State Senator Eric Bassler of Washington says that the focus of Senate Republicans are government reform, public safety, and fiscal discipline.

In his weekly statehouse update he says all of that includes proposed changes to Indiana’s welfare system. Lawmakers say they want stronger eligibility checks for programs like SNAP, steps to prevent people who are not legally eligible from receiving benefits, and updates to state law to match new federal Medicaid requirements, including work expectations for certain adults.

Bassler also says lawmakers are supporting a proposed constitutional change that would allow judges to deny bail to suspects considered a clear risk to others in the community. If approved by the legislature, the question would go before voters later this year.

Bassler adds that Senate Republicans will continue to emphasize spending restraint, with major budget decisions handled during budget sessions.