All Roll Calls
Yes: 224 • No: 0
IndianaHB 1248Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)House
Advanced DNA testing for cold cases.
Sponsored By: Carey Hamilton (Democratic)
Became Law
courts and criminal codethe senatecorrections and criminal law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Testing steps and evidence handling rules
Beginning July 1, 2026, once a request is approved, the agency and the lab must work together to plan testing and review how much DNA is available. Labs must collect and preserve evidence and keep a clear chain of custody under state standards. The investigating agency must send any DNA profile information to the state police as the law requires.
Who can get cold case DNA testing
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state runs a program for advanced DNA testing in cold cases. It covers homicides, sex offenses, and high‑risk missing‑person cases. Advanced testing includes DNA forensics, DNA analytics, and genetic genealogy. A cold case means a case open more than five years with no charges, or a coroner case to identify an unknown victim. The victim, an eligible family member (including in‑laws and cousins), a person who lived with the victim, the county coroner, or a police agency with an agreement can ask for testing.
Nonprofits fund testing, set priorities
Beginning July 1, 2026, only certain nonprofits can pay for advanced DNA testing. They must be a 501(c)(3) with a crime‑solving purpose, be at least five years old, have state and IRS paperwork, and agree to cover all costs without state money. Police can sign or cancel a written agreement (MOU) with the funder. Funders choose which cases to pay for based on the order received, the crime date, their available money, and their own criteria. When a request is approved, the funder must notify the investigating agency. Police may also choose to pay for testing themselves.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Carey Hamilton
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Cyndi Carrasco
Republican • Senate
Fady Qaddoura
Democratic • Senate
Garrett Bascom
Republican • House
J.D. Ford
Democratic • Senate
James Buck
Republican • Senate
Maureen Bauer
Democratic • House
Rodney Pol
Democratic • Senate
Scott Baldwin
Republican • Senate
Susan Glick
Republican • Senate
Wendy McNamara
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/25/2026
Roll Call 365 on HB1248.03.COMS.CON01
Yes: 86 • No: 0 • Other: 10
Senate vote • 2/19/2026
Roll Call 206 on HB1248.03.COMS
Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 3
House vote • 1/22/2026
Roll Call 75 on HB1248.02.COMH
Yes: 92 • No: 0 • Other: 1
Actions Timeline
Public Law 56
3/3/2026HouseSigned by the Governor
3/3/2026HouseSigned by the President of the Senate
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/26/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
2/25/2026HouseHouse concurred with Senate amendments; Roll Call 365: yeas 86, nays 0
2/25/2026HouseMotion to concur filed
2/23/2026HouseReturned to the House with amendments
2/20/2026SenateSenator Qaddoura added as cosponsor
2/19/2026SenateSenator Buck added as cosponsor
2/19/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 206: yeas 46, nays 0
2/19/2026SenateSenator Baldwin added as cosponsor
2/19/2026SenateSecond reading: ordered engrossed
2/16/2026SenateSenator Ford J.D. added as cosponsor
2/12/2026SenateCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
2/12/2026SenateSenator Glick added as cosponsor
2/10/2026SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law
1/27/2026SenateReferred to the Senate
1/23/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 75: yeas 92, nays 0
1/22/2026HouseSenate sponsors: Senators Carrasco, Pol
1/22/2026HouseSecond reading: ordered engrossed
1/20/2026HouseCommittee report: amend do pass, adopted
1/14/2026HouseRepresentative Bauer added as coauthor
1/13/2026HouseRepresentatives McNamara, Bascom added as coauthors
1/12/2026HouseAuthored by Representative Hamilton
1/5/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled House Bill (H)
House Bill (H)
House Bill (S)
Introduced House Bill (H)