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IndianaSB 119Second Regular Session 124th General Assembly (2026)SenateWALLET

Grooming.

Sponsored By: Dan Dernulc (Republican)

Signed by Governor

corrections and criminal lawthe housecourts and criminal code

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Sex offenders barred from child spaces

The law bars sexually violent predators and offenders against children from working or volunteering where kids are the focus, including schools, parks, child care, youth programs, and events mainly for under‑18s. Violations are a Level 6 felony; a repeat offense or not following registry rules raises it to a Level 5 felony. Serious sex offenders also cannot enter school property or places holding events mainly for kids; that is a Level 6 felony. There is a narrow worship exception on school property, limited to 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after services. A child‑directed place means attendance is limited to under‑18s or to under‑18s with a parent or guardian. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.

Sexual grooming messages now a crime

The law makes sexual grooming of a child a crime. If you are 18 or older, you cannot send sexual messages to someone you believe is under 14 to satisfy sexual desires. A pattern of contact meant to make a child less resistant to sex is also a crime. It is a Class B misdemeanor, a Class A misdemeanor if done over a computer network, and a Level 6 felony for repeat sex offenders. The law excludes parents, guardians, or others acting with permission, and people who receive a child’s report or medical symptoms. It also clarifies which legal definition of “sexual conduct” applies in these cases. These changes start July 1, 2026.

New penalties for hacking and shopping bots

The law makes it a Class A misdemeanor to access a computer system or network without the owner’s consent. Using automated “hoarding” software to buy items online is illegal; each item is a Class C infraction, rising to a Class A misdemeanor with a prior within five years. Selling, buying, or sharing that software is a Class C infraction, rising to a Class C misdemeanor with a prior within five years. It is a defense if the seller allowed the software, or if it was for legitimate science or education. These rules take effect July 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Dan Dernulc

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Becky Cash

    Republican • House

  • Blake Doriot

    Republican • Senate

  • Brett Clark

    Republican • Senate

  • John Bartlett

    Democratic • House

  • Julie Olthoff

    Republican • House

  • Liz Brown

    Republican • Senate

  • Lonnie Randolph

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michael Young

    Republican • Senate

  • Rick Niemeyer

    Republican • Senate

  • Rodney Pol

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 192 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/25/2026

Roll Call 293 on SB0119.05.ENGH.CON01

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/24/2026

Roll Call 339 on SB0119.04.COMH

Yes: 98 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 1/27/2026

Roll Call 96 on SB0119.03.ENGS

Yes: 46 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor

    3/5/2026Senate

  2. Public Law 111

    3/5/2026Senate

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    2/27/2026Senate

  4. Signed by the Speaker

    2/27/2026House

  5. Signed by the President Pro Tempore

    2/27/2026Senate

  6. Senator Doriot added as coauthor

    2/26/2026Senate

  7. Motion to concur filed

    2/25/2026Senate

  8. Returned to the Senate with amendments

    2/25/2026House

  9. Senate concurred with House amendments; Roll Call 293: yeas 48, nays 0

    2/25/2026Senate

  10. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 339: yeas 98, nays 0

    2/24/2026House

  11. Second reading: amended, ordered engrossed

    2/23/2026House

  12. Amendment #2 (Ireland) prevailed; voice vote

    2/23/2026House

  13. Amendment #1 (Zimmerman) prevailed; voice vote

    2/23/2026House

  14. Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

    2/19/2026House

  15. First reading: referred to Committee on Courts and Criminal Code

    1/29/2026House

  16. Senator Randolph added as coauthor

    1/28/2026Senate

  17. Representative Cash added as cosponsor

    1/28/2026House

  18. Referred to the House

    1/28/2026Senate

  19. Third reading: passed; Roll Call 96: yeas 46, nays 0

    1/27/2026Senate

  20. Cosponsor: Representative Bartlett

    1/27/2026Senate

  21. Senator Young M added as coauthor

    1/27/2026Senate

  22. House sponsor: Representative Olthoff

    1/27/2026Senate

  23. Amendment #2 (Freeman) prevailed; voice vote

    1/26/2026Senate

  24. Senator Brown L added as third author

    1/26/2026Senate

  25. Second reading: amended, ordered engrossed

    1/26/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Engrossed Senate Bill (H)

    PDF

  • Engrossed Senate Bill (S)

    PDF

  • Enrolled Senate Bill (S)

    PDF

  • Introduced Senate Bill (S)

    PDF

  • Senate Bill (H)

    PDF

  • Senate Bill (S)

    PDF

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