# Indiana HB 1343: Public safety matters. Indiana HB 1343, Public safety matters., is a Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026) House bill sponsored by Steve Bartels (Republican); status signed, last action 2026-03-04 (Public Law 94); PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-11-01). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1343-2026 - As of: 2026-11-01 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Bill: Indiana HB 1343 - State: Indiana - Session: Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026) - Title: Public safety matters. - Status: signed - Chamber: House - Introduced: 2026-01-06 - Last action: 2026-03-04, Public Law 94 - Sponsor: Steve Bartels (Republican) - Cosponsors: 8 - Subjects: veterans affairs and public safety, the senate, homeland security and transportation, appropriations - Touches household money: yes - Roll calls: 11 (319 yes, 387 no in all) - Economic provisions PRIA read: 22 ## Summary Provides that the law enforcement training board (board) shall select an executive director to serve at the pleasure of the board. Authorizes the waiver of certain training requirements for law enforcement officers with experience in other states. Provides that a person confined to a county jail may be required to make a copayment in an amount of not more than $30 (current law is $15). Provides that a person confined to a county jail is not required to make a certain copayment if, among other things, the person does not have funds in the person's commissary account or trust account within 180 days after the service is provided (current law is 60 days). Requires certain water vessels to include an engine cut-off switch. Provides that a sailing vessel at least seven meters in length must comply with federal regulations. Makes changes to the employment eligibility requirements for employees of the Indiana department of veterans' affairs (department). Makes changes to the purpose of the military family relief fund (fund). Provides that the department shall report to the Indiana veterans' affairs commission (commission), at least quarterly, as to the status of all applications regarding assistance from the fund during the previous quarter. Adds provisions indicating who is eligible for a grant from the fund. Provides that the department shall make a comprehensive assessment of an applicant's financial condition and needs when making a determination regarding an award from the fund. Provides that an applicant may not be eligible for assistance from the fund if the applicant's federal gross income, or the combined federal gross income of the applicant and the applicant's spouse, exceeds two times the poverty guideline unless the commission approves an income waiver. Provides that an applicant must establish that the applicant has incurred a genuine hardship to be eligible to receive assistance from the fund. Provides that the department or commission may impose stipulations or conditions concerning an applicant seeking an award from the fund. Makes changes to the subject matter that must be included in administrative rules established by the commission. Makes certain changes relating to the review of grants from the fund to employees of the department. Provides that an applicant may appeal a denied request for short term financial assistance from the fund. Authorizes the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard (adjutant general) to establish a military police force of the Indiana National Guard. Provides that a member of the military police force of the Indiana National Guard has police powers: (1) when the member is called to state active duty; and (2) if the individual successfully completes either army or air military police occupational training and receives qualifying instruction on Indiana law enforcement prescribed by the adjutant general. Requires the military police force of the Indiana National Guard, upon authorization, to respond in accordance with the National Incident Management System and in coordination with the Indiana state police. Makes changes to the authorized duties and responsibilities of the adjutant general in which the state armory board (board) may make contributions. Provides that the board may utilize any and all appropriate methods to lease or purchase real estate. Provides that an armory may not be erected on land that is leased for less than 25 years. (Current law provides that an armory may not be erected on land that is leased for less than 50 years.) Provides that the board may adopt policies or procedures for the use and governance of armories. (Current law authorizes the board to adopt rules for the use and governance of armories.) Specifies the types of donated property that the board may reconvey if the board determines that the property is no longer usable. Provides that if the board receives from the adjutant general information of the disbandment of the organization of the armed forces of Indiana occupying and using an armory, the board shall take charge of the armory. Makes various changes to provisions relating to the sale of property owned by the board. Establishes the Indiana civilian cyber corps program (program) as a subdivision of the Indiana guard reserve. Provides that the program includes civilian volunteers who have expertise in addressing cybersecurity incidents and who volunteer at the invitation of the adjutant general. Provides that the work product of a civilian cyber corps volunteer or adviser, including any information voluntarily submitted to the volunteer or adviser, is exempt from disclosure. Provides that a civilian cyber corps volunteer or adviser is immune from tort liability for an injury to a person or damage to property that occurs while the volunteer or adviser is deployed and acting on behalf of the adjutant general if certain conditions are met. Provides that the adjutant general may appoint additional general officers. (Current law authorizes the appointment of assistant adjutants general.) Changes the definitions of "veteran" for purposes of provisions relating to: (1) the governor's commission on supplier diversity; (2) the state civil service system; and (3) authorizing preference points for the appointment of veterans. Removes a requirement that the National Guard tuition supplement grant must be used within eight years after the date the individual first applies and becomes eligible for benefits. Repeals: (1) the Indiana cyber civilian corps program advisory board; (2) a provision relating to contracts to use Stout Field as a commercial runway; (3) a definition of "qualified service member"; (4) a provision requiring a muffler or underwater exhaust for a boat; and (5) a provision prohibiting the use of a boat motor equipped with a muffler cutout or bypass. Makes it a Class B misdemeanor for a person to knowingly or intentionally possess an imitation firearm: (1) in or on school property; or (2) on a school bus. Makes technical corrections and conforming amendments. ## Bill overview: provisions PRIA read - More job priority for Indiana veterans: benefit, medium. Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana expands veterans' priority in state workforce programs to include qualifying reserve and National Guard service. Indiana veterans and their spouses must show satisfactory honorable-discharge records and meet program requirements; federal law can override the priority… - Firearm exception for worship at schools: benefit, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, a firearm exception covers houses of worship on school property. People legally allowed to possess firearms can carry them in connection with attending worship services or religious ceremonies there. Employees and volunteers performing official duties there are also covered.… - Military families can appeal denied grants: benefit, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, applicants can appeal a denial of short-term Military Family Relief Fund assistance. They must submit an appeal letter to the Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs within 30 days of the decision letter's postmark. The appeal follows the state's administrative review proces… - Motorboats lose state muffler equipment restrictions: benefit, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana repeals its requirement for motorboat mufflers, underwater exhaust, or other sound-muffling devices. The law also removes the state ban on operating motorboats with muffler cutouts, bypasses, or similar devices. - Armory board can transfer unusable property: benefit, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, the armory board can dispose of property no longer usable for its original purpose. The conveyance must provide a substantial public or military benefit; transfers to the Department of Administration are also authorized. Proceeds can buy other armory property. For donated pr… - Armory board gains spending, leasing flexibility: benefit, low. The State Armory Board can support armory care and modernization, plus military public relations, morale, recruitment, and retention. These costs are not barred from state support just because the U.S. Department of Defense does not pay them. Beginning July 1, 2026, the board can lease private real… - Tighter rules for Hoosier veteran status: cost, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, the law excludes people with discharge or separation conditions listed in IC 10-17-12-8.1(2) from “Hoosier veteran” status. The definition requires Indiana residency and service in an active or reserve armed-forces component or the Indiana National Guard. It also requires co… - Higher health copays in county jails: cost, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, county jails can charge up to $30 per medical, dental, eye-care, or other covered health service. The former limit was $15. No copay applies to people with qualifying private insurance or those willing to pay for their own medical care. People also owe no copay when they lac… - Military ties required for veterans-department jobs: cost, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, employees in covered Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs jobs must be Indiana residents. They must have an honorable discharge from the armed forces or National Guard. A spouse, surviving spouse, parent, or child of someone with that discharge also qualifies. Positions s… - Local veterans officers need state accreditation: cost, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, service officers helping veterans for a county or city must have state accreditation. The Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs provides that accreditation. The requirement applies to the officers, not veterans seeking help. - Military family grants get new rules: mixed, medium. Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana residents can seek short-term grants through qualifying military service or as a qualifying member's dependent. Veterans must meet discharge requirements. Help covers essential costs they cannot afford: housing, utilities, medical care, basic transportation, child ca… - Cyber volunteers face checks, possible reimbursements: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, the adjutant general may invite cybersecurity experts to serve as Cyber Corps volunteers or advisers. Those accepting must submit to a criminal history check. The Corps must hold an annual meeting and conduct critical-incident training or exercises when called by the adjutan… - Boaters face updated federal safety rules: mixed, low. Boat operators must follow applicable federal navigation rules, replacing the specified Indiana rules. Sailboats at least seven meters long must carry federally required lights; shorter sailboats and oar-powered boats may use permitted alternatives. Beginning July 1, 2026, vessels must also have en… - Armory food-event liability protections updated: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, the law updates which military officers receive armory food-event liability protection. It replaces assistant adjutants general with additional general officers appointed under the specified state law. Covered entities are protected from damages for injuries or property dama… - Cyber deployments receive legal liability protections: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, Cyber Corps volunteers and advisers are not state employees, agents, or contractors and cannot bind the state. Indiana is not liable to them for participation-related personal injuries or property damage. They receive specified civil and criminal immunity for acts performed… - Guard police gain training, limited status: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, Guard military police can train at police academy facilities on terms set by the training board. The Guard, not individual members, must reimburse the training fund. Members using authorized police powers count as law enforcement officers under several state laws. They are e… - Guard police powers require governor approval: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana's military leader, the adjutant general, may create a National Guard military police force. The governor can authorize police powers statewide or in a specified area when ordering the force to state active duty. Members need a current security clearance, no felony co… - Imitation firearms restricted on school property: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, knowingly or intentionally possessing an imitation firearm on school property or a school bus is a Class B misdemeanor. This covers objects whose color and overall appearance could make a reasonable person believe they are firearms. A defense applies to lawful possession whe… - New cyber response help, possible fees: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, Indiana creates a Civilian Cyber Corps within the Guard Reserve to build cybersecurity capacity. Clients can request training or rapid-response help for vulnerabilities; its response mission serves clients otherwise unable to handle cyber incidents. The adjutant general must… - Sensitive cyber records kept from public: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, public agencies must keep specified identifying and cybersecurity information confidential. The restriction covers disclosures that could expose a person or client to cyber risk or reveal protected security details. Cyber Corps volunteers' and advisers' work products are als… - Armory property sales get simpler appraisals: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, covered armory real estate sales use one board-appointed appraiser, approved by the adjutant general, instead of three. No appraisal is needed when the adjutant general expects the property to be worth less than $50,000. Below-appraisal sales need that official's approval; p… - Shorter land leases allowed for armories: mixed, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, the minimum lease term for land used to build an armory falls from 50 to 25 years. This allows shorter commitments but reduces the minimum period secured by the lease. The law sets no rent amount or direct household payment. ## Sponsors and cosponsors - Sponsor: Steve Bartels (Republican), House - Cosponsor: Brett Clark (Republican), Senate - Cosponsor: Chris Garten (Republican), Senate - Cosponsor: Chris Judy (Republican), House - Cosponsor: Ethan Lawson (Republican), House - Cosponsor: Liz Brown (Republican), Senate - Cosponsor: Matt Commons (Republican), House - Cosponsor: Randy Maxwell (Republican), Senate - Cosponsor: Scott Baldwin (Republican), Senate ## Roll call votes | Date | Chamber | Motion | Result | Yes | No | Other | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2026-02-27 | Senate | Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate | pass | 37 | 11 | | | 2026-02-27 | House | Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the House | pass | 65 | 29 | | | 2026-02-24 | Senate | Third reading: passed | pass | 38 | 10 | | | 2026-02-23 | Senate | Amendment #3 (Ford J.D.) failed | fail | 9 | 39 | | | 2026-02-23 | Senate | Amendment #4 (Yoder) failed | fail | 10 | 38 | | | 2026-02-23 | Senate | Amendment #5 (Yoder) failed | fail | 10 | 39 | | | 2026-02-23 | Senate | Amendment #7 (Yoder) failed | fail | 11 | 36 | | | 2026-02-23 | Senate | Amendment #6 (Yoder) failed | fail | 9 | 38 | | | 2026-01-28 | House | Third reading: passed | pass | 67 | 29 | | | 2026-01-27 | House | Amendment #6 (Pierce M) failed | fail | 31 | 61 | | | 2026-01-27 | House | Amendment #4 (DeLaney) failed | fail | 32 | 57 | | ## Actions (50) - 2026-03-04: Public Law 94 (House) - 2026-03-04: Signed by the Governor (House) - 2026-02-27: Signed by the President of the Senate (Senate) - 2026-02-27: Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the Senate; Roll Call 318: yeas 37, nays 11 (Senate) - 2026-02-27: Rules Suspended. Conference Committee Report 1: adopted by the House; Roll Call 409: yeas 65, nays 29 (House) - 2026-02-27: Signed by the Speaker (House) - 2026-02-27: CCR # 1 filed in the Senate (Senate) - 2026-02-27: CCR # 1 filed in the House (House) - 2026-02-27: Senator Clark added as conferee (Senate) - 2026-02-27: Senator Ford J.D. removed as conferee (Senate) - 2026-02-27: Signed by the President Pro Tempore (Senate) - 2026-02-26: Representative Pack removed as conferee (House) - 2026-02-26: Representative Lawson removed as advisor (House) - 2026-02-26: Representative Lawson added as conferee (House) - 2026-02-25: House conferees appointed: Bartels, Pack (House) - 2026-02-25: Senate advisors appointed: Garten, Spencer (Senate) - 2026-02-25: Senate conferees appointed: Baldwin, Ford J.D. (Senate) - 2026-02-25: Motion to dissent filed (House) - 2026-02-25: House dissented from Senate amendments (House) - 2026-02-25: Returned to the House with amendments (Senate) - 2026-02-25: House advisors appointed: Commons, Lawson, Gore (House) - 2026-02-24: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 255: yeas 38, nays 10 (Senate) - 2026-02-23: Second reading: ordered engrossed (Senate) - 2026-02-23: Amendment #7 (Yoder) failed; Roll Call 216: yeas 11, nays 36 (Senate) - 2026-02-23: Amendment #6 (Yoder) failed; Roll Call 215: yeas 9, nays 38 (Senate) - 2026-02-23: Amendment #1 (Qaddoura) failed; voice vote (Senate) - 2026-02-23: Amendment #3 (Ford J.D.) failed; Roll Call 214: yeas 9, nays 39 (Senate) - 2026-02-23: Amendment #5 (Yoder) failed; Roll Call 213: yeas 10, nays 39 (Senate) - 2026-02-23: Amendment #4 (Yoder) failed; Roll Call 212: yeas 10, nays 38 (Senate) - 2026-02-23: Senator Brown L added as cosponsor (Senate) - 2026-02-23: Amendment #2 (Qaddoura) failed; voice vote (Senate) - 2026-02-19: Committee report: amend do pass, adopted (Senate) - 2026-02-16: Senator Maxwell added as cosponsor (Senate) - 2026-02-10: Committee report: do pass adopted; reassigned to Committee on Appropriations (Senate) - 2026-02-02: First reading: referred to Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation (Senate) - 2026-01-29: Referred to the Senate (House) - 2026-01-28: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 121: yeas 67, nays 29 (House) - 2026-01-28: Senate sponsors: Senators Baldwin, Garten, Clark (House) - 2026-01-27: Second reading: amended, ordered engrossed (House) - 2026-01-27: Amendment #4 (DeLaney) failed; Roll Call 105: yeas 32, nays 57 (House) - 2026-01-27: Amendment #2 (Bartels) prevailed; voice vote (House) - 2026-01-27: Representative Lawson added as coauthor (House) - 2026-01-27: Amendment #6 (Pierce M) failed; Roll Call 104: yeas 31, nays 61 (House) - 2026-01-22: Committee report: do pass, adopted (House) - 2026-01-13: Representative Commons added as coauthor (House) - 2026-01-12: Recommitted to Committee on Ways and Means pursuant to House Rule 126.3 (House) - 2026-01-12: Committee report: do pass, adopted (House) - 2026-01-08: Representative Judy added as coauthor (House) - 2026-01-06: Authored by Representative Bartels (House) - 2026-01-06: First reading: referred to Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety (House) ## Bill text - Engrossed House Bill (S): [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.04.ENGH?format=pdf) - Enrolled House Bill (H): [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.07.ENRS?format=pdf) - House Bill (H): [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.02.COMH?format=pdf), [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.03.COMH?format=pdf), [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.06.COMS?format=pdf) - House Bill (S): [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.05.COMS?format=pdf) - Introduced House Bill (H): [PDF](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.01.INTR?format=pdf) ## Related bills - HB 1266: Department of education and education matters. (signed) - HB 1277: Health and human services matters. (signed) - HB 1210: Department of local government finance. (signed) - HB 1249: Various criminal law matters. (signed) - HB 1200: Bureau of motor vehicles. (signed) - HB 1115: Homeowners association governance. (signed) ## Sources - [Engrossed House Bill (S) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.04.ENGH?format=pdf) - [Enrolled House Bill (H) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.07.ENRS?format=pdf) - [House Bill (H) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.02.COMH?format=pdf) - [House Bill (H) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.03.COMH?format=pdf) - [House Bill (H) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.06.COMS?format=pdf) - [House Bill (S) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.05.COMS?format=pdf) - [Introduced House Bill (H) (PDF)](https://api.iga.in.gov/2026/bills/HB1343/versions/HB1343.01.INTR?format=pdf) ## Related - [HB 1266: Department of education and education matters.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1266-2026) - [HB 1277: Health and human services matters.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1277-2026) - [HB 1210: Department of local government finance.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1210-2026) - [HB 1249: Various criminal law matters.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1249-2026) - [HB 1200: Bureau of motor vehicles.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1200-2026) - [HB 1115: Homeowners association governance.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1115-2026) - [Indiana bills](https://policyrisk.com/states/indiana/bills) - [Indiana state hub](https://policyrisk.com/states/indiana) - [All state legislation](https://policyrisk.com/state-bills) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/IN-HB1343-2026 (as of 2026-11-01).