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State Rep. Jerry Torr announces plan to retire after 28 years of public service
INDIANAPOLIS — State Rep. Jerry Torr (R-Carmel) on Tuesday announced his plans to retire from the legislature after serving 28 years in the Indiana House of Representatives. Torr said he intends to serve out his current term, but not seek re-election.
A Putnam County native, Torr represents portions of Carmel and Westfield, and currently serves as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and vice chairman of the House Joint Rules Committee. He is also a member of the House Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee and the Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee.
“It’s been an honor of a lifetime to serve my friends and neighbors in House District 39,” Torr said. “During my time as a state representative, we’ve made Indiana one of the most attractive places in the country to start and grow a business, and our local communities continue to reap the rewards through record growth in population, development and opportunity. And our future remains bright. I’m thankful for the privilege to represent the voices and values of our area at the Statehouse, but I’m looking forward to concentrating fully on my career working in title insurance.”
During his legislative career, Torr authored several notable laws, which have made a significant impact on Indiana and its economy. In 2005, Torr successfully spearheaded legislation moving Indiana to daylight savings time, which has been instrumental in supporting businesses and commerce in the state. In 2012, Torr authored the “right-to-work” law giving Hoosier workers the freedom to choose whether to financially support a union. In 2015, Torr authored a law to repeal the Common Construction Wage in order to save taxpayer dollars on the cost of public projects. He twice received the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Government Leader of the Year Award.
“Rep. Torr has been a longtime friend and distinguished legislator who we repeatedly called upon to shepherd many of the most difficult and important issues through the legislative process: moving our state into the 21st century through the adoption of daylight saving time, making Indiana the 23rd right-to-work state, and much more,” said former House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis), who served alongside Torr for over 20 years. “He was a voice of reason and bipartisanship and his accomplishments helped make Indiana the success she is today. He will no doubt be missed by policymakers on both sides of the aisle.”
“Jerry’s business and policy acumen, institutional knowledge and passion for service are a tremendous asset to our team at the Statehouse,” said House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers). “He continues to be a strong advocate for his constituents and local communities, and Indiana is better for it. His heart for putting Hoosiers first will be missed, but I look forward to serving with him for his last session.”
In 2022, Torr supported the passage of a $1 billion tax-relief package to support hardworking Hoosiers – the largest tax cut in state history. He also supported cutting the state’s individual income tax over the last two years, which will result in Hoosiers having one of the lowest rates in the nation by 2027.
Torr, a sixth-generation Hoosier, grew up on a family farm in Putnam County, the son of Kenny and the late Bev Torr. He was a 10-year 4-H Club member.
In 1987, he moved to Carmel where he currently resides.