All Roll Calls
Yes: 319 • No: 387
IndianaHB 1343Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)HouseWALLET
Public safety matters.
Sponsored By: Steve Bartels (Republican)
Signed by Governor
veterans affairs and public safetythe senatehomeland security and transportationappropriations
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
26 provisions identified: 12 benefits, 2 costs, 12 mixed.
Up to $2,500 grants for military families
The Military Family Relief Fund gives short-term help for housing, utilities, medical care, transport, child care, school, work needs, and food. You must live in Indiana and be a service member, a qualifying veteran, or a dependent. Your combined federal gross income must be at or below two times the poverty guideline, unless the commission approves a written waiver. Grants are capped at $2,500 unless the commission approves more. The department may pay a verified vendor directly. You must show a real hardship not caused by your own choices, and the fund cannot pay luxury or entertainment costs. The department decides within 60 days and notifies you within 7 days. If denied, you have 30 days to appeal.
Hiring boosts for veterans in public safety
Police and fire hiring must prefer war veterans with qualifying discharges when they meet all job rules. Political subdivisions must add veteran bonus points equal to 10% of the total exam points. Agencies must waive age limits up to age 40 years and 6 months for veterans with at least 20 years of service and a qualifying discharge. A police officer or firefighter returning from military service must be restored to duty at the prior rank within 15 days after reporting intent within 60 days of discharge. State classified jobs must include qualifying veterans in interview pools, count active-duty time toward seniority, and give appointment preference.
More pension credit for military service
You get pension credit for your active duty if you return to your public job within 120 days; the board may extend that up to 30 months for illness or injury. Teachers must return within 24 months, with extensions up to 48 months for illness or injury, and can receive up to 6 years of military service credit. Active members may buy up to 2 years of service credit under actuarial and IRS limits.
Statewide police training rules and courses
Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana sets one statewide policy for deadly force, defensive tactics, and vehicle pursuits. Police basic and inservice training must teach de‑escalation inside use‑of‑force, plus a trafficking course. Basic training must include six hours on autism, mental illness, addiction, dementia, and missing endangered adults from approved trainers. Officers assigned to adult sexual‑assault cases must complete specialized trauma‑informed training within one year. Inservice training must include annual mental‑health and wellness after December 31, 2024, and may be online. The state also creates a 40‑hour pre‑basic course offered at regional sites; finishing it can allow limited police powers for up to one year before basic training. New police chiefs must apply for executive training within two months of taking office and finish it in six months or the next session, or they cannot continue as chief.
Time limits on college aid and waivers
Most covered grants or tuition waivers last no more than 4 undergraduate years. One program allows up to 6 years. You must use the award within 8 years after you first apply and qualify. The commission may extend eligibility after a school closure, but not beyond terms already used.
Guns and look-alikes banned at schools
Beginning July 1, 2026, it is a Level 6 felony to have a firearm on school property or a school bus. It is a Class B misdemeanor to have an imitation firearm there. An imitation firearm is an object that looks enough like a real gun that a reasonable person would think it is real. There is a defense if you legally possess the item and it is locked in the trunk, in a locked glove box, or out of sight in a locked car. It is a Class A misdemeanor to leave a legal gun in plain view in a car in a school lot. The law also clarifies motor‑vehicle and school‑authorized exceptions, and limits for school‑owned vehicles.
Hoosier veteran rules and service officer standards
Beginning July 1, 2026, a “Hoosier veteran” is an Indiana resident who served in the U.S. armed forces or Indiana National Guard, completed required job training, and was not discharged under the listed disqualifying conditions. County and city veteran service officers must be accredited after June 30, 2026. Some Department of Veterans’ Affairs roles must meet section 5(a) rules; other staff must be Indiana residents and have an honorable discharge or be certain relatives. The old definition of “qualified service member” is repealed, which may change how that term works in other statutes.
New boating safety rules and $1,000 fines
Small nonpowered boats and small sailboats must carry a handheld white light visible for 2 miles and show it in time to avoid collisions. Operators must follow federal vessel traffic rules when they apply. Certain Class A boating infractions carry at least a $1,000 judgment for each violation.
Veterans' Home admission and spouse rules
A person with a disability may be admitted if an Indiana resident at entry or becomes one within 6 months. Some qualify based on being an Indiana resident at enlistment. Members’ payments go to a comfort and welfare fund for their benefit, and some of that money may be moved to a building fund for construction or repairs. A surviving spouse generally gets benefits only if the marriage began more than 5 years before the veteran’s death, with limited exceptions.
Motorboat muffler rules end in 2026
Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana removes rules that required motorboat mufflers and banned muffler cutouts. Boaters face fewer equipment requirements. Communities may notice more engine noise.
Simpler proof for National Guard plates
Beginning July 1, 2026, current Guard members can show a current military ID or a signed letter from their commander to get Guard plates. Former members can show NGB Form 22 or 22A for discharge, or Form 23D or 23E for retirement.
Relief fund oversight and donations
The commission manages the fund and sets written priority rules and a yearly grant spending limit. The department reports to the commission every three months. The department’s website accepts public donations to support the fund.
Faster licenses for returning service members
If you left with a valid barber license, you get a similar license when you return by showing a qualifying discharge dated within 6 months and paying the board fee. If military service interrupted chiropractic school, your graduation date can be set as if you finished, with a qualifying discharge and proof of the interruption.
Veteran high school diploma rules updated
The diploma program now covers veterans who served in listed wartime periods and have a qualifying discharge. The application must include service details, ID, and a copy of the qualifying discharge.
Veterans get priority in state programs
The department gives veterans or their spouses priority placement in its programs when they show proof of an honorable discharge and meet program rules, unless federal law blocks it.
Veterans preferred for Veterans' Home jobs
The Indiana Veterans' Home cannot hire based on politics. Among capable and fit applicants, it must prefer qualifying veterans and some family members. When two or more candidates are qualified for superintendent, the state health commissioner must prefer a qualifying veteran.
Veterans don't pay local vending fees
Qualifying veterans get vending, hawking, and peddling licenses without local license fees statewide. In covered municipalities, qualifying veterans must get transient merchant licenses without a fee. All other local rules still apply.
Who counts as minority or women-owned for state contracts
The law sets who can be certified as a minority or women’s business for state contracts, including required ownership and control. It also explains which contracts and contractors count toward supplier diversity goals and which types of deals are excluded from totals.
Higher medical copays for county jail inmates
Beginning July 1, 2026, the most a county jail can charge for medical, dental, eye, or similar care is $30 per visit, up from $15. The copay is waived if you have no funds in your commissary or trust account then or within 180 days after the service. Emergency care and jail-related injuries are not charged.
Engine cut-off switches required on many boats
Beginning July 1, 2026, boats that fall under U.S. Coast Guard rules must have an engine cut-off switch, as federal law requires. This helps prevent runaway boats and injuries. Owners may need to buy and use the device.
Choose where your state refund goes
Starting July 1, 2026, you can direct part or all of your Indiana tax refund to one fund: the nongame fund, K-12 public education, or the military family relief fund. You can send only part of your refund and keep the rest. The tax form explains each option. This choice does not change your total refund amount.
Guard military police powers and limits
Beginning July 1, 2026, the adjutant general may create a military police force in the Indiana National Guard. When the governor places it on state active duty, the governor can authorize statewide police powers. The force must use the National Incident Management System and coordinate with Indiana State Police. Authorized members can arrest, search and seize, carry firearms, and enforce state law. Appointees must hold a current security clearance, have no felony conviction, complete military police and state training, and take an oath. Guard MPs are treated as law‑enforcement officers while exercising those powers, but they are not “public safety officers” under that chapter.
Liability shield for armory event food
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state, Guard, and listed armory officials are not liable for food or drink injuries at events held under a written armory rental or use agreement. The shield applies only to the named state and armory entities at those events.
New state Cyber Corps to fight hacks
Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana creates a civilian Cyber Corps of invited volunteers and advisers. Volunteers pass criminal‑history checks, meet yearly, and train for incident response. Clients must notify state police before asking for help. The adjutant general must authorize deployments in writing and keep records six years, and may require a written agreement. The state can reimburse volunteer travel and set fees for assistance. Identifying information and volunteer work product are confidential. The state and volunteers get immunity for covered acts tied to deployments.
Updated definitions for adult, autism, health records
Beginning July 1, 2026, “Adult” means age 18 or older. “Autism” follows the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. “Health record” now clearly includes mental‑health and drug or alcohol abuse records. These definitions guide how other Indiana laws apply.
Stronger oversight of police training board
Beginning July 1, 2026, changing a board‑adopted policy or training now needs a two‑thirds vote. The board can adjust inservice coursework or hours without full rulemaking if it holds two public meetings and posts 30‑day notice on the ILEA website; otherwise the change is void. The board creates an executive director job requiring 10 years of law‑enforcement experience, including 5 years in an executive role. The director serves under a renewable four‑year contract; the board sets pay with the governor’s approval. Academy employees are protected from political firing except for cause after a hearing.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Steve Bartels
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Brett Clark
Republican • Senate
Chris Garten
Republican • Senate
Chris Judy
Republican • House
Ethan Lawson
Republican • House
Liz Brown
Republican • Senate
Matt Commons
Republican • House
Randy Maxwell
Republican • Senate
Scott Baldwin
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/27/2026
Roll Call 318 on HB1343.06.COMS.CCS001
Yes: 37 • No: 11 • Other: 1
House vote • 2/27/2026
Roll Call 409 on HB1343.06.COMS.CCH001
Yes: 65 • No: 29 • Other: 1
Senate vote • 2/24/2026
Roll Call 255 on HB1343.06.COMS
Yes: 38 • No: 10
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Roll Call 212 on HB1343.06.COMS.AMS004
Yes: 10 • No: 38 • Other: 1
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Roll Call 214 on HB1343.06.COMS.AMS003
Yes: 9 • No: 39
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Roll Call 216 on HB1343.06.COMS.AMS007
Yes: 11 • No: 36 • Other: 2
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Roll Call 215 on HB1343.06.COMS.AMS006
Yes: 9 • No: 38 • Other: 1
Senate vote • 2/23/2026
Roll Call 213 on HB1343.06.COMS.AMS005
Yes: 10 • No: 39
House vote • 1/28/2026
Roll Call 121 on HB1343.03.COMH
Yes: 67 • No: 29 • Other: 1
House vote • 1/27/2026
Roll Call 105 on HB1343.03.COMH.AMH004
Yes: 32 • No: 57 • Other: 6
House vote • 1/27/2026
Roll Call 104 on HB1343.03.COMH.AMH006
Yes: 31 • No: 61 • Other: 3
Actions Timeline
Signed by the Governor
3/4/2026HousePublic Law 94
3/4/2026HouseSigned by the Speaker
2/27/2026HouseSigned by the President of the Senate
2/27/2026SenateSenator Ford J.D. removed as conferee
2/27/2026SenateSigned by the President Pro Tempore
2/27/2026SenateSenator Clark added as conferee
2/27/2026SenateCCR # 1 filed in the House
2/27/2026HouseCCR # 1 filed in the Senate
2/27/2026SenateRules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 318: yeas 37, nays 11
2/27/2026SenateRules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the House; Roll Call 409: yeas 65, nays 29
2/27/2026HouseRepresentative Pack removed as conferee
2/26/2026HouseRepresentative Lawson added as conferee
2/26/2026HouseRepresentative Lawson removed as advisor
2/26/2026HouseHouse advisors appointed: Commons, Lawson, Gore
2/25/2026HouseHouse conferees appointed: Bartels, Pack
2/25/2026HouseMotion to dissent filed
2/25/2026HouseReturned to the House with amendments
2/25/2026SenateSenate advisors appointed: Garten, Spencer
2/25/2026SenateSenate conferees appointed: Baldwin, Ford J.D.
2/25/2026SenateHouse dissented from Senate amendments
2/25/2026HouseThird reading: passed; Roll Call 255: yeas 38, nays 10
2/24/2026SenateAmendment #3 (Ford J.D.) failed; Roll Call 214: yeas 9, nays 39
2/23/2026SenateAmendment #6 (Yoder) failed; Roll Call 215: yeas 9, nays 38
2/23/2026SenateAmendment #7 (Yoder) failed; Roll Call 216: yeas 11, nays 36
2/23/2026Senate
Bill Text
Engrossed House Bill (S)
Enrolled House Bill (H)
House Bill (H)
House Bill (S)
Introduced House Bill (H)