A number of issues now moving through the Indiana General Assembly could have a direct impact on Fishers and Hamilton County residents, and they are the focus of this week’s Fridays with Larry podcast.

In the February 20 episode, I provide an update on legislation known as “Hailey’s Law,” named for local crime victim Hailey Buzbee. The proposal contains two key elements — changes designed to enhance Indiana’s Amber Alert system and new restrictions aimed at limiting young people’s access to social media. Lawmakers continue to debate both provisions as the bill advances at the Statehouse.

Another topic drawing attention locally involves efforts to overturn municipal rental caps, including Fishers’ limits on the number of single-family rental homes permitted within certain neighborhoods. The measure has prompted discussion about property rights, neighborhood stability, and the role of local government versus state authority.

My guest this week is Jocelyn Vare of ReCenter Indiana. She discusses a recent study conducted by her organization examining why many young Hoosiers register to vote but ultimately do not cast ballots. The conversation looks at civic engagement trends and what the findings could mean for future elections in Indiana.

I close the podcast with commentary on the proposed effort to bring the Chicago Bears to Hammond, Indiana, and what such a move could mean for the state.

Fridays With Larry is sponsored by Citizens State Bank.

You can watch or listen to the February 20 edition of Fridays with Larry at the links below, or use these links for the video and audio versions