A state lawmaker is being honored for his efforts to assist Hoosiers with disabilities.
State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) has been named 2019 Legislator of the Year by the Arc of Indiana, which strives to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities realize their goals of fully participating in their communities.
Koch represents Senate District 44, which includes all or parts of Bartholomew, Brown, Jackson, Lawrence and Monroe counties.
The lawmaker, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, received the honor for his work last year on Senate Enrolled Act 380. The bill provides the option of supported decision-making agreements, instead of guardianships, for adults who need support and accommodations in making, communicating and effectuating decisions.
The law also requires a court to consider less restrictive options before appointing a guardian.
Koch has been a long time champion of Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to Hannah Carlock, director of public policy for The Arc of Indiana.
“No matter the issue, I know I can find a voice of reason in Sen. Koch when it comes to providing the best quality of life for one of Indiana’s vulnerable populations,” Carlock said.
