Bills & Legislation

Condemnation of Hoosier homestead property.

Establishes the Hoosier homestead program administered by the Indiana state department of agriculture to commemorate and maintain a registry of farms owned by the same family for at least 100 years. Provides that if a condemnation action involves the taking of a fee simple interest in a Hoosier homestead: (1) the property owner is entitled to testify at a hearing conducted by the appropriate municipal or county legislative body; and (2) the legislative body must approve the condemnation for the condemnation to proceed. Provides that only the portion of a farm that satisfies the familial ownership and other requirements receives the Hoosier homestead designation and is subject to the provisions regarding eminent domain. Requires all property taxes to be paid up to date to be registered as a Hoosier homestead property or to renew registration as a Hoosier homestead property.

Robb GreeneRepublican

Public notices.

Requires the Indiana office of technology (office) to establish a state public notice website not later than July 1, 2026. Prohibits the office from charging a fee for publishing or viewing notices. Allows a person to satisfy any notice statute by publishing notice in any of the following forms of media: (1) Newspaper, including print edition or electronic edition. (2) Locality newspaper, including print edition or electronic edition. (3) The state public notice website. (4) Political subdivision website. Requires the Indiana archives and records administration (administration) to establish standards and guidelines and enter into memoranda of understanding with agencies for the transfer and preservation of public notices from the state public notice website to the administration to preserve public notices for historical purposes. Phases out the publication of notices on the political subdivision website. Phases in the publication of notices on the state public notice website.

Jennifer MeltzerRepublican

Scholarships.

Provides that a scholarship granting organization must include certain information in its annual public report to the department of education. Provides that applicants enrolled in a transition to teaching program after June 30, 2024, may qualify for certain scholarships if the applicant is a member of a household with an annual income of not more than 400% of the amount required for the applicant to qualify for the federal free or reduced price lunch program. (Currently, the annual income threshold is $100,000 or less.) Permits the commission for higher education to use the remaining balance allocated to certain teaching scholarships or in certain teaching scholarship funds to fund additional specified teaching scholarships.

Dave HeineRepublican

Teacher appreciation grants.

Establishes a new teacher appreciation grant program. Removes and repeals certain requirements concerning staff performance evaluations. Repeals the current teacher appreciation grant provisions. Makes conforming changes.

Robert BehningRepublican

Farm and home based food sales.

Repeals current home based vendor regulations. Provides that the Indiana department of health, a local unit of government, the health and hospital corporation of Marion County, or a local health department may not impose any rules, regulations, certifications, or licensing requirements on a small farm or home based vendor that are not required under federal law. Exempts public buildings used by small farms and home based vendors from certain public building regulations.

Hunter SmithRepublican

Assistance in obtaining veteran benefits.

Provides veteran empowerment protections. Provides that a person may not represent a veteran regarding a veterans' benefits matter unless the person meets certain requirements. Provides that a person that advises, assists, or consults with an individual regarding veterans' benefits matters for a fee: (1) may not use international call centers or data centers for processing veterans' personal information; (2) may not use a veteran's personal log-in, username, or password information to access the veteran's medical, financial, or government benefits information; (3) must ensure that before any individual may have access to veterans' medical or financial information the individual must undergo a national criminal history background check; and (4) shall comply with certain federal regulations. Provides that a violation of the act constitutes a prohibited consumer sale.

Chris JudyRepublican

Local public questions.

Provides that a local public question or referendum may be placed on the ballot only at a general election. Provides that: (1) a state public question; or (2) an election of delegates to a convention to consider ratifying an amendment to the United States Constitution; may be placed on the ballot only at a general election.

Timothy WescoRepublican

Coverage for living organ donors.

Prohibits an insurer that issues a policy of life insurance, disability insurance, or long term care insurance from taking certain actions with respect to the coverage of individuals who are living organ donors. Specifies that certain actions constitute an unfair and deceptive act and practice in the business of insurance when taken against a living organ donor by an insurer.

Ed CharbonneauRepublican

Annexation.

With certain exceptions, requires a municipality that initiates an annexation to file with the court an annexation petition approved by the signatures of: (1) at least 51% of the owners of non-tax exempt land in the annexation territory; or (2) the owners of at least 75% in assessed valuation of non-tax exempt land in the annexation territory. Requires the court to hold a hearing if the petition has enough signatures. Adds provisions for determining the validity of signatures. Eliminates the following: (1) Remonstrances and remonstrance waivers. (2) Reimbursement of remonstrator's attorney's fees and costs. (3) Adoption of a fiscal plan for voluntary annexations requested by 100% of landowners in the annexation territory. (4) Settlement agreements in lieu of annexation. (5) Provisions regarding contiguity of a public highway.

James BuckRepublican

Road intersection safety.

Provides that a person that owns or is the lessee of a parcel of land at an intersection of two county, municipal, or township roads that is not controlled by a traffic signal shall maintain a line of sight area at the intersection. Provides that the land contained within the line of sight area must not contain any: (1) grass, weeds, agricultural crops, bushes, shrubs, vines, plants, or any other vegetation; or (2) structures, signs, fences, walls, or obstructions that are owned or controlled by the property owner or a lessee of the property owner; that exceed a height of three feet. Requires a unit to provide written notice to the owner of record of the parcel of land if the unit determines there are obstructions in the line of sight area. Allows a unit to take corrective action to remove obstructions in the line of sight area.

Michael CriderRepublican

Various property matters.

Provides that the enforcement authority shall give notice with certain requirements. Provides that after a civil penalty is imposed and a hearing is held, the enforcement authority may impose an additional civil penalty. Provides that if a civil penalty is unpaid for more than 30 days after payment of the civil penalty is due, the civil penalty may be collected in the same manner as unpaid costs for unsafe premises repairs or emergency actions taken. Provides that depositing or causing or allowing the deposit of contaminants or solid waste upon the land is a Class C misdemeanor in certain circumstances. Provides that after May 14, 2025, a unit may not adopt or enforce a utility usage data ordinance. Makes it a Class C misdemeanor for a person to use public property of the state or a political subdivision for purposes of sleeping or camping, subject to certain exceptions and conditions. Requires a law enforcement officer that discovers a violation to first determine if there are reasonable grounds for an emergency detention of the person. Provides that if the law enforcement officer does not proceed with an emergency detention, the law enforcement officer must: (1) give the person a warning to move from the property within a certain period of time; (2) offer to transport the person to certain locations within five miles of where the violation occurs; and (3) call a local crisis intervention team for assistance, if: (A) the unit is served by a local crisis intervention team; and (B) a location that provides certain services does not exist or is not available to receive the person or the person refuses to be transported to the location. Provides that a person charged with a violation may be referred to a problem solving court designated by the prosecuting attorney. Allows application of a Medicaid waiver to provide long term access to home and community based services, including housing related services, under the healthy Indiana plan.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

State comptroller.

Changes certain references from "auditor of state" to: (1) "state comptroller (referred to as "auditor of state" in the Constitution of the State of Indiana)"; or (2) "state comptroller (auditor of state)". Requires "state comptroller (auditor of state)" to be listed on the 2026 general election ballot.

Cyndi CarrascoRepublican

Pension matters.

Modifies the definition of "average of the annual compensation" for a member of the public employees' retirement fund (PERF) who retires after December 31, 2026. Specifies that compensation received in contemplation of retirement is excluded from the average of the annual compensation for particular members of PERF and the Indiana state teachers' retirement fund (TRF). Repeals a provision requiring the board of trustees of the Indiana public retirement system (board) to maintain separate accounts for each unit of local government. Provides that amounts forfeited under the public employees defined contribution plan must be used as determined by the board. (Current law requires these amounts to be used to reduce the unfunded accrued liability of PERF.) Specifies a process by which a fully vested member of the public employees' defined contribution plan or the teachers' defined contribution plan may irrevocably elect to participate in PERF or TRF, as applicable. Modifies the information that must be included in a delinquency notice to a delinquent political subdivision. Specifies the circumstances under which an employer under the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund is required to pay for certain mental health care and treatment. Makes conforming amendments. (The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the interim study committee on pension management oversight.)

Brian BuchananRepublican

Boone County innkeeper's tax.

Authorizes Boone County to impose its innkeeper's tax at a rate of 8% under the uniform innkeeper's tax statute (instead of 5% under current law) and provides that the increase to the tax rate expires January 1, 2047.

Brian BuchananRepublican

Biofuel tax credits.

Provides tax credits for: (1) the sale of higher ethanol blend; and (2) the: (A) sale of blended biodiesel or renewable diesel; and (B) blending of biodiesel or renewable diesel. Specifies the amount of the tax credit for higher ethanol blend. Limits the total amount of higher ethanol blend tax credits that may be awarded in a state fiscal year to $10,000. Specifies the amount of the tax credit for blended biodiesel or renewable diesel. Limits the total amount of blended biodiesel or renewable diesel tax credits that may be awarded in a state fiscal year to $10,000.

Brian BuchananRepublican

Leaves of absence for local officeholders.

Allows a local officeholder to take a leave of absence from office when the local officeholder: (1) is caring for a child after the birth of the child or placement of the child with the local officeholder for adoption or foster care; (2) is caring for a spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition; (3) has a serious health condition and is unable to perform the duties of the office; (4) is called into active duty in the armed forces of the United States or national guard; and (5) is eligible for qualifying exigency leave arising out of the fact that the local officeholder's spouse, child, or parent is ordered into active duty in the armed forces of the United States or national guard. Sets forth notice requirements. Provides that the local officeholder's office must be filled by a temporary appointment in the same manner as a vacancy created by a resignation is filled. Makes corresponding changes.

Gary ByrneRepublican

Local taxes in certain municipalities.

Requires the department of local government finance to increase the maximum permissible property tax levy for certain qualifying municipalities for property taxes first due and payable in 2025 to include all debt service levies of the qualifying municipality for property taxes first due and payable in 2025. Specifies that the adjustment is a one time and permanent increase. Changes the local income tax trust account threshold percentage of a county that contains a qualifying municipality, which is used for purposes of determining whether the county shall receive a supplemental distribution. Modifies the certified share allocation determination for a qualifying municipality. Prohibits the use of funds from the state general fund to make up certain local income tax related shortfalls.

Kyle WalkerRepublican

Short line railroad tax credit.

Allows a taxpayer to claim a credit against state income tax liability for certain qualified railroad expenditures and qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures. Specifies the amount of the credit. Limits the total amount of credits that may be allowed in a state fiscal year to: (1) $10,000 for qualified railroad expenditures; and (2) $10,000 for qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures.

Blake DoriotRepublican

Food and beverage taxes.

Authorizes the city of Marion and the city of Richmond respectively to impose a food and beverage tax of not more than 1% of the gross retail income received from a taxable transaction. Allows the fiscal body of the town of Shipshewana to increase its food and beverage tax. Specifies that the provisions authorizing the imposition of a food and beverage tax and the increase to a food and beverage tax expire January 1, 2047. Repeals the Indiana Code chapter authorizing the imposition of food and beverage taxes in Wayne County.

Andy Zay

Investment partnership tax.

Provides certain sourcing rules for the adjusted gross income of an investment partnership. Defines "investment partnership".

Scott BaldwinRepublican

Health care debt and costs.

Requires hospitals to do the following: (1) Offer the person who has received health services the opportunity to pay the charges through a payment plan that satisfies certain requirements. (2) Develop a written notice about a charity care program operated by the hospital, provide the notice to patients, and post the notice. (3) Include certain information concerning financial assistance on a billing statement. (4) Requires a hospital that reports an annual gross patient revenue of at least $20,000,000 to provide written notice and information to a person who has requested an eligibility determination concerning a payment plan or charity care. Provides that the unpaid earnings of a consumer who meets specified income eligibility requirements may not be attached by garnishment in satisfaction of: (1) any amount of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by the consumer; or (2) any amount of the judgment that represents health care debt determined to be owed by the consumer. Provides that: (1) any amount of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer; or (2) in an action against a consumer in which a judgment has been entered, any amount of the judgment that represents health care debt determined to be owed by the consumer; does not constitute a lien against the consumer's principal residence for a consumer that meets specified income requirements. Provides that in any action filed in Indiana for the recovery of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer, the principal residence of the consumer is not liable to judgment or attachment or to be sold on execution against the consumer.

Fady QaddouraDemocrat

Marion County small claims fees.

Requires a clerk to collect a small claims service fee of $26 in each action filed in a Marion County small claims court. Establishes the small claims fund. Requires the court to distribute certain fees to the county auditor for distribution to the small claims fund. Provides that the fees in the small claims fund are to be distributed equally among the townships and the fees must fund the operation of the small claims court located within the township.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

Rural business growth.

Establishes a state tax credit (credit) for certain capital investments made in rural funds. Establishes procedures for a rural fund to apply to the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) for certification of a capital investment as eligible for a credit provided by the bill. Requires a rural fund to pay a nonrefundable application fee of $5,000 to the IEDC. Provides that the credit is an amount equal to: (1) the applicable percentage for the credit allowance date; multiplied by (2) the purchase price paid to the rural fund for the capital investment. Sets forth the maximum annual amount of credits that may be certified. Provides that the credit is subject to recapture. Requires a rural fund that has received a credit to submit reports on an annual basis to the IEDC over the credit allowance period.

Brian BuchananRepublican

1977 pension and disability fund.

Increases the basic monthly pension benefit payable to a member of the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund who retires after June 30, 2025, with 20 years of service. Increases the contribution rate of fund members. Provides that a municipality, a unit, an airport authority, a school corporation, or a charter school may require certain members of the public employees retirement fund to continue as members of that fund instead of the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund.

Linda RogersRepublican

County recorder's records perpetuation fund.

Provides that certain fees collected by the county recorder are deposited in the county recorder's records perpetuation fund. Provides that a fee for recording a mortgage assumption is the same as the fee for recording a mortgage. Removes an expired provision. Makes stylistic changes.

Mike BohacekRepublican

Craft hemp flower and THC products.

Establishes certain regulatory testing and packaging requirements for the distribution and sale of craft hemp flower products. Creates and modifies certain crimes concerning craft hemp, craft hemp flower products, and THC. Provides that a food is not considered adulterated for containing low THC hemp extract or craft hemp flower. Provides that craft hemp flower product is not included in the definition of "controlled substance analog", "hashish", "low THC hemp extract", or "marijuana". Prohibits the sale of specified products to a person less than 21 years of age. Establishes a regulatory framework for craft hemp, including the regulation of advertising. Caps the number of craft hemp retail permits at 20,000. Provides that certain retailers may not sell craft hemp flower products if the retailer is located near a school. Changes certain references of delta-9 THC to THC. Modifies the definition of "e-liquid." Expands certain alcoholic beverage laws to include craft hemp products. Provides that a person who is a retail craft hemp permit holder and a retail alcoholic beverage permit holder may serve craft hemp beverages in the original container for consumption on the permitted premises. Provides that onsite consumption restrictions do not apply to holders of certain alcoholic beverage retailer permits. Adds certain retail establishments that sell craft hemp products to the list of retail establishments that must prohibit minors from entering. Provides that if the alcohol and tobacco commission does not approve craft hemp packaging within 30 days, the packaging is deemed approved and eligible for sale. Provides that work in progress hemp extract may be sold to a craft hemp manufacturer permit holder. Changes references of "administrative law judge" to "hearing judge". Prohibits a craft hemp permit holder from giving free samples of craft hemp at a farmers' market. Defines terms. Makes conforming changes. Makes technical corrections.

Travis HoldmanRepublican

Skills training pilot program.

Provides that the department of workforce development may establish a reemployment skills training pilot program (pilot program) to supplement an individual's receipt of weekly unemployment benefits. If a pilot program is established, would establish a reemployment skills training pilot program fund for the purpose of funding the program. Specifies program requirements for participants and eligible providers.

Liz BrownRepublican

Tax credit for newborn children.

Establishes a tax credit for newborn children, which an eligible taxpayer may claim only in the first taxable year in which a particular newborn child is eligible for the exemption allowed under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Defines "eligible taxpayer". Provides that the amount of the credit is $500 per newborn child, or $250 per eligible newborn child in the case of a married individual filing a separate return. Prorates the credit in the case of a resident taxpayer residing in Indiana for a period of less than the taxpayer's entire taxable year. Limits the total amount of credits that may be awarded in a calendar year to $10,000. Provides for the expiration of the credit.

Greg WalkerRepublican

School property taxes.

Provides that all school corporations that adopt a resolution for a property tax levy for a controlled project or a school safety referendum tax levy after May 10, 2025, must share revenue received from the levy with certain charter schools. Specifies, for purposes of making distributions to charter schools from a property tax levy for a controlled project, that only charter schools located within the attendance area of the school corporation shall receive a distribution of revenue from that levy and requires such a charter school to establish a separate account to deposit the revenue. Requires all school corporations to share revenue received from a debt service levy with certain charter schools. Requires all school corporations that adopt a resolution for an operating referendum tax levy after May 10, 2025, to share revenue received from the levy with certain charter schools. Requires, beginning with distributions in 2028, that all school corporations begin sharing revenue from the school corporation's operations fund levy with certain charter schools. Provides for the phasing in of the sharing of revenue with certain charter schools from the school corporation's operations fund levy. Excludes school corporations meeting specified criteria from the sharing of property tax revenue received under the bill's provisions. Provides a calculation for determining the amount of an annual grant from the charter and innovation network school grant program based on the amount of property tax revenue received by a charter school from school corporations. Provides for the appointment of additional board members to the governing board of a charter school that receives property tax revenue. Sets forth additional procedures related to the closure of a charter school. Makes conforming changes.

Linda RogersRepublican

Law enforcement training cost reimbursement.

Allows the state, a state agency, or a political subdivision (public employer) to be reimbursed for the costs of employing and training a law enforcement officer by a public employer that subsequently employs the officer. Provides that the reimbursement amount decreases over time and is eliminated three years after the officer is certified by the law enforcement training board to act as an officer. Allows a public employer to require, as a condition of hiring, that the individual enter into a contract or agreement to reimburse the public employer for employment and training costs, if the individual is subsequently hired by a private or governmental employer that is not defined by statute as a public employer.

Gary ByrneRepublican

Code publication.

Makes Indiana Code publication amendments. Repeals and relocates specific Indiana Code definitions chapters for organization of the defined terms by alphabetical order and to provide for future expansion of the chapters. Makes conforming cross-reference updates. Makes technical amendments to remove tabulation designations from the certain criminal law and procedure sections for consistency with similar statutes and to streamline amendment of those sections. Resolves technical conflicts between various enrolled acts passed during the 2025 legislative session.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

Grain indemnity.

Defines "revocation of a license". Creates a process in which the director of the Indiana grain buyers and warehouse licensing agency (agency) determines whether a building or other protected enclosure constitutes a single warehouse that requires one or more licenses. Specifies the documents a person who desires to conduct business as a grain buyer, warehouse operator, or buyer-warehouse (licensee) must submit to the agency to renew a license to operate. Specifies how a business as a licensee may renew its license. Specifies the types of licenses the agency shall issue and how a license may be relinquished. Establishes what information must be included in a financial statement submitted by a licensee to the agency. Removes the ability of the agency to temporarily suspend a licensee's license. Specifies various matters related to on-premises inspections. Permits the director of the agency (director) to call an informal meeting with a licensee. Provides when the director may revoke, and when the director shall revoke, a licensee's license and what information the director must share with the licensee. Establishes various notice requirements. Permits the agency to adopt rules. Requires the director to inspect and test all equipment used to test the moisture content of grain purchased from producers once per year. Requires the Indiana grain indemnity corporation board to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson and take on various new responsibilities. Addresses various issues with producer premiums. Provides that a grain buyer shall keep accurate and correct records of grain purchased from producers documenting the producer premiums paid by producers. Establishes storage fees to determine storage loss. Requires the office of the attorney general to provide legal assistance if requested by the director. Requires the director to take possession of the bond or other security and all proceeds from a grain sale in the event a licensee has failed to meet its obligations under the grain indemnity chapter. Provides that the director shall provide informal conferences between agency representatives and persons who have or who appear to have grain deposited with the licensee in revocation. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Jean LeisingRepublican

Various health care matters.

Specifies the process for a managed care organization to follow concerning home modification services. Requires a patient of an opioid treatment program (program) who has tested positive on a drug test to be given a random drug test monthly until the patient passes the test. (Current law requires the patient to be tested weekly.) Allows a program to close on Sundays and federal holidays. Prohibits the division of mental health and addiction from: (1) requiring a program's medical director to have admitting privileges at a hospital; and (2) establishing rules or guidelines concerning program admission and medication that are more stringent than federal regulations. Allows specified health care providers to perform the initial assessment, examination, and evaluation of a patient being admitted to a program. Allows the medical staff of an ambulatory outpatient surgical center to make recommendations on the granting of clinical privileges or the appointment or reappointment of an applicant to the governing board of the ambulatory outpatient surgical center for a period not to exceed 36 months. (Current law allows medical staff of hospitals to make recommendations.) Establishes the certified health care professions commission (commission). Sets forth the requirements for the: (1) certification of nurse aides and qualified medication aides; and (2) registration of home health aides. Specifies the duties of the Indiana department of health and the commission in regulating these professions. Relocates provisions concerning training for home health aides and requires the commission to approve the training. Sets forth requirements on facilities in employing nurse aides. Specifies the definition of "nurse aide" for purposes of an administrative rule. Makes changes to the release of medical information statute. Modifies the duties of the center for deaf and hard of hearing education. Adds provisions regarding "family navigators" and specifies the role of family navigators in the provisions of the bill regarding the center for deaf and hard of hearing education. Allows a prescriber to prescribe certain agonist opioids through telehealth services for the treatment or management of opioid dependence. (Current law allows only a partial agonist to be prescribed through telehealth.) Allows certain residential care administrators an exemption from taking continuing education during the initial licensing period. Allows for the provision of certain anesthesia in a physician's office or a podiatrist's office without the office being accredited. (Current law allows for this in dental offices.) Requires adverse events concerning anesthesia in an office based setting to be reported to the medical licensing board of Indiana (board). Requires the board to: (1) determine the types of adverse events to be reported; (2) establish a procedure for reporting; and (3) post the adverse events on the board's website. Creates a process for certain individuals who do not have a Social Security number and who are seeking licensure by examination as a registered nurse or practical nurse to obtain a provisional license. Requires a nursing program to offer a clinical experience for clinical hours in a hospital and a health facility setting.

Liz BrownRepublican

Family and social services matters.

Requires a sheriff to assist an individual who: (1) has been incarcerated for at least 30 days in a: (A) county jail; (B) community based correctional facility for children; (C) juvenile detention facility; or (D) secure facility other than a child caring institution; and (2) is eligible for Medicaid; in applying for Medicaid before the individual's release from the facility. Provides that if a child loses Medicaid coverage while confined in a juvenile detention facility or secure facility, the division of family resources shall, upon receiving notice that the child will be released, take action necessary ensure that the child is eligible to receive specified federally mandated services for 30 days before and after the child's release. Requires an insurer to respond within 60 days to an inquiry from the office of Medicaid policy and planning regarding a Medicaid claim that is made within three years from the date on which the service that is the subject of the claim was provided. Provides that an insurer other than Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part D may not deny a Medicaid claim solely due to lack of prior authorization in accordance with federal Medicaid law. Provides that the requirement that an individual who receives payment for medical expenses from Medicaid must cede to the state the individual's rights to third party payment for the medical expenses extends to settlement amounts for both past medical expenses and rights to payment of future medical expenses. Amends the duties, membership, and terms of office of the Medicaid advisory commission. Creates the Medicaid beneficiary advisory commission. Repeals a provision requiring that employees of a child care provider be tested for tuberculosis in order for the child care provider to be eligible to receive voucher payments under the federal Child Care and Development Fund program. Provides the following with regard to a licensed child care center, licensed child care home, or registered child care ministry (child care provider): (1) Requires all employees of a child care provider to be trained in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation applicable to all age groups of children cared for by the child care provider. (2) Requires at least one adult who is certified in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation applicable to all age groups of children cared for by the child care provider to be present at all times when a child is in the care of the child care provider. Amends the membership of the division of mental health and addiction planning and advisory council.

Ed CharbonneauRepublican

Various tax matters.

Amends estimated quarterly tax payment provisions. Restructures tax collection requirements for kerosene to eliminate specialized tax filing. Streamlines the filing requirements for gasoline use tax to eliminate multiple filing requirements. Specifies the liability and remittance requirements for the gross retail tax, gasoline use tax, and other listed taxes in certain circumstances. Amends provisions that apply to passenger and household goods carriers. Amends the college savings tax credit. Replaces the term "college choice 529 education savings plan" with "Indiana529 plan". Makes a clarifying change to the closed system cartridge tax. Extends the renewal period from one year to two years for businesses licensed to collect the electronic cigarettes tax, closed systems cartridge tax, and other tobacco products tax. Specifies that the fiscal officer of an entity that has adopted an innkeeper's tax, a food and beverage tax, or an admissions tax must enter into an agreement with the department of state revenue (department) before the department provides certain information to the fiscal officer as required under current law. Specifies when certain tax information may be disclosed by the department. Provides for the transfer of certain funds from the bureau of motor vehicles commission fund to the motor carrier regulation fund. Provides that a person who commits a violation involving a consumer transaction entailing the transportation of passengers or household goods commits a deceptive act that is actionable by the attorney general and is subject to certain remedies and penalties. Specifies remittance procedures for the gasoline use tax. Specifies recapture procedures for certain reduced estimated tax payments. Makes corresponding changes.

Travis HoldmanRepublican

Prior authorization.

Sets forth requirements for a utilization review entity that requires prior authorization of a health care service. Prohibits a utilization review entity from requiring prior authorization for the first 12 physical therapy or chiropractic visits of each new episode of care. Provides that a claim for reimbursement for a covered service or item provided to an insured or enrollee may not be denied on the sole basis that the referring provider is an out of network provider. Repeals superseded provisions regarding prior authorization. Makes corresponding changes.

Tyler JohnsonRepublican

Economic development.

Establishes the office of entrepreneurship and innovation (office). Specifies the duties of the office. Transfers oversight responsibilities of certified technology parks from the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) to the office. Provides for the submission of an annual report of the activities of an innovation development district as to financial information pertaining to tax increment financing districts in an innovation development district to the: (1) fiscal body of the county, city, or town; and (2) department of local government finance. Provides that before the IEDC may purchase land in a county that in total exceeds 100 acres whether acquired in one transaction or a series of transactions, the IEDC must first give notice, in writing, to the board of county commissioners of the county in which the land is located (and to the mayor of a city if the land is located within a city) not later than 30 days before the closing date for the purchase or purchases. Requires the IEDC to provide to the budget committee a copy of the notice being provided to the local unit in which certain land is being purchased. Provides that if the IEDC extends an offer to one or more voting or nonvoting members of the budget committee to tour a potential economic development site that may receive state assistance in undertaking the project, the IEDC shall simultaneously extend the same offer to all voting and nonvoting members of the budget committee. Requires the governor to appoint the president of the IEDC, who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor and report to the secretary of commerce. (Under current law, the secretary of commerce is the president of the IEDC.) Repeals the statute that expires the central Indiana regional development authority.

Brian BuchananRepublican

Financial institutions and consumer credit.

Provides that a reference to federal law in: (1) the First Lien Mortgage Lending Act; (2) the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC); or (3) the Indiana Code title governing financial institutions; is a reference to the law as in effect December 31, 2024 (rather than December 31, 2023, under current law). Amends the definition of "principal" for purposes of the UCCC provisions governing consumer loans to specify that the term does not include any loan proceeds held as security for the loan. Makes a technical change to the Indiana Code provision governing the prepayment of consumer loans to incorporate a cross reference to the Indiana Code provision setting forth the authorized nonrefundable prepaid finance charge for supervised loans. (Current law references only the authorized nonrefundable prepaid finance charge for consumer loans other than supervised loans.) Amends the definition of "consumer transaction" for purposes of the deceptive consumer sales act (act) to include the provision of a product or service to a: (1) state law enforcement agency; or (2) local law enforcement agency; in Indiana. Amends the definition of "supplier" for purposes of the act to include an entity that provides a product or service to a state or local law enforcement agency in Indiana. Provides that an action that arises from a transaction involving: (1) a state law enforcement agency may be brought and enforced only by the attorney general; and (2) a local law enforcement agency may be brought and enforced only by an attorney acting on behalf of the local law enforcement agency involved in the transaction, unless the local unit of government served by the local law enforcement agency requests the attorney general to bring and enforce an action on behalf of the local unit. Amends the Indiana Code provision governing audit requirements for credit unions to provide that department of financial institutions may establish by policy or rule accounting and auditing standards necessary to define the audit requirements.

Eric BasslerRepublican

Income tax rate.

Provides for a decrease in the individual adjusted gross income tax rate beginning in 2030 depending on certain conditions being met.

Travis HoldmanRepublican

Workforce matters.

Amends the definitions of "discharge for just cause", "employment", and "gross misconduct" for purposes of unemployment insurance. Provides that an unemployment claimant: (1) is required to verify the claimant's identity before a claim can be filed, and as a condition for continued eligibility; and (2) has the right to request a wage investigation and to appeal the results of the investigation to a liability administrative law judge. Allows an unemployment claimant or employing unit to appeal regarding the claimant's status as an insured worker. Requires that all hearings before an administrative law judge or the unemployment insurance review board concerning disputed unemployment claims be set as telephone hearings, unless an objection is made. Allows a disputed unemployment claim to be directly filed with a liability administrative law judge. Provides that administrative records of the department of workforce development (department) are self-authenticating and admissible in an administrative hearing. Provides that the department may release certain confidential records to the extent permitted by federal law. Makes certain changes regarding the reemployment service and eligibility assessment program. Makes various changes regarding extended unemployment benefits. Provides that repayment of a benefits overpayment may be waived if certain conditions are met. Alters certain fee and payment provisions. Removes or alters notice and delivery requirements and extends certain deadlines. Requires the department to issue a written notice of violation to a person who fails to comply with certain authorization requirements. Provides that the department may assess a civil penalty against a person under certain circumstances. Requires civil penalties collected by the department to be deposited in the proprietary educational institution authorization fund. Establishes the unemployment insurance modernization fund (fund). Requires the department to annually submit a report to the budget committee detailing the expenditures made from the fund during the previous state fiscal year. Requires the department to annually submit a report to the budget committee concerning the status of the department's unemployment insurance program. Provides that the department may establish a reemployment pilot program. Makes conforming changes.

Linda RogersRepublican

Unlawful discrimination.

Repeals provisions concerning university diversity committees. Prohibits unlawful discrimination in education, public employment, and licensure. Allows participation in public contracts by a minority business enterprise, women's business enterprise, and veteran business enterprise, as currently authorized by law. Permits scholarships based on a personal characteristic of the recipient if the scholarship is not funded by state funds or resources, and permits the renewal of specified state funded minority teaching scholarships for those recipients who were initially awarded the scholarship before July 1, 2025. Changes the criteria for certain state funded teaching scholarships from minority status to residence in an underserved county and an agreement to teach in an underserved county. Prohibits requiring as a condition of licensure that a person affirm that a person with a certain personal characteristic: (1) is inherently superior or inferior to a person with a different personal characteristic; (2) should be blamed for actions committed in the past; or (3) has a moral character that is determined by a personal characteristic of the person. Prohibits a public employer from requiring training asserting that, or implementing the theory that, a person with a certain personal characteristic: (1) is inherently superior or inferior to a person with a different personal characteristic; (2) should be blamed for actions committed in the past; or (3) has a moral character that is determined by a personal characteristic of the person. Permits a person injured by a violation to bring a civil action for actual damages, court costs, and injunctive relief.

Gary ByrneRepublican

Various education matters.

Requires the department of education (department) to: (1) evaluate, approve, and publish a list of high quality curricular materials for use in English/language arts; and (2) collaborate with teachers in evaluating and approving the English/language arts curricular materials. Provides that the evaluation process for certain curricular materials must include the age appropriateness of the content. Specifies that the curriculum used by a school in which fewer than 70% of students achieved a valid passing score on the determinant evaluation of reading skills must be age appropriate. Requires, subject to available funding, certain schools to participate in the Indiana literacy cadre. Amends the definition of "eligible school" for purposes of the choice scholarship program. Provides that a parent who: (1) is an education scholarship account (ESA) participating entity; and (2) teaches a course or program only to an eligible student who is the parent's child and does not teach a course or program to any other eligible student; may not submit a claim for reimbursement of an ESA qualified expense of tuition and fees to teach the parent's child. Establishes penalties for certain violations by an ESA participating entity.

Jeff RaatzRepublican

School board matters.

Requires a petition of nomination for a school board office to state one of the following: (1) The candidate's political party affiliation. (2) That the candidate is an independent candidate. (3) That the candidate elects not to disclose any affiliation with a political party or that the candidate is not affiliated with a political party and does not identify as an independent candidate. Specifies that unless a candidate who states a political party affiliation is challenged, the candidate's statement must be indicated on the ballot. Provides that the name of a candidate for school board office who does not run in affiliation with a political party or as an independent candidate must be printed with a blank space after the candidate's name signifying that the candidate elects not to disclose any affiliation with a political party or that the candidate is not affiliated with a political party and does not identify as an independent candidate. Specifies that a straight party vote does not count for any candidate for a school board office. Requires a school board vacancy to be filled by: (1) a caucus if the vacating member stated an affiliation with a major political party; and (2) the remaining members of the governing body if the vacating member did not state an affiliation with a major political party. Modifies the annual amount that the governing body of a school corporation may pay a member of the governing body from $2,000 (under current law) to an amount not to exceed 10% of the lowest starting salary of a teacher employed by the school corporation.

Gary ByrneRepublican

Education matters.

Requires, not later than October 1, 2025, the secretary of education to compile and prepare a report concerning school bus driver safety education training. Makes certain changes concerning the process of filling a school board vacancy. Provides that a superintendent is preferred (current law says required) to hold a master's degree from certain institutions. Provides that certain covered school buildings are not required to revert to a school corporation if the building is subject to ongoing renovations. Provides that a superintendent must discuss a plan for annual performance evaluations with teachers (instead of teachers or the teachers' representative). Requires, not later than August 1, 2025, the early learning advisory committee, in coordination with the department of education, to assess certain prekindergarten program matters and submit a report to the legislative council. Removes a provision that contracts with certain superintendents must be in a form of a regular teacher's contract.

Linda RogersRepublican

IURC matters.

Amends within the Indiana Code chapter governing publication procedures for political subdivisions the provision governing the publication of a notice of a hearing by the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) to reference the publication procedures for hearings set forth in the Indiana Code chapter governing the IURC. Amends the publication procedures within the statute governing the IURC to provide that if any newspaper of general circulation in which the IURC publishes a notice does not publish a print edition at least three times a week, the IURC may publish the notice in either: (1) the print edition; or (2) an electronic edition; of the newspaper or a locality newspaper that circulates within the county. Adds a definition of "court reporter" to the Indiana Code chapter governing the regulation of utilities. Replaces references to a "stenographer" with references to a "court reporter" throughout that chapter and in other instances in the Indiana Code in which a "stenographer" or "reporter" is referenced in the context of an IURC proceeding. Repeals all remaining provisions in the Indiana Code chapter concerning alternative energy projects by rural electric membership corporations following the repeal by the general assembly in 2024 of other provisions in that chapter that established a fund to provide incentives under a program that is no longer operational. Increases the civil penalties for violations of the state statute or rules governing pipeline safety: (1) from $25,000 to $200,000 per violation per day; and (2) from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 for the maximum civil penalty for a related series of violations; so as to conform Indiana's civil penalties with those prescribed by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Eric KochRepublican

Employee absence for certain meetings.

Prohibits an employer from taking an adverse employment action against an employee as a result of the employee's absence from work to attend an attendance conference or a case conference committee meeting with respect to the employee's child, except under certain circumstances. Provides that an employer is not required to pay an employee for travel or attendance time with respect to a conference or meeting. Requires certain persons to provide documentation related to a conference or meeting under certain circumstances.

Rodney PolDemocrat

Teacher compensation.

Amends provisions that allow school corporations to provide a supplemental payment to teachers in excess of the salary specified in the school corporation's compensation plan. Makes corresponding changes.

Spencer DeeryRepublican

Film and media production tax credit.

Provides that a taxpayer may assign any part of the film and media production tax credit (credit) that the taxpayer may claim. Sets forth the procedure for a taxpayer to make the assignment. Establishes a limit of $250,000 for any single tax credit provided. Limits the aggregate amount of tax credits that may be provided to $2,000,000. Extends the credit's expiration date from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2031.

Andy Zay