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IndianaHB 1035Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)House

Permissible unsupervised activity.

Sponsored By: Jake Teshka (Republican)

Became Law

judiciarythe senate

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Clear rules for kids alone

Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana defines "independent activity" in child welfare cases. It covers a child walking, biking, or using public transit; playing outside; staying at home; or staying in a parked vehicle without an adult. A child is not labeled "in need of services" just for doing these. That changes only if the caregiver is so reckless it endangers the child’s health or safety, considering the child’s maturity, condition, and ability.

Neglect rules and defense for parents

Beginning July 1, 2026, neglect-of-a-dependent cases use the same "independent activity" list. It includes a child walking, biking, or using public transit; playing outside; staying at home; or staying in a parked vehicle without an adult. Caregivers have a defense if they reasonably believed the activity was not dangerous. This defense applies only to neglect charges under IC 35-46-1-4.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jake Teshka

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Brett Clark

    Republican • Senate

  • Cyndi Carrasco

    Republican • Senate

  • Eric Koch

    Republican • Senate

  • James Buck

    Republican • Senate

  • Jennifer Meltzer

    Republican • House

  • Rodney Pol

    Democratic • Senate

  • Ryan Lauer

    Republican • House

  • Susan Glick

    Republican • Senate

  • Victoria Garcia Wilburn

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/10/2026

Roll Call 149 on HB1035.03.COMS

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 1/20/2026

Roll Call 53 on HB1035.02.COMH

Yes: 93 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Law 20

    2/24/2026House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    2/24/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    2/18/2026Senate

  4. Signed by the Speaker

    2/12/2026House

  5. Signed by the President Pro Tempore

    2/12/2026Senate

  6. Returned to the House without amendments

    2/11/2026Senate

  7. Senator Clark added as third sponsor

    2/10/2026Senate

  8. Senators Buck, Glick, Pol added as cosponsors

    2/10/2026Senate

  9. Senator Koch added as second sponsor

    2/10/2026Senate

  10. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 149: yeas 48, nays 0

    2/10/2026Senate

  11. Second reading: ordered engrossed

    2/9/2026Senate

  12. Committee report: do pass, adopted

    2/5/2026Senate

  13. First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary

    1/26/2026Senate

  14. Referred to the Senate

    1/21/2026House

  15. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 53: yeas 93, nays 0

    1/20/2026House

  16. Senate sponsor: Senator Carrasco

    1/20/2026House

  17. Second reading: ordered engrossed

    1/15/2026House

  18. Representative Meltzer added as coauthor

    1/12/2026House

  19. Committee report: do pass, adopted

    1/12/2026House

  20. Authored by Representative Teshka

    12/1/2025House

  21. Coauthored by Representatives Garcia Wilburn, Lauer

    12/1/2025House

  22. First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary

    12/1/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled House Bill (H)

    PDF

  • House Bill (H)

    PDF

  • House Bill (S)

    PDF

  • Introduced House Bill (H)

    PDF

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