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IndianaHB 1278Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)HouseWALLET

Nursing matters; education programs.

Sponsored By: Brad Barrett (Republican)

Signed by Governor

public healththe senatehealth and provider services

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Colleges can expand nursing enrollment, with caps

Beginning July 1, 2026, eligible nursing programs that have run at least 5 years can raise enrollment by any amount. Colleges that have operated an eligible program for at least 5 years can also raise seats in any of their eligible nursing programs as they choose. Newer programs run by a postsecondary school, accredited after June 30, 2020, and operating at least 1 year can raise enrollment by up to 100%.

Nursing programs need 80% NCLEX pass rate

Beginning July 1, 2026, a nursing program is eligible only if it is board‑accredited and its annual NCLEX pass rate is at least 80%. Programs that meet this bar can use the law’s enrollment flexibilities. Programs below 80% do not qualify.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brad Barrett

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Cindy Ledbetter

    Republican • House

  • Ed Charbonneau

    Republican • Senate

  • J.D. Ford

    Democratic • Senate

  • Justin Busch

    Republican • Senate

  • La Keisha Jackson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lonnie Randolph

    Democratic • Senate

  • Robin Shackleford

    Democratic • House

  • Shelli Yoder

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tony Isa

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 139 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/17/2026

Roll Call 187 on HB1278.04.ENGS

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 4

House vote • 1/28/2026

Roll Call 128 on HB1278.02.COMH

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor

    3/4/2026House

  2. Public Law 89

    3/4/2026House

  3. Signed by the President Pro Tempore

    2/27/2026Senate

  4. Signed by the President of the Senate

    2/27/2026Senate

  5. Signed by the Speaker

    2/26/2026House

  6. Joint Rule 15 Certification

    2/25/2026House

  7. Returned to the House with amendments

    2/18/2026Senate

  8. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 187: yeas 45, nays 0

    2/17/2026Senate

  9. Reread second time: amended, ordered engrossed

    2/12/2026Senate

  10. Amendment #1 (Busch) prevailed; voice vote

    2/12/2026Senate

  11. Senator Randolph added as cosponsor

    2/10/2026Senate

  12. Placed back on second reading

    2/10/2026Senate

  13. Senator Yoder added as cosponsor

    2/10/2026Senate

  14. Second reading: ordered engrossed

    2/9/2026Senate

  15. Senator Ford J.D. added as cosponsor

    2/9/2026Senate

  16. Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

    2/5/2026Senate

  17. First reading: referred to Committee on Health and Provider Services

    2/2/2026Senate

  18. Referred to the Senate

    1/29/2026House

  19. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 128: yeas 94, nays 0

    1/28/2026House

  20. Senate sponsors: Senators Busch, Charbonneau, Jackson L

    1/28/2026House

  21. Second reading: ordered engrossed

    1/22/2026House

  22. Representatives Ledbetter, Isa, Shackleford added as coauthors

    1/20/2026House

  23. Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

    1/20/2026House

  24. First reading: referred to Committee on Public Health

    1/6/2026House

  25. Authored by Representative Barrett

    1/6/2026House

Bill Text

  • Engrossed House Bill (H)

    PDF

  • Enrolled House Bill (H)

    PDF

  • House Bill (S)

    PDFPDF

  • Introduced House Bill (H)

    PDF

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