All Roll Calls
Yes: 130 • No: 5
IndianaHB 1202Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)HouseWALLET
Various public safety matters.
Sponsored By: Ethan Lawson (Republican)
Became Law
veterans affairs and public safetythe senatehomeland security and transportation
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Safer child care with fire checks
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state fire marshal must inspect child care centers, unlicensed ministries, child caring institutions, and group homes before the first license or registration. Group homes get annual onsite inspections by the department and fire marshal, and operators must allow announced or unannounced inspections. After inspections, ministries that pass must post a signed notice and keep the latest findings on site. At least one adult with current pediatric CPR must be present at all times, and staff must get pediatric CPR within 90 days and keep pediatric first aid current.
Stronger child care license enforcement
Starting July 1, 2026, the state can revoke a child placing agency or group home license for child abuse or neglect findings; for felonies, certain misdemeanors, false records, past unlicensed operation, certain juvenile adjudications, or ignoring Department of Homeland Security orders. Staff convictions can also trigger revocation unless the department grants a waiver; quickly firing the person can prevent revocation. The department may place a licensee on probation up to six months, with one six‑month extension, when issues are not an immediate threat and a corrective plan is approved. At the end, the state reactivates, extends, or revokes the license.
State expands justice grants and data
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Criminal Justice Institute evaluates state and local programs, runs the state’s justice data center, coordinates jail data, and applies for and manages grants. The Institute also administers victim and related funds. The law removes an old board rulemaking duty, an MOU requirement with the BMV, and a required offender‑characteristics report.
Each school names a safety lead
Beginning July 1, 2026, every school and charter school must name a school safety specialist who is not a school resource officer. The specialist serves on the county safety commission, takes yearly training, writes building safety plans, and works with state agencies. Charter schools operating on July 1, 2023, had to comply by July 1, 2024.
New ignition interlock rules for drivers
Beginning July 1, 2026, courts can order an ignition interlock instead of a license suspension. For deferred charges, the court sets a 2–4 year suspension or a 2–4 year interlock; probationary driving can start after 1 year. For program referrals, the court can suspend 90 days–4 years or order a 2–4 year interlock; probationary driving can start after 30 days. You must pay for interlock installation, lease, maintenance, removal, and any other ordered costs. The BMV quickly notifies you, and the interlock‑only rule starts five days after the notice or on the court order date, whichever is earlier. Driving without a required interlock is a Class B infraction, and knowingly doing so is a Class B misdemeanor. Devices must meet federal specs, do random retests, fail at 0.02 BAC or higher, capture images, and be registered for three years. The law also bars courts from ordering interlocks on employer‑owned vehicles in listed employment or labor‑agreement situations, and your driving record now notes any interlock‑only requirement.
Help with car seats for families
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state creates a child restraint system account run by the Criminal Justice Institute. The Institute gives grants so groups can buy and hand out car seats free or for a minimal charge to people who cannot afford them. Money comes from judgments, state funding, gifts, and interest, and is continuously available.
No $50 start-up fee for ministries
Effective July 1, 2026, child care ministries no longer pay the one‑time $50 fee for initial registration with the state fire marshal.
Tighter inspections for health and explosives
Starting July 1, 2026, the state conducts health, sanitation, and fire safety inspections of health facilities under new rules. Inspectors may not tell facilities the exact inspection date; a first offense by a state worker brings a five‑day unpaid suspension and later violations can lead to dismissal. The department also runs periodic inspections of places that make regulated explosives.
Old public safety rules removed
Effective July 1, 2026, the state repeals the law on Public Safety Improvement Areas. It also voids 260 IAC 3 and orders it removed from the Indiana Administrative Code; this removal order expires January 1, 2027.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Ethan Lawson
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Brett Clark
Republican • Senate
Chris Judy
Republican • House
J.D. Ford
Democratic • Senate
Michael Crider
Republican • Senate
Steve Bartels
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
Roll Call 182 on HB1202.03.COMS
Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 4
House vote • 1/20/2026
Roll Call 60 on HB1202.02.COMH
Yes: 85 • No: 5
Actions Timeline
Public Law 28
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
2/19/2026HouseReturned to the House without amendments
2/18/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 182: yeas 45, nays 0
2/17/2026SenateSenator Ford J.D. added as cosponsor
2/17/2026SenateSecond reading: ordered engrossed
2/12/2026SenateCommittee report: do pass, adopted
2/10/2026SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation
1/26/2026SenateReferred to the Senate
1/21/2026HouseSenate sponsors: Senators Crider, Clark
1/20/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 60: yeas 85, nays 5
1/20/2026HouseSecond reading: ordered engrossed
1/15/2026HouseRepresentative Judy added as coauthor
1/12/2026HouseCommittee report: do pass, adopted
1/12/2026HouseAuthored by Representative Lawson
1/5/2026HouseFirst reading: referred to Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety
1/5/2026HouseRepresentative Bartels added as coauthor
1/5/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled House Bill (H)
House Bill (H)
House Bill (S)
Introduced House Bill (H)