Lauer bill signed by governor

Rep. Ryan Lauer

INDIANAPOLIS — A bill authored by Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, which expands the state’s reporting on child deaths, has been signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb.

According to the latest data from the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), 50 out of 281 child deaths in Indiana in 2020 resulted from abuse or neglect by a caregiver and 13 of these had prior involvement from DCS. The bill requires more data to be collected and used by DCS to better identify risk factors and develop stronger policies to protect children.

Lauer said one of the reasons he authored the bill was because of the death of 4-year-old Judah Morgan in LaPorte County last year. The child was found dead after a trial home visit with his biological parents.

Lauer’s bill will require information to be added into the state’s Child Fatality Report, including whether a child had any history with DCS and whether abuse or neglect was substantiated.

The legislation takes effect July 1.