POLICY WIN: Indiana Defines Employment Social Enterprises in State Law

This bipartisan effort now means that ESEs across the Hoosier state can formally be a part of Indiana workforce development efforts.

Gov. Partnerships & Policy, News, Policy

3.30.25

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IN THIS POST

Big news: Indiana has just become the second state in the nation to define employment social enterprises into law!

On March 25, 2025, Governor Braun formally signed Indiana House Bill 1289. This formally recognizes ESEs in state statute, which allows Indiana to better leverage these businesses as a core part of workforce development programming. ESEs are an evidence-backed solution that help people with barriers to employment to grow economic mobility. By allowing these businesses to access state resources and procurement opportunities, Indiana is better positioned to help Hoosiers across the state to flourish.

Major thanks to the bill author Rep. Carey Hamilton, and coauthors Rep. Justin Moed, Rep. Robert Morris, Rep. Tony Isa. And huge props to our Community member, RecycleForce, who have led efforts to advocate for this bill’s passage.

This makes Indiana only the second state in the nation to define ESEs in law. California passed a similar bill in 2021.

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