All Roll Calls
Yes: 205 • No: 26
IndianaHB 1165Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)HouseWALLET
Various animal related matters.
Sponsored By: Wendy McNamara (Republican)
Became Law
courts and criminal codethe senatecorrections and criminal law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Tougher rules on animal cruelty
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law strengthens crimes for abusing, torturing, mutilating, killing, abandoning, or neglecting animals. Serious cases and repeat offenders face felony charges. Judges may treat an animal’s death or permanent loss of function as a reason to give a tougher sentence. The law updates key definitions like abuse, neglect, adequate shelter, companion animal, and domestic animal. It clearly lists lawful activities that are not crimes, such as hunting, farming practices, vet care, and shelter euthanasia done under adopted guidelines.
Animal abuse to threaten family is felony
Beginning July 1, 2026, abusing, abandoning, killing, or neglecting an animal to scare or control a family or household member is a Level 6 felony. This targets animal harm used in domestic violence.
Courts get clear dates for older changes
Beginning July 1, 2026, the law states that certain past amendments apply only to acts after June 30, 2007. It explains how those earlier changes apply to crimes and juvenile matters. This helps courts use the right version of the law.
Pet theft $750+ is a felony
Beginning July 1, 2026, stealing a domestic animal worth $750 to $49,999 is a Level 6 felony. The value of the animal sets the charge level.
Stronger penalties for harming police animals
Beginning July 1, 2026, hurting or interfering with a law enforcement animal is a crime. It is a misdemeanor, but becomes a felony if the animal is seriously injured or killed. Courts can order restitution, including costs to replace and train a new service animal.
Pet rescues from cars: shared costs
Beginning July 1, 2026, if you break into a locked car to save a pet, you owe half of the repair bill. The owner can waive that cost. You must believe the animal is in immediate serious danger, confirm the car is locked, call 911 first, use only needed force, and stay with the animal until help arrives. If you meet these steps, you are immune from other criminal or civil claims for extra damage. Police, firefighters, emergency responders, animal control, and Indiana‑licensed vets and vet assistants on duty do not owe the repair costs.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Wendy McNamara
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Beau Baird
Republican • House
Cyndi Carrasco
Republican • Senate
Mike Andrade
Democratic • House
Spencer Deery
Republican • Senate
Steve Bartels
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/25/2026
Roll Call 374 on HB1165.04.ENGS.CON01
Yes: 78 • No: 14 • Other: 5
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Roll Call 264 on HB1165.04.ENGS
Yes: 42 • No: 6
House vote • 1/28/2026
Roll Call 140 on HB1165.02.COMH
Yes: 85 • No: 6 • Other: 5
Actions Timeline
Public Law 80
3/4/2026HouseSigned by the Governor
3/4/2026HouseSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the President of the Senate
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
2/26/2026HouseMotion to concur filed
2/25/2026HouseReturned to the House with amendments
2/25/2026SenateHouse concurred with Senate amendments; Roll Call 374: yeas 78, nays 14
2/25/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 264: yeas 42, nays 6
2/24/2026SenateSecond reading: amended, ordered engrossed
2/19/2026SenateAmendment #1 (Taylor G) prevailed; voice vote
2/19/2026SenateSenator Deery added as second sponsor
2/19/2026SenateCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
2/12/2026SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law
2/2/2026SenateReferred to the Senate
1/29/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 140: yeas 85, nays 6
1/28/2026HouseSenate sponsor: Senator Carrasco
1/28/2026HouseRepresentative Andrade added as coauthor
1/27/2026HouseSecond reading: ordered engrossed
1/27/2026HouseCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
1/22/2026HouseAuthored by Representative McNamara
1/5/2026HouseCoauthored by Representatives Baird, Bartels
1/5/2026HouseFirst reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code
1/5/2026House
Bill Text
Engrossed House Bill (H)
Enrolled House Bill (H)
House Bill (S)
Introduced House Bill (H)