All Roll Calls
Yes: 296 • No: 176
IndianaHB 1003Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)HouseWALLET
Boards and commissions.
Sponsored By: Steve Bartels (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Creates the agricultural promotion and regulation task force to study various agriculture related topics. Makes changes to requirements for the readoption of administrative rules. Repeals, merges, consolidates, or otherwise modifies various boards, commissions, and other governmental bodies. Modifies or establishes various funds. Makes changes to the membership, duties, and operations of various boards, commissions, and other governmental bodies. Expands the applicability of a statute concerning county hospital governance to Perry County, Spencer County, and Orange County. Repeals the fire prevention and building safety commission (commission). Transfers the commission's responsibilities and administrative rules to the department of homeland security. Makes certain changes to the administration of building and safety statutes and building and safety codes. Makes technical corrections. Makes an appropriation.
government and regulatory reformthe senate
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
41 provisions identified: 15 benefits, 3 costs, 23 mixed.
Agriculture task force members receive allowances
Agricultural Promotion and Regulation Task Force members receive applicable per diem, mileage, travel, and other expense allowances. Payment rules depend on whether members are non-state employees, state employees, or legislators. Legislative Council or Legislative Services Agency appropriations pay the allowances and task force expenses. The task force’s authority ends June 30, 2027.
Memorial builders no longer need art review
Beginning July 1, 2026, people and organizations no longer need memorial art commission review before erecting memorial artwork. The removed requirement covered memorial buildings, monuments, statues, tablets, pictures, arches, and similar works. The law ends the duty to submit plans and obtain the commission's criticism and advice.
State office decides children’s added coverage
Beginning July 1, 2027, Indiana’s office takes over added-coverage decisions from the children’s health policy board. The services are prescription drugs, mental health care, vision, hearing, and dental care. The office must offer them to enrolled children if it finds their actuarial value meets or exceeds the benchmark program’s. Actuarial value measures the share of covered costs paid by insurance.
State-affiliated colleges gain approved school status
Qualifying colleges affiliated with a state educational institution count as approved postsecondary schools under the covered laws. A college must be a degree-granting, credit-bearing public benefit corporation controlled by a state educational institution. It must be authorized to teach in Indiana and have recognized regional accreditation or be working toward it. Its controlling institution must back its debts and liabilities with eligible property. This expands approved-school status but states no student benefit amount.
Academy commission conflict charge is repealed
Beginning July 1, 2027, the law removes a specified criminal conflict-of-interest provision for Law Enforcement Academy Building Commission members and employees. It covered conflicts involving commission actions under IC 5-2-2-11. The repeal does not establish whether other conflict rules or penalties still apply.
Homeland Security takes over emergency communications
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security manages the statewide public safety voice and data system. It sets user eligibility, approves users, publishes policies, and handles contracts; users choosing the system must sign an agreement. The department cannot stop public safety agencies from using their own systems and may delegate duties to contracted radio providers. Separately, the agency distributing state emergency-plan recommendations must send them to local authorities, but no longer to the safety commission.
New commission represents underrepresented Indiana communities
Beginning July 1, 2026, a 15-member Indiana Cultural Commission studies issues affecting underrepresented and minority groups. Four governor-appointed members represent Black residents, Hispanic/Latino residents, women, and Native American Indians; they cannot be legislators or state employees. The commission promotes participation and cooperation, makes recommendations, and reports each year before November 1. Non-state-employee members receive per diem and expense payments. A special fund uses gifts, contributions, and donations for commission projects and administration, with ongoing spending authority but no stated amount.
Plate revenue supports Native American nonprofit
Indiana agencies must help Native American community members form a nonprofit for advocacy, events, programs, and services. Once its officers are in place and ready to serve, the Civil Rights Commission director must notify the motor vehicle bureau within 30 days. Remaining Native American Indian plate revenue under the commission’s control must go to the nonprofit’s treasurer. That transfer is due before January 1 of the calendar year after the nonprofit is established. The law states no transfer amount.
State requires competitive emergency communications purchasing
Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana Homeland Security must seek proposals before buying public safety communications systems or equipment. The same requirement applies before issuing a change order. Equipment must work with existing public safety equipment, and proposals must compete under a transparent scoring system. The budget agency must approve proposed contracts before the department enters them.
Local governments can propose broader code changes
Counties, cities, and towns can propose changes to any building code. Proposals are no longer limited to codes adopted or updated after December 31, 2023. The department must review and consider local proposals at least annually. Each proposal needs a local resolution identifying the code language and safety issue, plus estimated costs or savings. A proposal does not itself change the code.
Local governments must review housing barriers
Beginning July 1, 2026, local governments must review their development ordinances, zoning, and land development rules to support housing development. Each must hold a public hearing no later than January 1, 2027. The review must consider higher-density housing, reuse of existing buildings, fewer regulatory barriers, and shortening permit processes by at least 15 days. This provision requires review, not adoption of specific zoning changes. It guarantees neither more homes nor lower housing costs.
Nursing programs get accreditation review deadline
Beginning July 1, 2027, nursing programs may submit accreditation applications before receiving Indiana Commission for Higher Education authorization. After that authorization, the board must approve or deny the application within 90 days. A program may request additional time.
Safety training fund can support state staff
Beginning July 1, 2027, the statewide fire and building safety education fund can also support Homeland Security. Local fire and building inspection departments remain eligible. The department administers the fund and distributes money for department-approved education, training programs, and training conferences.
Rural Affairs runs Main Street program
Beginning July 1, 2027, the Indiana Office of Rural Affairs administers the Indiana Main Street program. It develops policy, coordinates administration, and provides assistance. The office can make contracts and cooperative agreements and receive and spend program money. No appropriation or funding amount is specified.
Transportation department reviews county bridge grants
Beginning July 1, 2027, the Indiana Department of Transportation takes over county bridge-grant reviews from the grant board. It evaluates applications using the program's required criteria and report. Grants can cover up to 80% of local bridge construction or reconstruction costs. Counties must provide at least 20% of estimated costs; no total grant funding is stated.
Some board members lose service payments
Beginning July 1, 2026, covered non-state-employee members of the Natural Resources Commission, a council, and the board under IC 22-10-1.5 lose statutory per diem and work-expense reimbursements. Beginning July 1, 2027, covered non-state-employee board members also lose per diem and mileage, travel, and other expense reimbursements. For that board change, state employees retain expense reimbursement and legislators retain their specified allowances. Covered development committee members also lose per diem and travel and other work-expense reimbursements on July 1, 2027. The supplied provisions do not name every affected body or state payment amounts.
Tire operators follow homeland security rules
Beginning July 1, 2027, registered waste tire storage and processing operators must follow applicable indoor-storage rules from Homeland Security. Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security replaces the Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission as the rulemaking authority. The law does not state compliance costs.
Medicaid transportation oversight commission ends
Beginning July 1, 2027, Indiana ends its nonemergency medical transportation commission. The commission oversaw rides for Medicaid fee-for-service recipients, including brokers’ payment of transportation providers’ claims. This provision names no replacement oversight arrangement. It does not itself end Medicaid transportation coverage or state a funding cut.
Disciplined practitioners can face proceeding costs
The department can require a practitioner who receives disciplinary sanctions to pay proceeding costs. Charges are limited to listed expenses, and the department must consider the practitioner's ability to pay. A practitioner cannot be suspended solely because they cannot pay those costs. No dollar amount is specified.
Building applicants use state safety exceptions
Beginning July 1, 2027, the department decides building-rule exception requests instead of the commission. Applicants must pay the required fee and show undue hardship or that compliance prevents preservation of an architecturally or historically important feature. They must also show that the exception or an approved alternative will not harm public health, safety, or welfare. Applications must be public for at least five business days before the first decision, and approved alternatives must be followed. For covered licenses and permits, following an authorization under IC 22-13-2-15 counts as compliance with the law it addresses.
State reviews local building safety decisions
The department can review, change, or reverse covered state and local building or fire-safety orders and exceptions. Local building and fire-safety exceptions do not take effect without department approval. An affected person must petition within 30 days to require review of a local order concerning a Class 2 structure. Beginning July 1, 2027, the building commissioner generally must issue requested written interpretations within 10 business days; the department can substitute in specified Class 2 cases during the commissioner's absence. Interpretations published in the Indiana Register bind local governments until a listed legal event ends them, and variance rulings must be available in a public electronic database.
Tank workers face state certification rules
Beginning July 1, 2027, Indiana’s department administers underground storage tank exams and certification. Applicants must pass an approved exam unless an out-of-state license or certification has substantially similar requirements and qualifies for recognition. The exam covers relevant state tank rules, and the board sets retake limits and waiting periods. Reasonable fees may cover the department’s administration costs, but no amount is stated.
Kids First projects need commission approval
Beginning July 1, 2027, a commission replaces the board in administering the Indiana Kids First Trust Fund chapter. It takes ownership of the board's property and assets and assumes its obligations and liabilities. The department can request project money only after the commission approves and recommends the project. No funding amount or direct family benefit is specified.
Legal claim rules change for public bodies
The law applies specified tort-claim rules to the motor vehicles commission, its board and employees, and driver education advisory members. It also covers the State Fair Commission, its members and employees, and the State Fair Board. Specified colleges and their association are covered for confidentiality breaches after data transmission meeting IC 21-12-12-1. Separate tort provisions end July 1, 2026, for War Memorials Commission members, and July 1, 2027, for medical examiners, the state regarding academy-building law violations, and named driver education, motorcycle safety, and injury research boards. The supplied text does not establish how these changes affect any person's liability or recovery.
Natural resources appointments lose qualification limits
The law removes two limits on the governor's six citizen appointees to the Natural Resources Commission. At least two no longer need environmental or natural-resource expertise. The rule allowing no more than three appointees from the same political party also ends.
One state law section is repealed
Beginning July 1, 2027, the law repeals IC 9-27-6-5. The supplied text does not explain the section's contents. It therefore does not establish who is affected or what practical rights or duties change.
Veterans department manages memorial sales and ethics
The Department of Veterans' Affairs runs monument souvenir shops and their fund. Sellers need department approval to sell pictures, models, books, or other representations of the monuments or grounds. Shop profits support property upkeep, battle flags, artifacts, and memorabilia. Beginning July 1, 2026, covered department employees commit a Level 6 felony by knowingly holding prohibited memorial-related financial interests or profits. Authorized compensation for services and expenses is excepted.
Veterans department takes over war memorials
On July 1, 2026, Indiana’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs takes over the War Memorials Commission’s powers and duties. The transfer includes agreements, liabilities, records, property, appropriations, and other funds. After June 30, 2026, references to the commission and its existing rules mean the department and its rules. The law specifies no change in household benefits or costs.
Child care ministries face safety oversight
Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security handles inspections and applicable fire and building safety rules for registered child care ministries. Ministries remain subject to rules for their building’s main use. At an occupant load of 50 or more, ministries must maintain a compliant fire alarm or give parents the required notice. Below 50, they must maintain battery-operated smoke detectors in every used room and corridor or give parents the required notice.
Child care safety oversight shifts with limits
Beginning July 1, 2027, Homeland Security takes over specified child care and foster-home licensing advice, migrant-child program inspections, and safety-exception approvals. Exceptions conflicting with building or fire rules need department approval, except those involving foster family home rules. Specified renewals need approval when safety rules change; substantial modifications also need approval, and child-safety protections remain. The department cannot classify child care homes as E building occupancy in its rules. It also cannot require sprinklers in licensed child caring institution living units with fewer than 16 children when all can walk and are at least six.
Homeland Security takes over equipment safety oversight
Beginning July 1, 2027, Homeland Security takes over specified equipment, fire-safety, and permit duties, subject to statutory rulemaking limits. Duties include lifting-device permits and inspections, elevator professional licenses, and boiler permits, exemptions, inspector qualifications, and sanctions; approved local governments can handle specified lifting-device duties. The department also takes over amusement-device safety rules, inspector training and certification, and additional inspections after accidents or complaints. Other authority covers outdoor-event equipment, NFPA 72, laboratory explosives, Class 1 emergency exits, safety information, and intergovernmental agreements. Special-event endorsements require information, a compliance inspection, and an inspection fee; laboratory-specific rules and exemptions require statutory eligibility and approval.
Local elevator rules need state approval
Beginning July 1, 2027, local lifting-device programs and rules need Indiana Homeland Security approval before taking effect. State rules override conflicting local requirements. Local governments may charge lower permit fees, but may issue permits only to applicants who meet state qualifications. Local inspectors must meet the qualifications required of the department’s lifting-device inspectors.
State safety rules transfer with new limits
Beginning July 1, 2027, existing fire and building safety rules become Department of Homeland Security rules and do not expire for readoption. Changes or repeal require legislative approval, except for technical corrections that do not change policy. The law ends the required review of new national code editions within 24 months and removes related amendment provisions. The department also replaces the commission in structural steel welding standards and county jail safety-rule references. Jail standards must still follow state law and Department of Health rules.
Seven-member hospital boards cover more counties
The specified seven-member county hospital board structure now applies in counties with more than 16,700 and fewer than 20,000 residents. The previous upper limit was fewer than 19,000 residents. The law expands the counties covered by this governance rule, without specifying changes to patient services or costs.
Building standards and design exemption repealed
Beginning July 1, 2027, the law repeals IC 22-13-4. That chapter covers building-rule standards and an exemption from design-release requirements. The supplied text does not identify replacement standards or explain how the repeal affects individual projects.
Insurance commissioner sets prelicensing training rules
Educational organizations may offer or develop certified insurance producer prelicensing courses with the Indiana insurance commissioner’s certification. The commissioner sets instructor qualifications and required subjects, replacing the prior consultation requirement. Courses must meet the subject and teaching-hour requirements for the relevant insurance license. Structured teaching must come from instructors who meet the commissioner’s qualifications.
Workplace safety board decides rule exceptions
Beginning July 1, 2027, the Board of Safety Review sets workplace safety standards and decides requests for exceptions. Temporary exceptions require proof that timely compliance is impossible, available worker safeguards, and an effective compliance plan. They last only as long as needed or one year, whichever is shorter, with no more than two renewals. Permanent exceptions require a hearing and working conditions that are equally safe and healthful. The commissioner continues enforcement, including federal OSHA standards no sooner than 60 days after they take effect.
Agencies must compare rules before renewal
Beginning July 1, 2027, agencies reviewing rules for readoption must compare requirements with Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. They must also include states designated by the Indiana Office of Management and Budget. Written findings must address alternatives, complaints, compliance problems, changed conditions, less restrictive options, and whether the content belongs in state law. The budget office can require stricter reviews for rules above its fiscal-impact and cost threshold.
Vehicle fees shift between safety funds
Beginning July 1, 2026, covered vehicle and watercraft fee distributions move to the Emergency Communications Fund. This includes a stated $1.25 share previously sent to the Integrated Public Safety Communications Fund. Covered license, permit, endorsement, and identification-card fees also have this shift, but no start date is stated for those changes. These provisions do not increase what motorists pay.
Builders gain self-certification with fees possible
Beginning July 1, 2027, eligible Class 1 building projects can voluntarily use self-certification instead of technical plan review. Plans must be signed and sealed by an Indiana registered design professional in good standing with at least five years of registration and five qualifying Indiana projects. The professional must review the plans, certify code compliance under penalty of perjury, and carry insurance of at least $500,000 per claim and $1 million total. After complete paperwork arrives, Homeland Security must issue a design release or temporary confirmation number by the next business day. The department may exclude high-hazard uses, essential facilities, and other elevated life-safety risks; it may also audit projects, order corrections, suspend or revoke certification authority, and pursue authorized penalties or referrals. The department may charge plan review fees even for projects released without review; no amount is set.
State handles factory-built structure certification
Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security takes over certification of industrialized building systems and mobile structures, including related fee-setting. Applicants still need proof of a design release, an in-plant compliance inspection, and payment of the required fee. Mobile-structure applicants must also submit a sworn statement that certification seals will be used only on structures meeting the rules. Department rules also govern requirements tied to covered mobile-structure sales offenses. No fee amount is stated.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Steve Bartels
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Aaron Freeman
Republican • Senate
Chris Garten
Republican • Senate
David Niezgodski
Democratic • Senate
Doug Miller
Republican • House
Kyle Pierce
Republican • House
Randy Maxwell
Republican • Senate
Scott Baldwin
Republican • Senate
Wendy Dant Chesser
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/27/2026
Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the House
Yes: 69 • No: 28
Senate vote • 2/27/2026
Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate
Yes: 43 • No: 3
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Third reading: passed
Yes: 47 • No: 1
House vote • 2/2/2026
Third reading: passed
Yes: 67 • No: 29
House vote • 1/29/2026
Amendment #13 (Campbell) failed
Yes: 31 • No: 62
House vote • 1/29/2026
Amendment #8 (DeLaney) failed
Yes: 39 • No: 53
Actions Timeline
Public Law 152
3/12/2026HouseSigned by the Governor
3/12/2026HouseSigned by the President Pro Tempore
3/5/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
3/3/2026HouseSigned by the President of the Senate
3/2/2026SenateRules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the House; Roll Call 422: yeas 69, nays 28
2/27/2026HouseCCR # 1 filed in the Senate
2/27/2026SenateCCR # 1 filed in the House
2/27/2026HouseRepresentative McNamara added as conferee
2/27/2026HouseRepresentative Pryor removed as conferee
2/27/2026HouseRules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 326: yeas 43, nays 3
2/27/2026SenateSenate advisors appointed: Bray, Yoder
2/26/2026SenateSenate conferees appointed: Maxwell, Niezgodski
2/26/2026SenateHouse advisors appointed: Miller D, Pierce K, Lehman, Campbell, DeLaney, Harris, Hatcher
2/25/2026HouseHouse conferees appointed: Bartels, Pryor
2/25/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 224: yeas 47, nays 1
2/24/2026SenateReturned to the House with amendments
2/24/2026SenateMotion to dissent filed
2/24/2026HouseHouse dissented from Senate amendments
2/24/2026HouseSenator Niezgodski added as cosponsor
2/24/2026SenateSecond reading: amended, ordered engrossed
2/23/2026SenateAmendment #3 (Maxwell) prevailed; voice vote
2/23/2026SenateCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
2/19/2026SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedure
2/5/2026SenateReferred to the Senate
2/3/2026House
Bill Text
Engrossed House Bill (H)
Engrossed House Bill (S)
Enrolled House Bill (H)
House Bill (H)
House Bill (S)
Introduced House Bill (H)
Related Bills
HB 1266, Department of education and education matters.
Makes various changes to education provisions concerning the following: (1) Creating a teaching and learning framework for the implementation of mathematics academic standards. (2) Development of a data science math pathway. (3) Submission of a report to the general assembly concerning recommendations on strategies to support academically and fiscally underperforming schools, and interventions as necessary. (4) Evaluating, approving, and publishing high quality curricular materials time lines. (5) Local board membership for a local centralized school facilities board and local student transportation board. (6) Salary differentiation regarding teachers who possess a literacy endorsement. (7) Amounts expended in participating in an interlocal agreement included in determining amounts school corporations expend on full-time teacher salaries for purposes of teacher salary minimum funding requirements. (8) Summer school program and reimbursement administration. (9) Criteria required for eligibility of a waiver for conducting four day school weeks. (10) Oversight of career and technical education program designation. (11) Uses of teacher appreciation grants. (12) The calculation of operating referendum distributions and school safety referendum distributions to charter schools with regard to virtual instruction. (13) Petitions regarding reconsidering payments of choice scholarships. (14) Membership of the board for proprietary education. (15) The effective date regarding the changes to the definition of "eligible choice scholarship student". (16) Career specialist permit eligibility. Provides that an emergency permit may be renewed up to two times to an individual enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program if the program provides documentation verifying the individual's good standing in the program to the department of education. Creates a new qualification option for a transition to teaching program participant who seeks to obtain a license to teach in grades 5 through 12. Removes a provision that provides that the department may not release less than 10 items per subject matter level per grade level regarding the statewide summative assessment. Removes a requirement that for a parent or student to use a career scholarship account (CSA) annual grant amount for costs related to transportation a CSA participating entity must pay a matching amount for the transportation costs. Requires each state educational institution that offers a two year graduate degree program in mental or behavioral health to evaluate the graduate degree program to determine the feasibility of providing the program in a specifically structured manner to allow full-time students to complete the program within: (1) one year; or (2) five years if the program is combined with a baccalaureate degree program. Requires the Indiana department of education to elect to participate as a covered state in the federal tax credit scholarship program for elementary and secondary education under Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code (enacted in Public Law 119-21, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025). Makes conforming changes to the school scholarship tax credit in current law. Requires the governor and the department of workforce development, in consultation with the commission for higher education, to: (1) establish a process to identify eligible workforce training programs; (2) establish a process for institutions and programs to apply for recognition as an eligible workforce training program; (3) coordinate certain workforce training matters; and (4) require eligible workforce training programs to provide certain datasets to the department. Provides that the department of workforce development must maintain alignment with federal rules governing workforce Pell grants. Repeals certain provisions concerning postsecondary career and technical education.
HB 1277, Health and human services matters.
Amends the duties of the office of the secretary of family and social services (office) concerning Medicaid home and community based services waivers (waiver). Requires: (1) a provider of waiver services to provide certain documentation to a waiver recipient; (2) a waiver recipient to review the documentation and report errors or inconsistencies; and (3) the recipient's case manager to provide assistance to the recipient in reviewing the documentation and reporting any errors or inconsistencies. Requires certain Medicaid recipients to choose the recipient's provider of integrated health care coordination. Provides that integrated health care coordination provided by a provider of assisted living services is not duplicative of certain other services. Establishes a time frame in which the bureau of disabilities services must review and approve or deny requests for an increase in service units provided to certain individuals with a disability. Requires the office to apply to the federal government for: (1) a new Medicaid waiver to provide assisted living services; and (2) an amendment to a specific Medicaid home and community based services waiver to establish an individual cost limit of not more than the institutional cost of nursing facility services. Specifies that provisions concerning reimbursement for assisted living services for individuals who are aged and disabled and receiving services under a Medicaid waiver apply to the new assisted living Medicaid waiver. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2027, an individual is no longer a member of the covered population upon receiving nursing facility services for 100 consecutive days. Provides that on the one hundredth day, the individual is not a member of the covered population and shall receive Medicaid services under a fee for service program. Provides that a provision prohibiting the office from reducing reimbursement for home health services expires June 30, 2027. Requires the office to collaborate with certain entities to develop a new reimbursement methodology for home health services. Specifies that public notice of at least six months (rather than one year) must be provided before a health facility service reimbursement that results in a reduction in reimbursement may be changed. Amends the definition of "bulk drug substance" for provisions concerning drug compounding. Provides that a claim by the estate recovery unit of the office of Medicaid policy and planning (estate recovery unit) is forever barred unless the estate recovery unit files a claim in the court in which the decedent's estate is being administered not later than nine months after the date of death of the decedent.
HB 1249, Various criminal law matters.
Provides that if a person has one prior OWI conviction, the court shall order that the person be imprisoned for at least 10 days or perform community service, and if a person has two prior OWI convictions, the court shall order that the person be imprisoned for at least 20 days or perform community service. Provides that a person receives good time credit while serving a sentence imposed under this statute (under current law, a person does not receive good time credit). Provides that this statute does not increase the maximum sentence for the offense as provided by either IC 35-50-2 or IC 35-50-3. Specifies that "vehicle", for purposes of the crime of operating while intoxicated, includes a watercraft, and repeals the separate crime of operating a motorboat while intoxicated. Provides that an initial hearing may be waived and allows a person to apply for a specialized driving privilege after an initial hearing. Adds operating while intoxicated due to use of a controlled substance to the habitual traffic violator statute. Requires a law enforcement officer to offer a chemical test that includes a blood test to any person who the officer has reason to believe operated a vehicle that was involved in a fatal accident. Specifies that ignition interlock devices may only be used when the underlying offense is operating while intoxicated resulting from the use of alcohol. Specifies that certain provisions do not prevent an otherwise eligible individual from applying for a specialized driving privilege after the initial hearing. Increases the penalty for battery on certain health care employees and school employees. Specifies that the enhancement for battery committed against a department of child services (DCS) employee applies only to those DCS employees whose responsibilities include personally supervising a child or parent, personally providing services to a child or parent, or personally interviewing a child or parent as part of an investigation. Requires the employer of a health care or school employee who is the victim of battery to make a semiannual report to the department of labor concerning workplace batteries. Provides that certain uses of a drone constitute remote aerial harassment. Specifies that a child charged with dangerous possession of a firearm may be tried by a juvenile court under certain circumstances. Makes dangerous possession of a firearm a Level 5 felony if the child: (1) has a prior conviction for unlawful carrying of a handgun; or (2) possesses the firearm on school property, within 500 feet of a school, or on a school bus. Specifies that certain individuals may not be subject to a county residency requirement, including a public defender (except for the chief public defender), court personnel, and a deputy prosecuting attorney. Prohibits the release of personally identifying information concerning a railroad crew in a public report concerning a railroad fatality. Repeals provisions that require: (1) the department of education to maintain a public data base concerning public school employees who were physically injured on the job by students; and (2) each public school to provide to the department of education information concerning certain public school employees physically injured on the job by a student.
HB 1210, Department of local government finance.
Requires a municipal entity that hires or retains a municipal advisor to publish a contract in a prominent location on the municipal entity's website. Modifies the amount of supplemental wagering tax that the treasurer of state is required to pay to the riverboat operating in Gary and the distribution of wagering tax revenue to the city of Gary. Provides that the Lake County Convention Center Authority is established upon the substantial completion of the convention and event center. Establishes an alternative procedure for certain school corporations to issue refunding bonds. Requires state agencies and political subdivisions to cooperate with the state GIS officer in preparing a statewide base map. Eliminates the requirement that the department of local government finance (DLGF) work with the office of technology or another organization that is part of a state educational institution for purposes of posting information on the Indiana transparency website and submitting forms regarding data for local units. Allows a person to satisfy any notice statute by publishing notice in specified forms of media and modifies related provisions regarding notice by publication. Provides that in assessing or reassessing land, the land shall be assessed as agricultural land regardless of who owns the property or who is liable for the property taxes. Modifies procedures as to the reporting of assessment values of real and personal property and parcel level data. Changes the deadline for a county to submit to the DLGF data regarding real property, personal property, and geographic information system information. Requires the purchaser of a mobile home to process the paperwork with the bureau of motor vehicles to transfer the title into the purchaser's name within 90 days of the sale. Specifies eligibility for certain townships to petition for an increase to the maximum property tax levy for the firefighting and emergency services fund. Makes procedural changes for civil taxing units not subject to levy limits. Provides that certain local property tax credits result in a reduction of property tax collections in a political subdivision in which such a credit is applied. Specifies the procedures for the submission of certain forms and related allocation amounts with regard to various allocation areas. Amends various tax increment financing allocation area provisions, including provisions to redefine "residential property" and to require the original owner of certain nonowner-occupied residential property in an allocation area to enter into a written agreement with the appropriate entity to pay the property taxes for the portion of outstanding bonds until the bonds are retired. Changes reporting requirements by governing bodies to the DLGF regarding guaranteed savings contracts and energy efficient programs used by school corporations. Provides that the property tax rate for the levy imposed for the replacement of fire protection territory equipment is considered part of the maximum permissible ad valorem property tax levy and may not exceed $0.0333 per $100 of assessed value. Extends a temporary increase in the capitalization rate percentage under the statewide agricultural land base rate determination. Requires the DLGF to annually publish on the Indiana Register the adjusted cost estimate threshold for certain local public work projects. Provides a real and personal property tax exemption for Indiana nonprofit senior living communities beginning with property taxes that are first due and payable in 2027. Adds the Indiana Historical Society, Inc. to a list of organizations exempt from property taxation. Allows certain taxpayers to retroactively file a property tax exemption application. Increases the amount of the property tax deduction for a model residence and a residence in inventory to 100% of the assessed value of the property for each deduction. Increases the number of model residences and residences in inventory from three to ten that may be claimed for purposes of those property tax deductions. Requires an individual to reside on the real property, mobile home, or manufactured home to be eligible for the over 65 property tax credit. Increases the property tax deduction for a veteran who is totally disabled to 100% of the assessed value of the individual's real property (instead of $14,000). Expires property tax deductions for certain veterans, and instead provides a property tax liability credit. Restores the property tax deduction available to a surviving spouse of a World War I veteran that was limited by SEA 1-2025. Provides, if a taxpayer claims the homestead deduction for property that is not eligible for the deduction, that the taxpayer shall (instead of may) be liable for any additional taxes that would have been due on homestead property plus a civil penalty. Requires the county auditor to include in a notice of tax due a 10% fine as a penalty for claiming the homestead deduction falsely, which is in addition to all other penalties for which the taxpayer is liable. Allows the executive of Miami Township in Cass County to submit a petition to the DLGF requesting an increase in the township's maximum permissible ad valorem property tax levy for property taxes first due and payable in 2027. Requires the Hancock County fiscal body to adopt a resolution to allow a one time transfer of money from the library property tax replacement fund. Provides that for purposes of fixing and reviewing budgets, tax rates, and tax levies, before a county auditor makes an amendment, the county auditor must provide written notice to the county fiscal body, the DLGF, and the fiscal officers of the affected taxing units. Provides that the DLGF may not approve the budget for a political subdivision until an attestation statement concerning the uploading of contracts is submitted. Allows a school corporation to allocate the effects of supplemental homestead credits granted for property taxes first due and payable in 2026 proportionately among all the school corporation's property tax funds. Requires certain qualified data center users to enter into an agreement with local officials before the qualified data center user may use a specific transaction award certificate. Adds a provision regarding repayment in the redevelopment tax credit. Specifies eligibility and procedures for a health reimbursement arrangement income tax credit. Moves the effective date for the local income tax changes enacted in SEA 1-2025 from 2028 to 2029. Makes corresponding changes to move the expiration date regarding a county with a single voting bloc enacted in HEA 1142-2025. Specifies procedures for the imposition of local income taxes and distribution of local income tax revenue. Removes provisions enacted in SEA 1-2025 providing for the expiration of local income tax expenditure rates for counties or municipalities that fail to adopt an ordinance to renew an existing expenditure tax rate. Provides that the county may determine an allocation method for revenue raised from a tax rate for fire protection or emergency medical services. Provides that the county and certain township fire departments must receive an allocation of revenue raised from a tax rate for fire protection or emergency medical services. Provides a formula for the distribution of revenue from the local income tax rate imposed by a county for certain small cities and towns. Specifies procedures for determining population for purposes of a municipal local income tax rate. Specifies that taxing units may deposit distributions of excise tax revenue in any fund maintained by the taxing unit. Allows each county to establish a local strategic taskforce to negotiate and determine certain maximum local income tax rates. Allows the Marshall County jail fund to be used for costs otherwise incurred for the operation of the county jail. Provides that distributions of certain excise tax revenue to a taxing unit may be deposited in any fund maintained by the taxing unit and may be used for any purpose allowed by law. Makes numerous changes and additions to the local innkeeper's tax and food and beverage tax statutes, including new food and beverage tax authorizations, modifications to distributions of innkeeper's tax revenue, and revisions to the composition of various innkeeper's tax boards and commissions. Replaces the definitions of "manufactured home" and "mobile home" throughout the Indiana Code with a singular definition. Subject to an exception, limits voting eligibility in a homeowners association to members of the homeowners association who use their property as a homestead as to certain matters. With certain exceptions, prohibits a unit from adopting or enforcing an ordinance, resolution, regulation, policy, or rule that prohibits or restricts an owner of a privately owned residential property from using the property as a rental property. Retroactively amends the definition of "short term rental" to specify that certain private, owner occupied businesses are excluded from that definition. Requires a person appointed to a fire protection district board of trustees to reside in the fire protection district. Sets forth an alternative procedure that may be used to appoint the board of trustees of certain fire protection districts. Specifies maximum property tax rates for certain fire protection territories. Revises a provision of the municipal Barrett Law concerning deferred installments. Amends provisions in the drainage law as to bidding on certain projects and the term of loans. Authorizes the budget agency, subject to budget committee review, to augment the state agency contingency fund appropriations in HEA 1001-2025 through July 1, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $40,000,000 for Indiana office of technology contracts, in addition to the uses for the appropriation authorized in HEA 1001-2025.
HB 1200, Bureau of motor vehicles.
Allows additional license plates issued by the bureau of motor vehicles (bureau) to be designed as a personalized license plate. Provides that a motor vehicle may be equipped with an appropriate, functioning rear view camera that provides the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle instead of a mirror. Prohibits the Indiana department of transportation from implementing variable speed limits or using electronic variable speed limit signs. Amends the information required to be provided by an applicant for a driver's license or permit. Amends the required age an individual must be to obtain a driver's license from 16 years and 90 days of age to 16 years of age. Requires an individual to demonstrate sufficient proficiency of the English language to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Provides that an individual commits a Level 6 felony if the individual: (1) represents that a false record is a valid commercial driver's license; or (2) does not have proper documentation while driving with a commercial driver's license issued by any jurisdiction other than a state, territory, or possession of the United States. Provides that a business enterprise may not educate, train, or otherwise prepare an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle if certain circumstances exist. Makes certain changes to the requirements for the issuance of a nondomiciled commercial driver's license and allows for the revocation of an individual's nondomiciled commercial driver's license in certain circumstances. Allows an applicant for a driver's license or permit to take an examination of the individual's ability to read and understand highway signs and the individual's knowledge of Indiana traffic laws by satisfactorily completing an online examination approved by the bureau. Amends the time that an expired driver's license of an individual temporarily residing outside Indiana because of service in the armed forces remains valid. Changes the time for an individual who is 75 years of age or older and renewing a physical credential to provide proof to the bureau that the individual passed an eyesight examination from 30 days to 60 days. Removes the limitation that a renewal identification card cannot be issued by electronic service if the card expired more than 180 days prior to the date of the application for renewal. Provides that an advertisement that violates the prohibition on advertising certain illegal products must be removed from public circulation not later than October 1, 2026. Amends certain requirements for township capital improvement plans.
HB 1115, Homeowners association governance.
Amends the statute governing residential real estate sales disclosures to provide that in the case of a resale or refinance of property covered by the governing documents of a homeowners association (HOA), an HOA or an agent of the HOA providing a statement of unpaid assessments or other charges relating to a property may not charge more than $50 for the statement. (HEA 1152-2026 prohibits an HOA from charging a fee for the statement.) Provides that an HOA member is considered to be in attendance at a meeting of the HOA if the member attends by remote or virtual means in accordance with the statutory procedures for remote meetings of nonprofit corporations. Requires the board of an HOA to provide to HOA members at least four days advance written notice of any meeting of the board. Provides that the meeting notice must include: (1) a meeting agenda; and (2) in the case of a notice for an annual meeting, a statement of the right of HOA members to demand a special meeting of the members, including a statement of the required number of members needed to demand a special meeting. Amends the provision in HEA 1152-2026 that prohibits an HOA, an agent of an HOA, or an HOA management company from charging a homeowner a fee associated with any service provided by the HOA to specify that such services include services that are included in the homeowner's association assessment but do not include any optional service that is offered to a homeowner in connection with the homeowner's individual lot in the subdivision and that the homeowner opts to receive. Provides that a schedule of any optional services offered must be approved by the board and distributed to HOA members on at least an annual basis and whenever there is a change in the fees for any of the offered services. Prohibits an HOA, an agent of an HOA, or an HOA management company from charging a homeowner a fee associated with the production of a statement of account setting forth the amount of any unpaid assessments or other charges due and owing from the homeowner. Requires an HOA or its agent to maintain an account statement for a homeowner and provide the statement to the homeowner upon request. Provides that the governing documents of an HOA may not require that the consent of more than 2/3 of the owners be required to amend the HOA's governing documents. Provides that an HOA's governing documents may not require the consent of more than 2/3 of first lien mortgage holders in order to amend the governing documents. Removes the provision in current law that provides that the governing documents may require the approval of at least 95% of the owners to convey common areas or to dissolve the plan of governance for the HOA. Authorizes an HOA to assess a fine for a member's violation of a covenant if the HOA first: (1) adopts a schedule of fines for specified violations; and (2) provides to the member a notice setting forth the violation, the amount of the fine, and the date on which the fine will be assessed. Requires a schedule of fines to include a maximum aggregate fine amount for any single violation.