the special session’s schedule.
In a news release Wednesday, legislative leaders said they are anticipating a “multi-week” special session versus one or two days, and “due to this extended session and to minimize logistical issues, leaders worked with the governor to push the start date to July 25.”
According to Huston and Bray, the General Assembly will vet bills through the full legislative process, including committee hearings and public testimony.
The special session will still officially begin on July 6, but state law allows legislators to use up to 40 calendar days to complete their work. Huston and Bray also said they still plan on addressing the possible taxpayer refund during the special session.
Indiana lawmakers are poised to enact stricter abortion regulations, but have not yet released details as to what any new laws may entail.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita asked earlier this week the U.S. District Court for the Southern District Court remove multiple injunctions that have prevented other restrictions from being placed on abortion.
Last weekend, both pro-choice and pro-life activists descended on downtown Indianapolis following the Supreme Court’s decision.
Indiana Democrats are continuing to voice opposition to stricter abortion laws.
“Access to lifesaving health care and abortion are still safe and legal in Indiana, and House Democrats will fight to ensure Hoosier women continue to have these protections,” House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, said in a Wednesday statement.
Abortion is currently banned in Indiana after 22 weeks of pregnancy.
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