All Roll Calls
Yes: 137 • No: 1
IndianaHB 1307Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)House
Department of child services ombudsman.
Sponsored By: Alex Burton (Democratic)
Became Law
familythe senatefamily and children services
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Agencies must answer ombudsman recommendations
Beginning July 1, 2026, if the ombudsman finds a problem, it may recommend that an agency consider the matter again, change or cancel actions, alter rules or policies, or explain the action. When asked, the agency must, within a reasonable time, tell the ombudsman what it did or why it did not act.
Help with child services complaints for families
Beginning July 1, 2026, the ombudsman takes and investigates complaints about DCS actions or failures on or after January 11, 2005. The office works to secure children’s legal rights, reviews child-safety policies, and makes the public aware of its services. It refers abuse or neglect reports to DCS and, when needed, to law enforcement. If the office asks, a local child protection team must help investigate, and a different team helps if the first team handled the initial review.
Stronger, independent child services ombudsman
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Governor appoints the child services ombudsman, who serves at the Governor’s pleasure. The appointee cannot have worked for the Department of Child Services (DCS) in the past 12 months, and the Governor must name a successor within 30 days of a vacancy. The office must have at least two full-time staff. The ombudsman and staff must pass the same background checks as DCS family case managers. The office may not hire anyone who worked for DCS in the past 12 months.
Investigation reports with privacy limits
Beginning July 1, 2026, after an investigation, parents, guardians, custodians, court‑appointed special advocates, guardians ad litem, and courts can get the full report. Other complainants receive a redacted report that explains the findings in general terms. The office also sends a copy of its report and recommendations to DCS. The ombudsman cannot share information that DCS is not allowed to share.
Limits and notices on investigations
Beginning July 1, 2026, the ombudsman cannot investigate DCS employee complaints about their employment. The office also cannot investigate a challenge to a DCS substantiation while an administrative review is pending. If that review is not finished within six months of when it started, the ombudsman may proceed. If the office decides not to investigate, it must tell the complainant and explain the reasons.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Alex Burton
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Becky Cash
Republican • House
Fady Qaddoura
Democratic • Senate
J.D. Ford
Democratic • Senate
Julie McGuire
Republican • House
Lonnie Randolph
Democratic • Senate
Stacey Donato
Republican • Senate
Victoria Garcia Wilburn
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/17/2026
Roll Call 188 on HB1307.03.COMS
Yes: 44 • No: 1 • Other: 4
House vote • 1/28/2026
Roll Call 125 on HB1307.02.COMH
Yes: 93 • No: 0 • Other: 2
Actions Timeline
Public Law 33
2/24/2026HouseSigned by the Governor
2/24/2026HouseSigned by the President of the Senate
2/23/2026SenateSigned by the Speaker
2/19/2026HouseSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/19/2026SenateReturned to the House without amendments
2/18/2026SenateThird reading: passed; Roll Call 188: yeas 44, nays 1
2/17/2026SenateSenator Qaddoura added as cosponsor
2/16/2026SenateSecond reading: ordered engrossed
2/12/2026SenateCommittee report: do pass, adopted
2/9/2026SenateSenator Randolph added as cosponsor
2/9/2026SenateFirst reading: referred to Committee on Family and Children Services
2/2/2026SenateReferred to the Senate
1/29/2026HouseRepresentative Garcia Wilburn added as coauthor
1/28/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 125: yeas 93, nays 0
1/28/2026HouseSenate sponsors: Senators Donato, Ford J.D.
1/28/2026HouseRepresentative Cash added as coauthor
1/27/2026HouseSecond reading: ordered engrossed
1/27/2026HouseCommittee report: do pass, adopted
1/22/2026HouseRepresentative McGuire added as coauthor
1/12/2026HouseFirst reading: referred to Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs
1/6/2026HouseAuthored by Representative Burton
1/6/2026House
Bill Text
Enrolled House Bill (H)
House Bill (H)
House Bill (S)
Introduced House Bill (H)