IndianaHB 1193Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)House

Civil rights commission.

Sponsored By: Chris Jeter (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Provides that the civil rights commission (commission) may not represent a private individual in a civil action filed in circuit or superior court. Amends the definition of "discriminatory practice". Requires the commission to first send a complaint received by the commission to another state or federal agency that has jurisdiction over the complaint. Allows the commission to enter into a memorandum of understanding with a state or federal agency if certain conditions are met. Requires the party that elects to have claims asserted in a finding of reasonable cause decided in a civil action to file the civil action. Provides that the commission may only represent the state in a civil action and repeals a provision allowing a court to award monetary damages in those cases. Conforms the circumstances under which the commission may be required to pay attorney's fees to the circumstances under which an agency may be required to pay fees under the administrative orders and proceedings act (AOPA).

judiciarythe senate

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Broader protections for Indiana civil rights

Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana's discrimination rules include violations of rights under federal Titles VI, VII, and IX. They also cover harmful action against people for protecting their own or another person's rights under Indiana's civil-rights law. Protected actions include filing complaints and taking part in related proceedings. The law also declares violations of U.S. or Indiana constitutional rights against state public policy. That policy provision does not separately specify a remedy.

Less state representation for discrimination claimants

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission cannot represent plaintiffs in the covered general civil-rights lawsuits. It also cannot represent private people seeking temporary housing relief or bringing housing civil lawsuits. In housing cases involving repeated practices or matters of general public importance, it can represent only the State. Housing complainants who timely choose the court option must file within 30 days of that choice. They—not the Commission—must file in circuit or superior court in the county where the alleged discrimination happened.

Winning discrimination cases can recover fees

Beginning July 1, 2026, courts or the Commission in covered administrative hearings may award reasonable attorney fees to the winning party. Court costs may be charged to the losing party. Separate attorney-fee rules for judicial review do not apply to civil lawsuits brought in trial court.

Narrower remedies in state housing lawsuits

Beginning July 1, 2026, courts cannot award money damages or other removed forms of relief in specified Commission housing lawsuits. This narrows possible recovery for people harmed by discrimination and limits housing providers' exposure. Courts can still order steps to prevent violations and award reasonable attorney fees and court costs. Civil penalties remain capped at $50,000 for a first violation and $100,000 for a second or later violation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Chris Jeter

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Cyndi Carrasco

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 57

House vote • 2/26/2026

House concurred with Senate amendments

Yes: 66 • No: 29

Senate vote • 2/24/2026

Third reading: passed

Yes: 40 • No: 8

House vote • 1/28/2026

Third reading: passed

Yes: 71 • No: 20

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Law 83

    3/4/2026House
  2. Signed by the Governor

    3/4/2026House
  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    2/27/2026Senate
  4. Signed by the President Pro Tempore

    2/27/2026Senate
  5. House concurred with Senate amendments; Roll Call 395: yeas 66, nays 29

    2/26/2026House
  6. Signed by the Speaker

    2/26/2026House
  7. Motion to concur filed

    2/25/2026House
  8. Returned to the House with amendments

    2/24/2026Senate
  9. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 240: yeas 40, nays 8

    2/24/2026Senate
  10. Amendment #1 (Hunley) failed; voice vote

    2/23/2026Senate
  11. Second reading: ordered engrossed

    2/23/2026Senate
  12. Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

    2/19/2026Senate
  13. First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary

    2/2/2026Senate
  14. Referred to the Senate

    1/29/2026House
  15. Senate sponsor: Senator Carrasco

    1/28/2026House
  16. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 138: yeas 71, nays 20

    1/28/2026House
  17. Second reading: ordered engrossed

    1/27/2026House
  18. Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

    1/22/2026House
  19. Authored by Representative Jeter

    1/5/2026House
  20. First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary

    1/5/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled House Bill (H)

  • House Bill (H)

  • House Bill (S)

  • Introduced House Bill (H)

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