TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – The five pillars of Governor Holcomb’s legislative agenda include the economy, public health, good government, infrastructure, and education and workforce.
In the infrastructure pillar includes proposed legislation that would change what Indiana drivers can do behind the wheel.
“When you start to include iPads and iPhones and watching movies in your hands, those are things that distract you from what you’re doing and that’s driving,” Governor Holcomb said.
Holcomb’s agenda calls for a ban on the use of these types of handheld devices while a person is operating a vehicle.
“You can be equipped with GPS or etc. and still get the job done without looking at your phone in your hand nonstop,” Holcomb said.
Another agenda item that could change the everyday lives of Hoosiers is in the public health pillar.
Governor Holcomb is supporting legislation that would raise the age of purchasing tobacco and e-cigs in Indiana from 18 to 21.
“We want to make sure that we’re not deterring people from quitting smoking. That’s why we decided to start with the age limit,” Holcomb said.
Holcomb hopes to not only limit who can purchase the products but also penalize those who sell them to those who are underage.
Holcomb’s legislative agenda also supports increasing penalties for businesses selling tobacco products to underage buyers, the first increase in the state since 2008.
“The folks who are knowingly selling to underage users. We’re going to come after you,” Holcomb said.
Holcomb’s 2020 legislative agenda also includes supporting the Teacher Compensation Commission in their work to increase teacher salaries in the state.
