12/2 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update
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- Indiana House Returning This Week to Address Redistricting; Senate to Join Dec. 8
- Indiana Republicans Release Proposed Congressional Redistricting Plan
- Indiana Cigarette Consumption Down, Quit Program Enrollment Up After Tax Hike
- Indiana Unveils Multi-Year Rural Health Plan in Newly Released Federal Application
- Indiana Prepares for 2026 Data Privacy Law With New Consumer Bill of Rights
- Share the Torchbearer Newsletter with Your Network!
- Important Dates
Indiana House Returning This Week to Address Redistricting; Senate to Join Dec. 8
The prospects of President Donald Trump getting a new Indiana congressional map have been revived with state Senate Republicans agreeing to meet in December.
Why it matters: This move could reshape the state’s congressional districts, favoring Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
- Redistricting supporters are pushing for a map with all nine districts favoring Republicans, based on 2020 census data.
- The pressure from Trump and Vice President JD Vance highlights the high stakes and political maneuvering involved.
The big picture: This redistricting battle is part of a broader national effort led by Trump to influence congressional maps in Republican-led states.
- Trump’s aggressive support for redistricting reflects his influence in the party and his focus on securing GOP majorities.
What’s next: The Indiana House plans to reconvene on Dec. 1 to begin the redistricting process.
- The Senate will meet on Dec. 8 to decide on any proposal sent from the House, with Trump and Gov. Mike Braun urging swift action.
- Legislative Democrats face an uphill battle with Republicans holding a supermajority in the House. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Republicans Release Proposed Congressional Redistricting Plan
Indiana House Republicans unveiled a proposed congressional map aiming for a 9-0 Republican U.S. House delegation.
Why it matters: This redistricting could significantly alter the political landscape in Indiana, potentially reducing Democratic representation and consolidating Republican power.
- The proposed map divides Democratic-leaning Indianapolis into four districts extending into rural Republican areas.
- It dismantles the current 7th District, held by Democrat André Carson, extending it from Indianapolis to the Ohio River.
- The 1st District, typically Democratic, will now stretch southeast, encompassing areas around Logansport, Peru, and Wabash.
The big picture: House Republicans are responding to pressure from former President Trump to secure Republican dominance in the U.S. House.
Go deeper: The 2025 Draft Congressional Plan may be viewed here.
What’s next: Indiana House members will begin deliberations on the redistricting, with public hearings to follow. Meanwhile, the state Senate, where some Republican senators oppose the plan, will review it next week. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Cigarette Consumption Down, Quit Program Enrollment Up After Tax Hike
Cigarette consumption in Indiana has dropped by 40% following a tax increase, as reported by the Indiana Department of Health.
Why it matters: The tax hike aims to reduce smoking, a significant health risk, and the increase in enrollment for smoking cessation programs reflects its impact.
- Using taxes to raise tobacco prices helps current users quit and deters new users.
- This approach is a key public health policy.
By the numbers: Indiana collected $188 million in cigarette taxes from July through October, nearly tripling the previous year’s revenue for the same period.
- Enrollment in Quit Now Indiana saw a 38% rise, with July enrollments doubling compared to last year.
What’s next: The tax increase not only addresses health concerns but also bolsters state revenues, with expectations for continued positive outcomes in public health and fiscal gains. (Inside Indiana Business)
Indiana Unveils Multi-Year Rural Health Plan in Newly Released Federal Application
Indiana has submitted a detailed proposal for the federal government’s $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, aiming to transform health services across 64 rural counties.
Why it matters: With 25% of Indiana’s rural hospitals having reduced services, this plan seeks to address urgent health needs and stabilize the health system.
- The plan includes 12 initiatives, such as a statewide patient-transfer hub and significant upgrades to the health information exchange.
- It aims to reduce travel times for care, improve access to specialists, and enhance the management of chronic diseases.
What’s new: The proposal, branded “GROW: Cultivating Hoosier Health,” was submitted ahead of the federal deadline and is a collaborative effort led by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration.
- The initiative proposes $600 million in regional grants to reshape rural healthcare delivery, focusing on maternal health and reducing emergency visits.
Collaboration emphasis: The plan highlights stakeholder involvement from Hoosier offices, tribal groups, and healthcare entities to ensure comprehensive input and support.
- If approved, funding will begin in 2026, with regional grant applications opening in March.
- Health groups warn that many rural hospitals rely heavily on Medicaid, stressing the importance of this program to sustain them. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Prepares for 2026 Data Privacy Law With New Consumer Bill of Rights
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita unveiled the state’s Consumer Data Protection Bill of Rights, aimed at empowering Hoosiers with control over their personal data starting January.
Why it matters: This new law marks the first time Indiana residents can demand companies reveal, correct, or delete their personal data.
- It offers 15 protections, including the rights to delete data, opt out of targeted ads, and request data copies.
- Companies must post clear privacy notices and comply with requests within 45 days.
The big picture: The law prohibits processing sensitive information without explicit consent and targets transparency in data usage.
- Despite its protections, the law excludes nonprofits, utilities, banks, and HIPAA-covered entities, which Rokita criticized.
What’s next: Rokita plans to enforce the law as is, with violators facing fines and injunctions.
- Recommendations for closing loopholes will be presented in the upcoming 2026 legislative session, aiming for comprehensive data privacy reform. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
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Important Dates:
House Session: Tuesday, December 2nd at 3pm
First Day of Senate Legislative Session: Monday, December 8th