Fourth graders present persimmon bill; committee holds House Bill 1618 for further consideration

Representative Linda Lindauer introduced House Bill 1618 and deferred most of the presentation to five fourth‑grade students from Jasper Elementary School, who told the committee the persimmon is native to Indiana, offers health benefits and could help local growers and woodworkers.

The students — Sawyer Sternberg, Grant Blackman, Sophie Gates, Ariel Cox and Mackenzie Morton — described persimmons as high in fiber and antioxidants, noted a local persimmon festival in Mitchell and said the tree and wood have local uses. Several committee members asked clarifying questions about the fruit’s native range, taste and whether other native fruits had been considered. Representative Lindauer said the pawpaw had been considered but was rejected, in part, because a neighboring state has adopted it.

Why it matters: Adopting a state symbol is largely ceremonial, but it provides a legislative vehicle for school civic engagement and local promotion. Committee members praised the students’ presentation and said they would consider the bill carefully.

What happened: Committee members asked a mix of practical and procedural questions — Representative King asked whether the students had brought a persimmon to the hearing; Representative Bartlett asked why the persimmon was chosen over other fruits; Representative Abbott asked whether anyone present had eaten a persimmon and for a description of its taste. After the students and the bill author answered, the chair said he would hold the bill for further consideration.

Representative Doug Miller, the committee chair, said he appreciated the students’ work but would not rush a decision and would hold the bill for additional review.

Provenance (excerpted evidence from the transcript): - topicintro: “I do bring to you… House Bill 16 18.” - topfinish: “I will be holding the bill for further consideration.”