Indianapolis Democratic Representative Justin Moed apologized this week for sending sexual text messages to porn star Sydney Leathers. She's the same woman who was involved in the 2013 scandal with Congressman Anthony Weiner. Moed, a second-term representative for House District 97, issued an e-mail apology Tuesday evening.
"I am truly sorry I have hurt the ones I love most with my poor judgment," Moed wrote. "I am committed to rebuilding trust with my family and my community. This is a private matter and I ask for it to be treated as such. I apologize to my constituents and to everyone I have let down."
Moed could continue as a lawmaker, but House Speaker Brian Bosma says that will be a decision for Rep. Justin Moed and his constituents.
Tim Berry is resigning as the head of the Indiana GOP after a year and a half on the job. Governor Mike Pence is recommending Jeff Cardwell as his replacement. Cardwell is the director of the office of faith-based and community initiatives in the governor's cabinet. Berry didn't give a specific reason for leaving the post but said in a statement that his decision wasn't easy.
"I'm humbled to have served the party in this capacity, and will continue to be a proud supporter," he said. "Hoosiers can rest assured that Indiana's future and the future of the Indiana Republican Party remains bright."
A Senate committee unanimously approved a bill that would let terminally ill patients use drugs that have only gone through the first of the FDA's three-part approval process. The committee postponed a vote because of technical issues they said needed to be worked out.
The committee amended the bill Wednesday so it provides liability protection to all health care providers in connection with the experimental drug - not just doctors, pharmacists and hospitals.
Another Senate committee heard testimony on a bill that would make it easier for debt collectors to access individuals' funds. But it faces opposition from some lawmakers who worry spouses might be unfairly held liable for their partners' debt.
The process through which collectors make that happen would be the same as any other debt collection process and debtors would be notified before anything was taken. Still up for debate are parts of the bill that refer to non-obligated spouses, or spouses who filed jointly but aren't responsible for the debt.
And the bill that would ban microbeads used in beauty and personal care products is making its way to the Senate floor.
Microbeads are commonly found in beauty and personal products. They can also now be found in the state's waterways because the beads are not biodegradable and are slipping past water treatment facilities. If the ban receives final approval, Indiana companies would not be able to include the beads in their products starting in 2018.
