INDIANAPOLIS – Last week, State Senator David Niezgodski’s (D-South Bend) Senate Bill 259, which protects parents with disabilities, passed unanimously through the House of Representatives. This marks Sen. Niezgodski’s second bill to be sent to the governor’s desk this session. Sen. Niezgodski had the following comments after concurring on his proposal today in the Senate:

“I’m very pleased with the unanimous support my SB 259 received in the House,” Sen. Niezgodski said. “This bill sets an important precedent in our state that all parents looking to provide a safe and loving home for a child will be treated equally.”

“I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity over the years to speak with so many foster families hoping to adopt—those interactions truly inspired me and fueled my determination to keep fighting for this legislation to help our Hoosier families and children. Many of the children in the foster care system come from broken homes, so the priority should be placing them in a safe and loving home when one is offered. Parents with disabilities are loving and capable individuals who deserve equitable access when seeking to foster or adopt a child.”

“I’m grateful to see another piece of legislation that I authored heading to the governor’s desk this session. I’m hopeful that Governor Holcomb will recognize the importance of the language in SB 259, and I certainly await his signature.”

Sen. Niezgodski encourages supporters of the bill to contact Governor Holcomb’s office to show their support and urge him to sign SB 259 into law.