A bipartisan group of state lawmakers representing all or parts of Fishers came together Monday morning to advocate for legislation informally known as “Hailey’s Law,” proposed in response to the death of 17-year-old Fishers resident Hailey Buzbee.
Participating in the media briefing were House Speaker Todd Huston, Representatives Chris Jeter and Victoria Garcia-Wilburn, and Senator Kyle Walker. As Speaker of the Indiana House, Huston holds a key role in determining whether the proposal advances during the current legislative session.
Lawmakers say the legislation is intended to strengthen protections for missing children by addressing what they describe as gaps in Indiana’s current Amber Alert framework. While specific bill language has not yet been released, supporters indicate the proposal would give law enforcement greater flexibility when issuing alerts, particularly in cases that do not meet all existing Amber Alert criteria but still involve credible danger to a child.
The push for the legislation follows the January disappearance of Buzbee, who was reported missing from Fishers and later found deceased in Ohio. An Ohio man is currently being held on charges connected to the case.
According to reporting by WTHR, court documents indicate the suspect had been communicating with Buzbee for approximately a year prior to her disappearance. WTHR reports that investigators say the communication occurred through a gaming platform and later moved to an encrypted messaging application, highlighting ongoing concerns among law enforcement and child safety advocates about online exploitation and grooming.
In a related show of remembrance, Hamilton County announced Monday that it is participating in “Go Pink for Hailey” Month by illuminating the Hamilton County Old Courthouse in pink throughout February.
“Hamilton County stands resolute in its commitment to the safety of all our communities through strong partnerships with community leaders and the public safety professionals who serve and protect our county,” said Hamilton County Commissioner President Christine Altman. “We have zero tolerance for predatory criminals, and we believe they should be held fully accountable under the law.”
A celebration of life for Hailey Buzbee is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at iTown Church, located at 12491 E. 136th Street in Fishers. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to wear pink, Buzbee’s favorite color.