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Committee hears, then holds, bill to modernize Indiana Civil Rights Commission
Summary
Lawmakers heard House Bill 11‑93 to expand the Indiana Civil Rights Commission’s authority as a central repository for civil‑rights complaints and to align its procedures with administrative law; the committee held the bill for additional drafting after witnesses raised concerns about enforcement and procedural language.
Chairman Jeter introduced House Bill 11‑93 as a sponsor cleanup and modernization effort for the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. Philip Clay, executive director of the commission, told the committee the bill would clarify that the commission acts as a neutral state agency, centralize intake for civil‑rights complaints and align attorney‑fee provisions with the Administrative Orders and Procedures Act.
Scott Bridal, deputy director and general counsel, described the commission’s intake and investigation process and said investigators recommend probable‑cause findings that can lead to administrative enforcement or ALJ hearings. Clay and Bridal said the commission would continue to enter memoranda of understanding with other agencies when appropriate and that plaintiffs retain the ability to bring private lawsuits.
Several witnesses raised concerns. Dione Dior Valentina and others argued the bill could weaken enforcement by preventing the commission from representing private individuals in court and shifting the financial and procedural burdens to complainants. Amy Nelson of the Fair Housing Center asked for clearer drafting around who must file a civil action and whether changes to damages language could affect federal HUD substantial‑equivalency arrangements.
Committee members acknowledged the drafting questions and the sponsor said he would work with Director Clay on edits; the committee held the bill for further work rather than voting it out.
