IndianaHB 1202Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)HouseWALLET

Various public safety matters.

Sponsored By: Ethan Lawson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Requires a vendor or provider of an ignition interlock device to register an ignition interlock device with the department of toxicology. Eliminates a requirement for the director of the state department of toxicology to provide periodic reports to the Indiana criminal justice institute (institute) regarding the number of ignition interlock devices used in Indiana. Provides that a registered ignition interlock device must be installed in a motor vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for installing the registered ignition interlock device. Codifies administrative rules adopted by the state department of toxicology relating to ignition interlock devices. Provides that prior to being issued an initial license to operate a child care center, the child care center must be inspected and found to be in substantial compliance with applicable building and fire safety laws by the department of homeland security. (Current law provides that a license may be issued only if the child care center is in substantial compliance with the fire and life safety rules as determined by the state fire marshal under rules adopted by the division of family resources (division) or in accordance with a variance or waiver approved by the division.) Provides that prior to being issued an initial registration to operate a child care ministry, the unlicensed child care ministry must be inspected and found to be in substantial compliance with applicable building and fire safety laws by the department of homeland security. Provides that the department of homeland security shall perform inspections of: (1) child care ministries; (2) child care centers; (3) child caring institutions; and (4) group homes. Provides that a license or registration to operate a child care center or child care ministry may be revoked if the division determines that the operator has failed to comply with an order of the department of homeland security. Provides that the operator of an unlicensed child care ministry shall maintain a copy of the most recent department of homeland security inspection findings in a conspicuous place in the unlicensed child care ministry. Provides that the department of child services is not required to consult with the fire prevention and building safety commission when adopting administrative rules pertaining to the licensing and inspection of child care institutions, foster family homes, group homes, and child placing agencies. Provides that administrative rules of the fire prevention and building safety commission must include minimum building and safety requirements applicable for child caring institutions. Provides that prior to being issued an initial license to operate a child caring institution or group home, the child caring institution or group home must be inspected and found to be in substantial compliance with applicable building and fire safety laws by the department of homeland security. Provides that a license or registration to operate a child caring institution or group home may be revoked if the department of child services determines that the operator has failed to comply with an order of the department of homeland security. Provides that in order for an individual to receive a license from the emergency medical services commission, the individual must obtain a national criminal history background check and authorize release of the results of the check to the department of homeland security. Eliminates the requirement for the institute to adopt administrative rules relating to the child restraint system account. Provides that inspections conducted by the department of homeland security shall be conducted periodically in lieu of established periods. Changes a reference, from the department of education to the office of school safety, relating to the duties of a school safety specialist. Repeals: (1) provisions relating to public safety improvement areas; (2) a provision requiring the board of trustees of the institute to adopt rules relating to the law enforcement assistance fund; (3) a provision that authorizes the state fire marshal to charge a child care ministry a $50 fee for processing a registration; (4) a provision requiring the institute to review characteristics of offenders committed to the department of correction over such period of time it deems appropriate and of the offenses committed by those offenders in order to ascertain norms used by the trial courts in sentencing; (5) a provision requiring the bureau of motor vehicles and the institute to enter into a memorandum of understanding to administer the provisions relating to ignition interlock devices; and (6) a provision that requires the institute to adopt rules relating to ignition interlock devices.

veterans affairs and public safetythe senatehomeland security and transportation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

15 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 3 costs, 5 mixed.

Driving alternatives bring long interlock requirements

Beginning July 1, 2026, courts can replace suspension with registered ignition interlock orders in specified deferred-charge or referral programs. For defendants without a prior impaired-driving conviction, these orders last 2 to 4 years. Probationary driving in covered deferred cases requires at least 30 days of suspension; prior-conviction device requirements depend on county installation availability. Drivers pay installation, lease, maintenance, removal, and court-ordered costs. Driving without the required working device is a Class B infraction, or a Class B misdemeanor when done knowingly.

Interlock drivers face stricter device checks

Beginning July 1, 2026, registered ignition interlocks use a 0.02 blood-alcohol-equivalent fail point unless the court sets another level. Devices require random retests 3–15 minutes after startup, then 15–45 minutes after the previous retest while traveling. Startup tests and required retests capture images that vendors and courts can access. Failed tests, tampering, disconnection, and going 37 days without service can trigger a violation reset. The device locks out the vehicle unless serviced within five days after a reset.

Prison health and fire checks continue

Correctional facilities without nationally recognized accreditation must receive Department of Health inspections at least annually. Homeland Security handles fire-safety inspections and reporting instead of the state fire marshal. These rules cover Department of Correction facilities and protect people living or working there.

Care providers get clearer repair-plan paths

Beginning July 1, 2026, the child care licensing division approves centers' probationary corrective plans instead of the state fire marshal. Group homes can submit plans to either the Department of Child Services or the Department of Health for approval. This option applies only when problems do not immediately threaten children's health and well-being. Probation lasts up to six months, with one possible six-month extension, while providers correct the problems.

Child care centers get safety checks

Beginning July 1, 2026, Homeland Security must inspect child care centers before their first license. Centers must substantially meet building and fire-safety laws before receiving that license. The licensing division conducts annual onsite inspections and keeps records, and centers must allow announced or unannounced inspections. Homeland Security also inspects centers under the state's inspection framework. The licensing division can revoke a center's license when its operator disobeys a Homeland Security order.

Explosives factories follow state inspection framework

Beginning July 1, 2026, the state must run its regulated-explosives manufacturing inspection program under the specified state inspection law. This applies to places where regulated explosives are made. The provision sets no inspection frequency or funding amount.

State expands building safety inspection reach

Beginning July 1, 2026, Homeland Security's periodic inspection program reaches beyond government and school property to buildings and property more broadly. The department sets inspection frequency. It can exclude property classes already inspected for statewide safety compliance, or when inspection is not in the public interest. Homeland Security must also conduct fire-safety inspections at health facilities covered by state licensing inspections.

Stronger safety oversight for children's facilities

Beginning July 1, 2026, group homes and child caring institutions need Homeland Security inspections before their first licenses. They must substantially meet building and fire-safety laws. Homeland Security periodically inspects child caring institutions and inspects group homes; operators must cooperate and allow announced or unannounced inspections. Child Services can revoke an institution's license for disobeying a Homeland Security order. State safety commission building and fire rules take priority, and Child Services cannot adopt rules on the same subjects.

Schools strengthen safety staffing and planning

Beginning July 1, 2026, every school corporation and charter school must name at least one school safety specialist. That specialist cannot be a school resource officer. The Office of School Safety, rather than the Department of Education, sets required annual training days. Schools holding amusement or entertainment events follow the state's inspection framework instead of the prior specified schedules. Inspectors provide a fire-safety checklist that schools must follow at each covered event.

Emergency medical applicants need background checks

Beginning July 1, 2026, people seeking required emergency medical services certification or licensure must complete a national criminal history check. Indiana State Police must send the results to the relevant commission or Homeland Security. The provision does not specify an applicant fee.

Fireworks sellers need registered, inspected locations

Fireworks retailers must apply and hold a valid registration for each sales location. Homeland Security provides the application form and oversees inspections of sales tents and structures. It can delegate inspections to the local fire department under state fire marshal policies.

Child care ministries save, face checks

Beginning July 1, 2026, child care ministries no longer pay the $50 processing fee per registration. Before initial registration, Homeland Security must inspect them and find substantial compliance with building and fire-safety laws. Homeland Security's inspection framework replaces the prior arrangement, including its yearly inspection requirement. Ministries must post their latest inspection findings where people can see them. The licensing division can revoke registration when an operator disobeys a Homeland Security order.

Interlock suppliers lose fees, gain duties

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law ends the old interlock inspection account and its vendor and service-center fees. Suppliers must register models using device details, instructions, and written compliance statements, and provide independent laboratory records on request. Registrations last three years unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked; renewal requires submitting the information again. Suppliers must give advance written notice of material changes and confirm that changed models meet standards. The Department of Toxicology can review registrations and deny, suspend, or revoke them for noncompliance, subject to administrative review.

Public safety improvement area framework ends

Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana repeals the Public Safety Improvement Areas law. The Criminal Justice Institute also stops administering area applications and approvals for consolidated or second-class cities. The supplied text does not identify the services, funding, or local activities affected.

State removes an existing administrative rule

Beginning July 1, 2026, administrative rule 260 IAC 3 is void and must be removed from the state code. The section ordering its removal expires January 1, 2027. The supplied text does not identify the rule's subject or who is affected.

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

All Roll Calls

Yes: 130 • No: 5

Senate vote • 2/17/2026

Third reading: passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0

House vote • 1/20/2026

Third reading: passed

Yes: 85 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Public Law 28

    2/24/2026House
  2. Signed by the Governor

    2/24/2026House
  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    2/23/2026Senate
  4. Signed by the President Pro Tempore

    2/19/2026Senate
  5. Signed by the Speaker

    2/19/2026House
  6. Returned to the House without amendments

    2/18/2026Senate
  7. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 182: yeas 45, nays 0

    2/17/2026Senate
  8. Senator Ford J.D. added as cosponsor

    2/17/2026Senate
  9. Second reading: ordered engrossed

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

    2/10/2026Senate
  11. First reading: referred to Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation

    1/26/2026Senate
  12. Referred to the Senate

    1/21/2026House
  13. Senate sponsors: Senators Crider, Clark

    1/20/2026House
  14. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 60: yeas 85, nays 5

    1/20/2026House
  15. Second reading: ordered engrossed

    1/15/2026House
  16. Representative Judy added as coauthor

    1/12/2026House
  17. Committee report: do pass, adopted

    1/12/2026House
  18. Authored by Representative Lawson

    1/5/2026House
  19. First reading: referred to Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety

    1/5/2026House
  20. Representative Bartels added as coauthor

    1/5/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled House Bill (H)

  • House Bill (H)

  • House Bill (S)

  • Introduced House Bill (H)

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