Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed a bipartisan bill into law on Thursday, January 16, 2025, aimed at curbing the purchase of luxury vehicles by state officials using taxpayer funds. The legislation, known as House Enrolled Act 1518, requires state entities to purchase government, base, or standard model cars unless a suitable non-luxury alternative exists.
Key Provisions of the Law
The new law was inspired by recent purchases that drew criticism from both political parties. Notably, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s office acquired a nearly $88,000 2025 Chevy Tahoe High Country, while Secretary of State Diego Morales’ office purchased a $90,000 2024 GMC Yukon Denali. These high-end vehicles prompted state Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis, to author the bill after witnessing top-trim vehicles with state license plates in the Statehouse parking lot.
Response from State Officials
Beckwith defended the purchase by stating that his office had saved money elsewhere and needed a larger vehicle to accommodate his male staff members, as opposed to his predecessor, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, who traveled with female staff. However, a former Crouch staffer disputed Beckwith’s claims about the previous vehicle’s condition.
Morales’ office also justified the expenditure, despite the dealership having contributed $65,000 to his political campaign since 2022. State Sen. Blake Doriot, R-Goshen, explained that the law aims to prevent departments from “wasting money driving cars that most Hoosiers can’t even afford.”
Exceptions to the Law
While the law restricts luxury vehicle purchases, it allows state officials to request exemptions if they can demonstrate that no suitable alternative exists for their needs. Notably, the governor is exempt from these provisions.
“We don’t really want our governor driving around in a stripped-down vehicle,” Doriot said, highlighting the balance the law attempts to strike between fiscal responsibility and the governor’s needs.
The new legislation forms part of Indiana’s efforts to ensure government efficiency and proper stewardship of taxpayer resources, aligning with Braun’s Freedom and Opportunity Agenda. For more information on Indiana government accountability, contact senior reporter Hayleigh Colombo at [email protected].
