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Yes: 137 • No: 1
IndianaHB 1088Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)HouseWALLET
Technical corrections.
Sponsored By: Kyle Pierce (Republican)
Became Law
judiciarythe senate
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
135 provisions identified: 82 benefits, 11 costs, 42 mixed.
Ban deceptive software and big penalties
The law bans sending deceptive software that changes settings, steals data or keystrokes, disables security, or causes unauthorized charges. Starting July 1, 2026, harmed software providers, website owners, or trademark owners can sue. They can get an order to stop violations and recover the higher of actual damages or $100,000 per violation.
Free dual‑enrollment tuition for low‑income
Beginning July 1, 2026, state colleges waive tuition for dual‑enrollment students who qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch, are accepted into a postsecondary enrollment program, and are admitted to the state school. High schools must certify income using the lunch form, a tax return, or a state social services certification. This cuts college costs for qualifying students.
Limits on public training payback
The law caps how much a public employer can make you repay for training when you take a private job. If you are hired within 1 year of certification, the cap is 100% of training costs. Between 1 and 2 years, it is 66%. Between 2 and 3 years, it is 33%. After 3 years, you owe nothing. These limits apply starting July 1, 2026.
Tighter sex offender registry rules
Starting July 1, 2026, Indiana clarifies who counts as a resident sex or violent offender. Spending seven days in 180 days here, or owning property and returning, can trigger registration. Offenders must meet updated deadlines. Local police must post a photo at least yearly and keep the state and national registry up to date. Sheriffs in consolidated city counties must supply needed equipment and funding.
Local tax breaks for big projects
Starting July 1, 2026, cities or counties may exempt quantum‑safe fiber equipment from property tax if a company invests at least $100,000,000 in Indiana after January 1, 2026 and pays average wages of at least 125% of the county average. Also, sales of power services or commodities to businesses that move or expand at military bases can be exempt from gross retail tax. The power must be separately metered and used within five years, and the state may deny the exemption if the move cuts operations elsewhere in Indiana.
Abortion mostly banned; telehealth not allowed
Beginning July 1, 2026, abortion is a crime except in narrow, listed cases. After eight weeks post‑fertilization, a doctor may not prescribe or give abortion pills. Any abortion drug must be given in person, and the patient must take it in the doctor’s presence. Telehealth cannot be used for any abortion or to prescribe abortion drugs. These rules limit access and can raise travel and out‑of‑pocket costs.
Homestead tax deduction phases out
The law reduces the homestead deduction each year and ends it for 2030 assessments. The maximum is $48,000 for 2025, $40,000 for 2026, $30,000 for 2027, $20,000 for 2028, $10,000 for 2029, and $0 for 2030 and after. You get the deduction only if you had an interest in the home on the assessment date. These rules apply to real property and to mobile or manufactured homes.
Cap on credits toward degree
The law caps how many awarded or transferred credits can count toward your degree. If any course requires in‑person attendance, at most 75% of the degree can come from awarded credits. If the full program is available online, at most 70% can come from awarded credits. Your school sets the degree requirements used for this math. You may need to take more courses to graduate.
Licenses revoked for insolvency events
Starting July 1, 2026, certain insolvency or shutdown events automatically revoke a license. Triggers include a Chapter 7 filing, a Chapter 11/12/13 filing followed within 7 days by a liquidating plan or affidavit, an involuntary order for relief, receivership, assignment for creditors, a court insolvency ruling, an agreement to liquidate, or a public written notice the business is closing. Revocation is effective on the listed event date.
New downtown restaurant liquor permits
Beginning July 1, 2026, up to four new three‑way permits are available in each listed city’s downtown redevelopment area. The initial permit costs $40,000. Permits generally stay tied to the site, can revert if business stops for more than six months, and total active permits are capped at 24. Cities may require written commitments from applicants.
New rules for big development projects
Beginning July 1, 2026, an area can be named an innovation district only if the total plan is at least $750 million. The state must publish policies, work with local leaders, and get budget review before designating. The law also clarifies an older investment rule applies only to investments made after June 30, 2003.
Utilities recover some SMR costs
Starting July 1, 2026, a utility may recover 80% of approved small modular reactor development costs through periodic rate adjustments before a full plant approval. The remaining 20% is deferred to the next general rate case. Adjustments may be filed no more than once every 12 months and must be amortized over the time costs are incurred or three years, whichever is less. Utilities cannot double‑recover costs provided at no cost by third parties.
Faster toll bills and fair towing release
Toll operators must invoice you within one year of the toll. Towing yards cannot charge inspection fees and must accept cash, certified check, insurance check, or money order. They must give itemized receipts and release your vehicle within 24 hours after you pay 75% of the bill, show a bond for the rest, and give a copy of a complaint filed with the attorney general. These towing rules take effect July 1, 2026.
Grants for housing and help to veterans
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state may give grants to groups that aid veterans. Grants can fund homelessness prevention, moving to homeownership or stable rentals (up to nine months of rent help), access to benefits, therapy, job training and placement, and suicide prevention. Grants may also fund a diagnostic and hyperbaric oxygen pilot only if required rules are adopted and before the pilot ends.
Help paying for kids' hearing aids
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state may pay for a child’s hearing aid if the department finds the child eligible under section 9(b). Payments are per device up to a maximum the department sets. Parents may need to pay part of the cost under posted guidelines.
More Medicaid help for assisted living
Beginning July 1, 2026, if your Medicaid HCBS waiver included assisted living before July 1, 2025, the state pays for assisted living, care coordination, and transportation when in your care plan. If your service level goes up and the provider documents it, payment starts that day. The state may pay from the date of a Medicaid application. The agency cannot add certain building or housing requirements for long‑standing providers. It will also seek an emergency waiver priority for people whose caregiver died or is 80+, in abusive settings, or facing other health or safety risks, and will report quarterly on priority use.
Stronger background checks for nurse aides
Facilities and their contractors may not knowingly hire a nurse aide or other unlicensed worker with certain criminal convictions or a substantiated abuse/neglect/misappropriation finding. Applying for such a job after a disqualifying conviction is a Class A infraction. There is a narrow exception for some felony drug convictions if the person is a certified peer recovery coach and meets conditions. This applies starting July 1, 2026.
Top priority for kids’ hearing aids
Starting July 1, 2026, the state gives the highest funding priority to eligible children under 14 for hearing‑aid help. The health department may add other priority rules and will post them online. This boosts the chance that young children get help paying for hearing aids.
Easier property deductions and farm assessment
If you received a property tax deduction last year and still qualify, you do not need to file again. You must tell the auditor if you become ineligible, and auditors must reinstate deductions if you prove eligibility. Land used for farming can be assessed as agricultural, including land in certain USDA conservation programs, the DNR forest program, and hardwood timber harvesting. County assessors use USDA soil data and the correct soil productivity factor.
Voluntary Five Star mortgage option
Starting July 1, 2026, lenders can certify a Five Star mortgage. A qualifying loan has at least 10% down or equity, a fixed rate, no prepayment penalty, and a term of 30 years or less. It must escrow taxes and insurance unless the lender’s normal practice is different. The state may list certified lenders and charge fees up to actual program costs.
College credit and help for veterans
State colleges must post and follow policies to award credit for qualifying military courses and exams. If the credit is comparable and needed, it must count toward your undergraduate degree. Each campus must have a veteran student coordinator to connect you to counseling, jobs, benefits, and a veterans’ resources website. The state commission also posts each school’s military credit policy online.
Pre‑K vouchers for working families
Beginning July 1, 2026, your child can get a pre‑K voucher if you work, are in job training, or are in school. If you receive SSDI, SSI, or VA disability, your child may qualify under limited eligibility. You must agree to key rules, like full‑year participation, at least 85% attendance, no midyear transfers, taking part in evaluations and family activities, getting a student test number, sending the child to kindergarten, and reading weekly with your child.
State online energy training program
The state sets up an online training that follows the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005. Contractors and workers can use it to meet standards. The department may pay program costs from the excess liability trust fund. This starts July 1, 2026.
Consumer law covers more deals
Starting July 1, 2026, the law expands what counts as a consumer transaction. It includes structured settlement transfers, unsolicited fax ads, debt collection, certain law‑enforcement product sales, and emergency towing conduct. It broadens who counts as a “person” or “supplier,” and defines cure terms. It also updates the “motor vehicle” definition for consumer auto laws and excludes items like motor homes, farm tractors, and off‑road vehicles.
Fast cyber incident reporting by agencies
Beginning July 1, 2026, state agencies and covered local units must report cybersecurity incidents within two business days of discovery. They must also give a primary incident contact by September 1 each year. Reporting is not required if it would conflict with federal privacy laws or an active investigation.
More school safety grants available
Starting July 1, 2026, the Indiana secured school fund provides matching and one‑time setup grants. Schools can use grants for school resource officers, safety training, site assessments, security equipment and technology, canine programs, safety management tools, security‑focused construction, bullying prevention, and Stop the Bleed kits. One‑time grants can set up active event warning systems with the county sheriff.
Stricter state budget allotment controls
Starting July 1, 2026, the fiscal year is split into quarterly allotment periods. Agencies must request allotments at least 25 days before each period, and money is not available until approved. The budget director may reduce allotments if revenues fall short, and the comptroller must certify funds before payments. Spending that violates these rules is void, and vacant positions are reviewed.
Maternal and early childhood fund
The state creates the Hoosier Families First Fund to support maternal and early childhood programs, including newborn safety devices. It appropriates $45 million for the state fiscal year that began July 1, 2022, with unused funds reverting June 30, 2023. Providers for maternal support funded under the listed purpose cannot be affiliated with an abortion clinic and must apply competitively. These rules are in effect July 1, 2026.
Public health plans and scorecards
The state builds a plan to cut key health risks like tobacco use, food insecurity, lead exposure, obesity, diabetes, and more. It must track and post progress on a public webpage, including grant results. The child fatality review committee and the maternal mortality review committee must file annual public reports, with privacy protections. The management performance hub publishes health and behavioral health metrics online starting July 1, 2026.
Every school needs a safety team
Beginning July 1, 2026, each school must have a safe school committee to help build and update its safety plan. The state provides materials on threat assessment, staff training, community involvement, drill impacts, and age‑appropriate, trauma‑informed bullying prevention and reporting. Charter schools open on July 1, 2023 had to comply by July 1, 2024.
More school funds to teacher pay
Schools must spend at least 65% of state tuition support on teacher compensation. The state reports each year by November 1 how much each district spent. If a district misses the mark after June 30, 2024, leaders get a notice and must post it unless the district fixes it. This rule covers adjunct pay, stipends, and cooperative-teacher compensation.
Higher taxes on tobacco and vapes
Starting July 1, 2026, most tobacco and cigars are taxed at 30% of the wholesale price. The cigar cap rises to $3 per cigar. Moist snuff and alternative nicotine products are taxed $0.50 per ounce. Closed‑system vape cartridges are taxed at 30% of wholesale; when packaged with a device, the tax applies only if the cartridge cost is shown separately on the invoice. Distributors owe the tax, and consumers who buy untaxed products can also be liable.
Annual fee on direct support providers
Starting July 1, 2026, the state may charge an annual fee to providers that employ direct support professionals. The fee schedule accounts for workforce differences. Total fees per provider cannot be more than $2,000 a year. Money goes to a training fund for direct support staff.
License needed to broker rides
Starting July 1, 2026, anyone who sells or arranges passenger transportation for pay must have a brokerage license unless exempt. Applications require a completed form, a certificate of existence, and a surety bond. The department may check taxes, carrier registration, and insurance. There is an application fee and an annual renewal fee. Violations are a Class C infraction.
One-year wait after short bonds
Starting July 1, 2026, if a county, city, town, township, or school issues general obligation bonds for two years or less, it must wait one year after those bonds expire before issuing new ones. This wait does not apply when a disaster, accident, or other unanticipated emergency is found.
Riverboat casino tax method changes
For state fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2025, receipts from a riverboat at an approved new location are taxed as receipts from a single riverboat. This changes how taxes are assigned to riverboat operators.
Dementia aide training and facility reporting
Home health aides who care for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia must complete 6 hours of approved training within 60 days of hire and 3 hours each year after a year on the job. Approved training can be online, and completion certificates are required. Aides who finished training and worked 24 straight months do not have to repeat it when hired by a home health agency. Residential care facilities must also tell the state within 3 working days when the administrator job is vacant and report details when a new administrator starts. These rules apply beginning July 1, 2026.
Medicaid suspension in jail; tighter checks
Starting July 1, 2026, Medicaid is suspended (not ended) while you are confined and ineligible under federal rules, with steps to make coverage active at release. Facilities must give 45 days’ notice of release; the state must act on 40 days’ notice and ensure services 30 days before and after release. The state also tightens eligibility checks: no self‑attested income, residency, age, or household details without verification (unless federal law requires), monthly lottery/gaming matches for $3,000+ winnings, vital records checks, tax and wage reviews, SNAP residency checks, and DOC data. The agency must promptly redetermine if circumstances change.
Mobile food fee and micro market rules
Beginning January 1, 2027, local health departments may charge a $450 combined annual statewide mobile food license fee. They keep $200 and send $250 to the state each month. From July 1, 2026, indoor, nonpublic micro markets may run unstaffed if they meet rules: continuous video with 14‑day retention, automated checkout that ties purchases to buyers, and only prepackaged foods, ready‑to‑eat fruit, and hot drinks. No pre‑install approval is needed, but owners must notify the local health department within 10 business days, with no fee.
New alcohol permits for towns and food halls
Whitestown can receive up to three new three‑way and three new two‑way permits. Noblesville can receive ten new three‑way permits (3 in 2024, 3 in 2025, 4 in 2026). Each new permit has a $40,000 initial fee and follows location, non‑transfer, and six‑month reversion rules. The state can also issue a master three‑way permit for qualifying food halls that meet vendor and seating thresholds. Vendor permits are available inside the hall. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.
New public works bidding and bonding help
From July 1, 2026, public works projects estimated at $150,000 or more must be competitively bid, with ads and sworn financials (unless waived). Agencies may reject bids for poor performance or lack of qualifications and must keep bid records. The state must also offer yearly training on bonding for small, minority, women’s, and veteran‑owned businesses. This helps firms learn how to qualify for surety bonds.
Stronger protections in grain buying
Beginning July 1, 2026, grain buyers must put deferred or futures‑linked deals in writing within 21 days of delivery. Contracts (except flat price and seed production) must include a bold notice on risks, a "priced by" date within the crop year, and the indemnity program’s limits (100% for stored grain losses, 80% for other covered contracts, with a 15‑month window). Seed production contracts must warn that if the contractor keeps ownership, the farmer may be ineligible for indemnity. Licensees must keep unencumbered assets at least 85% of unpaid grain payables or face a 90‑day cure, sanctions, or a $1,000 fine. The director gains stronger powers to investigate, subpoena, and order unannounced audits. The state posts online education about indemnity coverage and updates definitions; a duplicate “basis contract” definition is repealed.
New business tax filing and audit rules
You must file business personal property returns with your township assessor or the county assessor if no township assessor exists. Assessors may grant one 30‑day extension for good cause, and multi‑township property may be filed on one county return. Churches that filed five straight years with no tax do not have to file unless ownership or exemption changes. For tax years ending after December 31, 2024, electing entities avoid underpayment penalties if estimated payments are at least the lesser of 20% of current‑year tax or 25% of last year’s tax. Partnerships must report final federal audit adjustments; they may elect to pay at the entity level within 90 days, and partners may need amended returns.
Hospital affordability rules and fines fund
Starting July 1, 2026, nonprofit hospital system rules exclude many listed hospital types and services, narrowing which entities are covered by the chapter. The state also creates a payer affordability penalty fund to hold certain fines. The fund pays the state share of Medicaid and a study of hospitals affected by payment changes, can cover its own admin costs, earns interest, and does not revert each year.
Nursing home bed planning rules
Starting July 1, 2026, the state publishes yearly counts and projections of licensed comprehensive care beds by county using census‑based senior population estimates. Certificate‑of‑need approvals must come from counties with excess beds and cannot drop a receiving county’s occupancy below 85%. A donor county must still exceed need by at least 50 beds after any move.
Horse racing days and limits set
The commission must set 280 to 330 live racing days each year statewide. Of those, 160 to 180 days must be standardbred racing in Madison County and 120 to 150 days must be mounted flat racing in Shelby County. No more than 14 races per day unless allowed. These rules apply each year, with exceptions for events beyond a track’s control.
More recycling reports and electronics registration
Beginning July 1, 2026, recyclers must use a single state form for annual reports. If the form is not posted by July 1, a letter with required details postmarked by August 1 is allowed. Solid waste districts must file a year‑end financial report by March 1 and post it online. Electronics makers that sell video display devices to households must register by March 1 (or within 20 days of first sale), list brands, give contact info that is posted online, certify compliance, estimate sales weight, submit a recycling plan and RoHS disclosure, and update brand changes within 10 days.
Tighter rules for Indiana crowdfunding
The law lists many securities sales that do not need state registration, including some accredited‑investor, intrastate, and resale offerings. Starting July 1, 2026, internet platform operators must generally register, limit access to Indiana residents, keep records, avoid holding investor funds, and allow audits. Issuers relying on the internet exemption must give free quarterly reports within 45 days and file them with the Division until those securities are no longer outstanding. Dollar limits for intrastate offerings are indexed to inflation every five years, rounded to the nearest $50,000.
Free tastings allowed at liquor stores
Starting July 1, 2026, package liquor stores may offer free samples during business hours. Sample limits apply: wine up to 1 ounce; liqueurs/cordials up to 0.5 ounce; liquor up to 0.4 ounce; and beer, hard cider, flavored malt, or mixed beverages up to 6 ounces. For liquor, liqueurs, and cordials, a customer may have no more than two combined samples per day.
200 child care vouchers for foster kids
Starting July 1, 2026, the state sets aside 200 CCDF child care vouchers for children placed with licensed foster parents. Unused reserved vouchers after 90 days may be given to other applicants.
Hospitals must keep first blood sample
Starting July 1, 2026, hospitals must keep the first blood sample from emergency patients. Labs hold it until the earliest of 21 days after the draw, the patient’s discharge, or the patient’s death. A coroner can request a blood or tissue sample for a death investigation without a warrant. If needed tests prevent saving the sample, the rule can be waived.
Indiana honors some out-of-state treatment orders
Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana may honor an out‑of‑state physician order for scope of treatment if it uses that state’s agency form, follows that state’s laws, is signed and dated by required parties, and is in English. The health department will post which states’ forms qualify.
Limits on Medicaid drug restrictions
From July 1, 2026, the agency cannot further restrict a drug in Medicaid or CHIP until the board reviews the drug class and the agency updates the preferred list. The agency must make preferred drug list changes within 30 days of the board’s submission. Prior authorization for an excluded drug is not allowed unless the board made the required findings.
Prenatal counseling and SUD care guidance
Starting July 1, 2026, the state approves and posts prenatal and genetic counseling materials, including for Down syndrome. The health department sets and posts guidelines for treating substance use in pregnancy, working with the state’s perinatal quality group. Changes to newborn screening must go through a perinatal genetics committee recommendation and formal rules, with updates posted online.
Choose private plan reviewers for buildings
Starting July 1, 2026, if your city, town, or county requires plan review or inspection for a Class 2 structure, you can pick who reviews it. The reviewer can be your jurisdiction’s inspector, another jurisdiction’s inspector, or a private registered architect, engineer, or certified building official. This does not apply to licensed manufactured or mobile home communities.
Clear benefit info before home closing
Closing agents must give a department form before closing that explains available benefits, who qualifies, what you must submit, and how to end benefits. For closings after December 31, 2009, the agent must enter required data in the insurance system, submit a form to the database, and get your verification. The law allows a $25 civil penalty per violation. These rules apply beginning July 1, 2026.
Clear training and rights for teachers
Starting July 1, 2026, the Department posts all required trainings for licensure and renewals and notifies teacher prep programs and teachers. The board hosts online training modules to explain school employees’ rights. In any year when a union does not represent a majority, the board notifies employees of their representation rights and how to change their representative.
College suicide prevention policies posted
Starting July 1, 2026, colleges must adopt and post suicide prevention policies. Policies must list crisis hotlines, mental‑health programs, warning signs, outreach, and post‑intervention plans. Links to resources must be on each school’s website.
New path to become a teacher
Starting July 1, 2026, you can earn an initial practitioner license through an approved alternative program. You must have a bachelor’s degree, finish required training, pass the licensing exam, have CPR certification, and complete youth suicide prevention training. You must complete a one‑year practical experience in your first full‑time year. Some special education roles remain restricted.
Pre‑K voucher priority for caregivers
Beginning July 1, 2026, children of child care workers get priority for pre‑K vouchers. Children of parents improving their education or in job training may also get extra priority. This raises their chance to get a voucher.
Grain program definitions clarified
Starting July 1, 2026, the law fixes cross‑references for “grain” and “licensee” in the grain indemnity code. This helps producers and licensees know which statute sections apply.
2026 blockchain study and report deadlines
The state may issue a request for information on using blockchain in agency work. Responses are due by July 1, 2026, and a report to lawmakers is due by October 1, 2026. This section ends December 31, 2026.
2026 technical corrections and code publishing
Code publishers follow special rules in 2026 when this act and another 2026 act change the same law. They publish the correct version and note the timing. Lawmakers may refer to this as the “technical corrections bill of the 2026 general assembly.” An emergency clause makes some parts effective upon passage. The criminal code also updates cross‑references to certain crimes as of July 1, 2026.
Agency must accept online donations
Starting July 1, 2026, the department director must set up a way for the public to donate to the fund on the department’s website. This makes giving easier for supporters.
Clearer candidate rules and voter rights online
Beginning July 1, 2026, you become a candidate when you or your agent get over $100 in contributions or spend over $100. You also become a candidate when you must name a principal committee or when campaign limits and communication rules apply. The state must also post the Voter’s Bill of Rights on official election websites.
Clearer, earlier public notices by agencies
Beginning July 1, 2026, agency notices must include the date, contacts, reasons with code cites, deadlines, who else got the notice, enclosures, and a signature. Agencies may post notices online and alert statewide media instead of mailing when notices would cost $250,000 or more, reach 500,000 or more people, or contact info is missing. The department must post proposed non‑rule policies 45 days before board review and wait 30 days after presentation to take effect. By September 1 of each even‑numbered year, it must post its planned fund distribution, reasons, changes from last year, and an independent audit tying distributions to prior‑year expenses.
Free mediator option in agency cases
Starting July 1, 2026, when mediation is ordered in an administrative case, the judge must offer a qualified mediator at no cost within 15 days. Parties may choose an outside mediator at their own cost. If parties do not choose, the judge uses a three‑name list and a 15‑day strike process to select one.
Natural resources permits and support
Beginning July 1, 2026, low‑head dam removal permits issued after January 1, 2021 do not expire until two years after all appeals and other required permits are finally decided. The natural resources department must also provide staff support to the commission. This helps projects avoid permit lapses and supports commission work.
New Indiana military medals and ribbons
The state creates new awards for Indiana service members, including a Distinguished Service Cross and long‑service medals. There are ribbons for emergency service, funeral honors, exemplary fitness, and more. The adjutant general sets the criteria and procedures.
Public input on impaired waters list
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state posts its impaired waters list and links it in the Indiana Register before sending it to the U.S. EPA. The public gets at least 45 days to comment. The board sets rules for how waters are listed or removed. When adding pollutants for TMDL work, the state must post its reasoning, allow 45 days for comment, and get the commissioner’s approval.
Rail fund may support advisory council
Beginning July 1, 2026, money from the high‑speed rail development fund may be disbursed to the Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council under state law. This authorizes support for the council’s work.
Child abuse registry online, updated monthly
Beginning July 1, 2026, the office must post the registry online in a searchable, public format and update it at least every 30 days. The site must display a warning that the list may not be complete. This improves public access to safety information.
ESA provider penalties for misuse
If the Treasurer revokes an ESA provider, the Treasurer can close its account and require repayment of any ESA funds taken improperly. The Attorney General can ask a court to fine the provider up to $5,000. These steps protect ESA funds and families.
Stronger surprise checks at tobacco sellers
Starting July 1, 2026, the state will coordinate random, unannounced inspections of places that sell tobacco and e‑cigarette products. Only the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, law enforcement, sheriffs, or city police may conduct them. Retired or off‑duty officers may be used.
EMS transport agreements and open rulemaking
Beginning July 1, 2026, EMS employers or certain responders must have a written agreement with receiving facilities. It must list hours, when the facility is appropriate, how to redirect, and how to handle refusals. The commission must post temporary license applications and who holds them. EMS rulemaking needs 60‑day advance notice with the text, reason, and comment steps. Minor posted rule fixes can be challenged within 30 days if they materially change a rule.
Keep adult protective records five years
Starting July 1, 2026, the state keeps adult protective services records for at least five years. Law enforcement and licensing agencies can access them if they have a legitimate need. This supports investigations and protection for endangered adults.
More Medicaid reporting and beneficiary voices
The state must produce a yearly report on services for people with medically complex conditions, including counts by county, services used, and median time on Medicaid. The advisory council will recommend training and certification options for complex care assistants. Starting July 1, 2026, the Medicaid beneficiary advisory commission is made mostly of beneficiaries and caregivers, with appointments set in law.
New Medicaid transport oversight commission
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates a nonemergency medical transportation commission with appointed members and nonvoting legislative advisors. The governor names some members for four‑year terms and picks the chair. The agency must staff the commission, collect data, and share required reports. This aims to improve Medicaid transportation oversight.
New online patient resources
From July 1, 2026, the state posts advance directive resources and sample forms online. The pharmacy board links to the FDA’s list of interchangeable biologic drugs. The health department may run a bone marrow donor outreach program and share materials through clinics, blood banks, and BMV branches.
More notice before creating local districts
Beginning July 1, 2026, petitioners must give broad notice before creating a district. Publish for three weeks starting at least 30 days before a meeting, mail owners at least 14 to 20 days ahead, and run radio announcements for 14 days. Hold a public meeting and follow filing time windows. A commission must also post any proposed plan at least 10 days before a county meeting and let the public speak.
Annual job data for CTE programs
The workforce agency must each year categorize CTE programs by December 1 and report labor‑market demand and average wages. The state board reviews and the report is posted online. Schools are notified when the report is approved.
Clearer school capital and bus plans
From July 1, 2026, capital plans must list all proposed spending over $10,000, cover at least three years, follow state format, be posted before hearings, and be filed in the DLGF gateway at least 10 days before the hearing. Bus replacement plans must cover at least five budget years, be posted and filed before hearings, and be filed within 30 days after adoption. Payments from operations funds must match fair‑market lease value and be documented.
Course access catalog and open seats
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department posts approval criteria and an up-to-date catalog for course access. Authorized providers offering approved online courses must post the number of open seats and report them to the Department, which posts them statewide. Every year by November 1, the Department publishes a report on providers, enrollments, availability, first-time participation, courses per student, and outcomes, in a searchable format that protects student privacy.
Faster launch of employer‑partner CTE
Starting July 1, 2026, schools in joint CTE programs can add a new course without prior board approval if it is offered with an employer and a college or a WIOA‑listed trainer. Students who enrolled after June 30, 2018 get credit for successful completion. These courses can get state and federal CTE funding if they meet funding rules.
Find scholarship options and transfers
The Department keeps a public list of certified school scholarship programs with names and addresses. Each semester, the Department gives districts non-identifying data on where students with legal settlement enroll, including counts for scholarship students and those attending other public or charter schools. Spring data are due by December 31 of the next school year; fall data are due by May 31.
Help schools cut absenteeism
Starting July 1, 2026, the Department makes reducing school absenteeism a priority. It provides guidance, best practices, and resources to help districts create chronic absence plans. The Department cannot force a specific local policy.
Homeless student contacts and rights online
Each year by August 1, districts report the name and contact of their homeless student liaison to the state, and the state posts a statewide list. Schools with websites must post their liaison’s contact. Local education agencies post McKinney-Vento rights, resource links, and local contacts. The Department posts the verified number of homeless children each year.
Model religious‑liberty policy for schools
The Department, working with the attorney general and civil-liberties groups, creates and posts a model policy on religious liberty for schools. Districts and charters can use it as guidance to follow the law.
More dyslexia and school health info
Beginning July 1, 2026, schools must post each year which dyslexia programs they used, how many students got help, and how many were identified. The state must also publish and update a dyslexia resource guide online. The education department must post guidance on using emergency medicines in schools. These steps give parents and staff clear, public information.
Open school contracts and bargaining
Beginning July 1, 2026, schools must hold a public meeting at least 72 hours before ratifying a tentative bargaining agreement, post the tentative deal and notice online, allow public comment at ratification, and post the final contract within 14 business days. Before signing a superintendent contract, the board must hold a public meeting, post the notice and the pay and benefits details online, and then post the contract provisions. Schools must also post contract terms for certificated staff who are not represented by a union.
Plan to preserve high school history
Beginning July 1, 2026, if a board votes to close a high school, it must create a plan to preserve or transfer trophies, memorabilia, and other historic items. The plan must be available for public inspection and posted online.
Public notice on school fund transfers
Beginning July 1, 2026, if a school is on the excessive education fund transfer list, the state must notify leaders by April 1. The board must acknowledge the notice at its next public meeting and post the notice and reports online within 30 days. This increases local transparency and accountability.
Publicize one-pathway college degrees
The higher education commission and state colleges must publicize, including online, how to complete a degree through the single articulation pathway. This helps students understand transfer and degree plans.
Recruit and keep diverse educators
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state runs programs to recruit and retain teachers from underrepresented groups. The plan includes targeted recruiting, a website with resources and scholarships, and research to remove barriers. Colleges and nonprofits work with the state on these efforts.
Report school arrests and bullying data
Beginning July 1, 2026, each district must file a yearly report by July 1 on student arrests, offenses, security use, police agreements, and bullying counts. By August 1, the Department posts the reports and sends a summary to oversight bodies. Bullying data cannot be used to calculate a school’s improvement score.
School governance and election notices
For school consolidations, the county election board must publish notices for two weeks, with the first in a local newspaper (if available) and the second posted on the school’s website. The first notice must be within 30 days of the petition. Metropolitan school boards must have three, five, or seven members, and members must have lived in the district for two years before taking office. Members who move within the district or see boundary changes can keep their seat. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.
School performance and curriculum updates online
Starting July 1, 2026, the Secretary notifies each school board when the state posts or updates the curricular materials report and flags price changes over 5%. Local boards still choose their own materials. Before July 1 each year, the Department reports graduation waiver rates and which graduation pathways students used and posts the report. The Department also posts yearly performance reports for high-mobility schools. Qualified districts and high schools may use the official Indiana performance designation in their communications.
Small school improvement coalition option
Starting July 1, 2026, the State Board may approve one coalition of 4 to 8 districts or schools to work under a single improvement plan. The plan must set goals, programs, partnerships, and ways to measure results. The board may allow limited suspensions of certain course laws only if tied to a specific coalition goal. Approved plans and how to apply are posted online.
State office to oversee special education
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates a Division of Special Education. The secretary appoints a director to run programs and keep Indiana eligible for federal special education funds. The director may appoint staff with approvals. This central office improves oversight of services for students with disabilities.
Stronger charter transparency online
Starting July 1, 2026, the Department and every charter authorizer must host a charter web page with application, monitoring, renewal, and closure processes, and list pending, approved, and rejected applications. Authorizers must file an annual report and post it, and the state must post all of them. The State Board publishes a statewide charter outcomes review every five years. Each charter that has a website must post its governing board members.
Stronger school bus safety checks
Beginning July 1, 2026, unsafe school buses must be taken out of service, and the order is posted online for the school. Every year by September 1, schools that run transportation must review routes and safety policies. The state posts safety guidelines, including keeping students off the road until traffic fully stops, and explains how to ask for lower speed limits at bus stops.
Student internet safety and health
Beginning July 1, 2026, each school must have and post an Internet use policy and use filters to block material harmful to minors on school-owned devices. The Department provides model child abuse and child sexual abuse materials and a model response policy; schools using them must notify parents and allow review and declines. Starting July 1, 2026, the Department also posts guides on sudden cardiac arrest and ECG testing for coaches, band leaders, students, and parents.
Support for deaf and hard-of-hearing kids
Starting July 1, 2026, the designated center must publish a parent guide for children under 11 who are deaf or hard of hearing. The guide lists milestones, approved assessments, and notices about language and communication choices. Each year before August 1, the center posts a report comparing language and English literacy for these children to their peers, without identifying any child.
Teacher pay and staffing data online
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Department posts teacher workforce and vacancy data, including emergency permits, candidate counts, and shortages. By October 1 each year, it reports on licensed teachers, in-field teaching, exam non-passers, and 5- and 10-year retention by program. By November 15 each year, the board publishes average teacher salaries, total compensation, tenure benchmarks, cost-of-living adjustments, and comparisons with nearby states. The Department also posts each teacher-prep program’s annual exam pass rate.
Tighter rules for choice and ESAs
The state tightens oversight of charter authorizers, choice schools, and ESA providers. Authorizer applications are posted within 10 days, no fee is charged, and approved authorizers get a renewable six‑year contract. Choice schools must be accredited, voluntary, charge tuition, and give state tests to be eligible. ESA providers expecting over $100,000 in ESA payments must show enough unencumbered assets and must give parents a receipt for each ESA payment. Charter schools must follow added rules on curricular materials.
1.5% state contracts to nonprofits
Starting July 1, 2026, the state aims to award at least 1.5% of contracts each year to qualified nonprofit agencies. The state must adopt rules, track progress, and file a yearly report after June 30 and before November 1. Reports must be posted online within 30 days. Emergency procurements are excluded.
Use certified dispute process first
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state’s consumer protection chapter does not apply if you skip an attorney‑general‑certified informal dispute process. The process must meet federal rule 16 CFR 703 and AG rules. You must receive clear written notice of the process, which can be in a warranty and on the maker’s website.
State keeps low-head dam ownership unchanged
The state does not take ownership or responsibility for a low‑head dam unless it is listed as state‑owned. Dams regulated by FERC or owned by the Army Corps are also outside this chapter.
Guardians must help seek child support
Starting July 1, 2026, nonparent guardians must act in good faith to help the agency get and enforce child support. A guardian is presumed in good faith by answering calls or letters, appearing for appointments or court, or giving key information. Prosecutors must weigh listed factors before saying a guardian did not act in good faith.
Rules for alcohol charity auctions
Beginning July 1, 2026, bidders must be present at alcohol auctions or participate online if the auction is online. A designated person from the group must hand the alcohol to the winner in person and be at least 21. No extra bartender permit is needed, but off‑premises alcohol rules still apply.
Stronger consent for experimental care
Beginning July 1, 2026, written consent for individualized investigational treatments must list current approved options, confirm a life‑threatening or severely disabling condition, name the treatment, and explain best‑, worst‑, and likely outcomes. It must warn that insurance may not pay and hospice eligibility may end. The goal is to ensure you understand the risks and choices before you agree.
Social work path and CE rules
Starting July 1, 2026, clinical social work applicants have a clear path: required clinical courses plus a supervised field placement with direct clinical services. If your program did not stress clinical work, you can return to an eligible graduate program to finish needed clinical classes. Also, most licensees must complete six hours of continuing education by December 31 of each even‑numbered year after holding a license for at least one year.
Tighter oversight of ESA providers
Beginning July 1, 2026, the State Treasurer may revoke or refuse ESA provider status for rule violations or failures to serve. The Treasurer must notify affected parents and eligible students within 30 days. A revoked provider must wait at least one year to reapply. This protects families but may reduce provider options for a time.
Faster city license complaint hearings
Starting July 1, 2026, city executives must give at least three days’ notice before hearing a license complaint. They may subpoena witnesses and take testimony. If they find a willful violation, they must revoke or suspend the license and file findings within 24 hours. This speeds due process and increases enforcement risk for violators.
Electronics makers register; retailers share info
A manufacturer’s registration is effective if complete. The department will flag missing items and the maker has 30 days to fix them. The state posts and updates a public list of makers and brands, noting it targets household devices. Retailers can meet the information rule by giving buyers the department’s contact or website, including in catalogs or online. These changes start July 1, 2026.
Clearer rules for child care licenses
From July 1, 2026, a child care center license lasts three years and a child care home license lasts two years, unless changed or returned. Licenses are not transferable, apply only to the named provider and location, must be posted, and stay valid during timely renewal review. Providers must post any license status change and give families a handout with complaint and referral contacts.
Candidate and ballot rules updated
Beginning July 1, 2026, petition nominees must consent in writing and meet eligibility rules. Deadlines and proof standards apply for party affiliation and petition challenges. Ballot cards and electronic labels must list all candidates and questions in set order with uniform formatting, and follow rules for straight‑party instructions and write‑ins.
Defines COVID-19 disaster injury claims
Beginning July 1, 2026, an injury “arising from a state disaster emergency” means harm from acts or omissions done in response to the COVID‑19 emergency. The law aligns definitions for COVID‑19, health care providers, and health care services used in the chapter.
Latest rules for combat sports
Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana uses the most recent unified rules from the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports. Promoters, officials, and fighters must follow the current version.
Local boards: quorum and expulsion rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, a commission needs at least six members to make official decisions, though it may still meet and take testimony without a quorum. A city‑county legislative body may expel a member or vacate a seat for duty violations with a two‑thirds vote. Town and consolidated city‑county bodies must take steps, such as ordinances or agreements, to put this chapter into effect.
More staff can run weigh stations
Beginning July 1, 2026, qualified non‑state‑police staff may operate weigh stations. They can stop, inspect, cite, and detain drivers of trucks with declared gross weight of at least 10,001 pounds and buses for listed laws. They may not enforce two specified driver‑license provisions.
Rules for digital records and destruction
Beginning July 1, 2026, the records administration must set procedures to keep original records electronically and set when paper originals can be destroyed. A prior reporting duty ended July 1, 2024. This standardizes digital retention and destruction timelines.
Tighter rules on state military property
Beginning July 1, 2026, commanding officers are responsible for military property and may be charged for loss or damage unless it was unavoidable. Members must return arms and stores when they leave and get receipts. The adjutant general may use funds to find and prosecute people who take state or federal property outside Indiana.
Who must follow state cyber rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, cybersecurity rules cover political subdivisions, state agencies, school corporations, and state colleges. Acute care hospitals and certain public utility departments are excluded. This clarifies who is in scope.
Updated data breach notice rules
Starting July 1, 2026, breach notices to Indiana residents may be sent by mail, phone, fax, or email. Owners that already follow privacy or security policies at least as strict as the law—or certain federal notice rules—and notify residents without unreasonable delay meet state rules. For very large or costly breaches (more than 500,000 residents or over $250,000 to notify), owners may post a clear website notice and alert major local news outlets instead of individual notices.
Abortion info and provider reporting
The state posts an abortion informed‑consent brochure online with fetal development details, risks, and help resources starting July 1, 2026. Doctors and hospitals must report abortion complications using the state’s process. The health department publishes quarterly summaries and sends aggregate data to the CDC each year. Failing to report after August 31, 2020 is a Class B misdemeanor.
Limited immunity for HBOT pilot providers
Beginning July 1, 2026, providers in the hyperbaric oxygen treatment pilot are immune from civil and criminal liability for acts tied to the pilot. This immunity does not cover gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct. Supervising physicians are included.
Governor appoints education secretary
Beginning July 1, 2026, the governor appoints the secretary of education, who is treated as the state superintendent for constitutional purposes. The secretary serves at the governor’s pleasure and is the department’s chief executive.
School space rentals and childcare fees
Starting July 1, 2026, schools may rent facilities for uses that do not interfere with classes. They may charge set fees for events and for using athletic spaces and classrooms, including for school‑age childcare and child care. Collected fees must go into the school’s operations or extracurricular accounts.
Share some levy money with charters
For referendum levies first due after December 31, 2027, county auditors distribute part of the revenue to eligible charter schools unless a charter opts out. A charter is eligible if at least 100 students or 2% of the district’s spring ADM live in the district and attend that charter, and the charter provides no more than 50% virtual instruction. The Department sets the annual percentages and gives estimates by August 15. Distributions begin in 2028. Charters must adopt budgets and submit required documents and have a certified fall ADM or the state withholds payment for that year.
Standardize CTE counts and grants
Beginning July 1, 2026, schools must count each student in designated CTE programs for grant funding, and a student can be counted in more than one program at the count point. The Department can adjust ADM after distributions and settle over- and underpayments on a set schedule. The Department posts each district’s pupil counts and per-pupil costs online.
Local tax sales and vote reporting
Beginning July 1, 2026, counties may sell tax sale certificates to the public with three weekly notices and may set prices below the usual minimum if sale costs are covered. For unsold parcels, details can move to the county website. Starting July 1, 2027, county auditors must record every local income‑tax vote and send certified results within 10 days to state agencies. Auditors can stop sending after a certified copy shows a majority result.
Rules clarified for lottery couriers
Beginning July 1, 2026, businesses that buy or arrange lottery tickets for customers and deliver tickets or images for a fee are defined as lottery courier services. This clarifies who is covered by lottery rules.
Stronger grain program oversight
From July 1, 2026, the director can subpoena records kept outside Indiana and require them to be brought into the state for review. The director can brief the indemnity fund board in executive session on a licensee’s financial risk without naming the licensee, if members sign confidentiality agreements. This boosts enforcement while protecting sensitive details.
How counties share new local taxes
Starting July 1, 2027, counties may set rates for non‑municipal units up to 0.05% per type, with a 0.2% total cap. Money is shared per person with units that pass a resolution by July 1; otherwise the county keeps it. Solid waste districts need majority approval by county fiscal bodies to be eligible. Cities and towns that ask by July 1 get a population‑based share. If a county adopts both listed taxes at once, the default is 75% kept by the county and 25% shared, unless changed by ordinance.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kyle Pierce
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Aaron Freeman
Republican • Senate
Edward DeLaney
Democratic • House
Greg Taylor
Democratic • Senate
Karen Engleman
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/12/2026
Roll Call 156 on HB1088.03.COMS
Yes: 47 • No: 1 • Other: 1
House vote • 1/20/2026
Roll Call 55 on HB1088.02.COMH
Yes: 90 • No: 0 • Other: 2
Actions Timeline
Public Law 23
2/24/2026HouseSigned by the Governor
2/24/2026HouseSigned by the President of the Senate
2/23/2026SenateSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/19/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
2/18/2026HouseReturned to the House without amendments
2/13/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 156: yeas 47, nays 1
2/12/2026SenateSecond reading: ordered engrossed
2/10/2026SenateCommittee report: do pass, adopted
2/5/2026SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
1/27/2026SenateReferred to the Senate
1/21/2026HouseSenate sponsors: Senators Freeman, Taylor G
1/20/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 55: yeas 90, nays 0
1/20/2026HouseSecond reading: ordered engrossed
1/15/2026HouseCommittee report: do pass, adopted
1/12/2026HouseAuthored by Representative Pierce K
1/5/2026HouseCoauthored by Representatives Engleman, DeLaney
1/5/2026HouseFirst reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary
1/5/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled House Bill (H)
House Bill (S)
Introduced House Bill (H)