Indiana lawmakers just advanced a bill that could hand sweeping new police powers to the governor — and we need to stop it in the Senate.

House Bill 1343 would allow the governor to deploy a specially designated “military police force” of Indiana National Guard troops anywhere in the state, whenever he alone deems it “necessary.” These forces would be authorized to arrest civilians, conduct searches and seizures, carry firearms, and operate with broad legal immunity under military authority.

Supporters claim this bill is about emergency readiness. But the truth is: Indiana’s governor already has the power to call up the National Guard in a crisis. This bill goes further — granting arrest powers and setting the stage for militarized policing in our cities, towns, and neighborhoods.

What’s worse, local elected officials — mayors, councils, and police chiefs — could be entirely bypassed. That means your community could be occupied by state-ordered military police, even if your local leaders and residents oppose it. As Rep. Earl Harris asked, “Where, again, is our local control?”

History teaches us what happens when we politicize law enforcement. From the deployment of federal agents in cities during “Operation Metro Surge” to the outcry over abuses of power in other states, giving a single office this kind of unchecked authority invites abuse — especially in polarized times.

We’re not against preparedness. We’re against creating a force that could be used to suppress protests, intimidate local leaders, or escalate tension in moments when compassion and de-escalation are most needed.

This is not the Indiana we want.

Tell the Indiana Senate: reject HB 1343. Protect local control. Say no to militarized policing of our communities.