Jefferson County lawmakers to serve on key House committees

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 13, 2024) – Jefferson County legislators recently received appointments to serve on key House standing committees at the Statehouse.

House standing committee appointments are made by the Indiana House Speaker biennially after the November election and are in effect for the duration of members' two-year terms. State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) was appointed as vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. He will also serve as a member of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee and House Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee.
"It is an honor to serve as vice chair of the judiciary committee, and I look forward to bringing my experience as an attorney into this new role," Zimmerman said. "Alongside my peers, I'm excited to review and consider legislation regarding our courts and ensure Indiana's legal system is efficient and fair."

State Rep. Zach Payne (R-Charlestown) was appointed as the vice chair of the House Elections and Apportionment Committee and will serve as a member of the House Education Committee and the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee.

"Fair, secure elections are a cornerstone of Indiana's democratic process," Payne said. "This session, we will continue to pursue ways to ensure all Hoosiers can vote in the safest way possible."

State Rep. Garrett Bascom (R-Lawrenceburg), elected to his first term in November, will serve as a member of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and the House Local Government Committee. Bascom said committees are responsible for vetting bills, including hearing public testimony and considering amendments.

"Indiana relies on an efficient and balanced court system, and these committees are at the forefront of considering legislation to further improve our state's legal infrastructure," Bascom said. "I'm ready to hit the ground running and bring my experiences from state government and private practice to these new appointments."

House lawmakers are scheduled to convene at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 8 for the first day of the 2025 legislative session. Hoosiers can visit iga.in.gov to find legislation, view calendars, and watch committee meetings and session.