Bills & Legislation

Property tax freeze for persons 65 and older.

Freezes the property tax liability on a homestead of an individual who is at least 65 years of age.

Zach PayneRepublican

Prohibited food ingredients.

Prohibits the use of various food additives in Indiana.

Elizabeth RowrayRepublican

Elkhart County courts.

Allows the judges of the Elkhart circuit and superior courts to appoint five full-time magistrates. (Current law allows for the appointment of two magistrates.)

Timothy WescoRepublican

Cognitive training grant program.

Establishes the cognitive training grant program (program) to provide grants to public and charter schools (eligible schools) to adopt and implement a cognitive training program designed to build skills in areas important to learning. Establishes the cognitive training grant program fund (fund). Provides that the department of education (department) shall develop and publish on the department's website: (1) criteria that vendors must meet to be eligible for use by eligible schools; and (2) guidelines to award grants to eligible schools. Requires the department to prepare and submit an annual report regarding the program to the governor and legislative council.

Jake TeshkaRepublican

Conservancy district board elections.

Provides that, after the appointment of the initial board, members of the board of directors of a conservancy district shall be chosen by vote of the freeholders of the conservancy district in the general election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year. Establishes qualifications for candidates for conservancy district board positions and establishes a procedure by which an individual may become a candidate. Makes candidates for conservancy district board positions subject to certain requirements concerning campaign committees and contribution limits that apply to other candidates for elective office. Makes provisions for the voting for and election of conservancy district board members. Makes conforming changes.

Gregory SteuerwaldRepublican

Township assessors.

Abolishes the office of township assessor, effective January 1, 2028. Transfers the duties of the township assessor to the county assessor of the county in which the township is located. Provides that if the office of township assessor becomes vacant before January 1, 2028, the office is abolished and the duties of the township assessor are transferred to the county assessor.

Ryan LauerRepublican

Wake boarding and wake surfing.

Specifies restrictions that apply to wake boarding or wake surfing on a public freshwater lake. Establishes a penalty. Specifies restrictions that apply to wake boarding or wake surfing on a small lake. Prohibits operation of a motorboat with: (1) an outboard motor; or (2) an outdrive unit; with a propeller that extends past the motorboat's transom, swim platform, boarding platform, swim step, or swim ladder for the purpose of wake surfing.

David AbbottRepublican

Water quality.

Establishes the water protection and restoration trust fund (fund). Provides that the state comptroller shall transfer each year to the fund from the money appropriated to certain state agencies an amount equal to $1,660,000. Establishes the water quality board (board) to manage and develop the fund. Sets out the membership, terms, and compensation of the board. Provides that the board shall establish a surface water quality financial assistance program for the purpose of assessing and reducing nutrients that are negatively affecting surface waters within the state. Makes conforming changes.

David AbbottRepublican

Real world and finance curriculum grant funds.

Establishes the real world readiness grant program (program) to provide grants to eligible schools to better prepare students for life after graduation with or without the assistance of a partnering organization. Establishes the real world readiness fund (fund). Provides a procedure for eligible schools to apply to the department of education (department) to receive a grant from the fund. Requires the department to approve organizations that may partner with an eligible school to facilitate the program. Establishes the personal financial responsibility curriculum grant program to provide grants to eligible schools to develop or adopt personal financial responsibility curriculum. Establishes the personal financial responsibility curriculum fund (financial responsibility fund). Requires the department to establish guidelines: (1) an external organization must meet to be eligible to partner with an eligible applicant; and (2) to award grants to eligible applicants. Requires applicants that receive a grant from the financial responsibility fund to report student outcomes to the department, as developed by the department.

Ben SmaltzRepublican

Vigo County courts.

Allows the judges of the Vigo circuit and superior courts to jointly appoint one magistrate to serve the Vigo County courts.

Robert HeatonRepublican

State property offenses.

Provides that a person convicted of: (1) rioting; (2) criminal mischief; (3) burglary; (4) residential entry; or (5) criminal trespass; committed on state property is ineligible to receive or continue receiving state public assistance, including tuition assistance, for a period of three years. Requires the office of judicial administration to establish a procedure to notify the secretary of family and social services and the board of trustees of a state educational institution of the conviction.

Wendy McNamaraRepublican

Tax deduction and credit for persons 65 or older.

Increases, for purposes of the deduction for persons 65 or older: (1) the adjusted gross income threshold for an individual from $30,000 to $40,000; (2) the combined adjusted gross income threshold for an individual filing a joint return with the individual's spouse from $40,000 to $50,000; (3) the combined adjusted gross income for an individual and all other individuals that are joint tenants or tenants in common from $40,000 to $50,000; and (4) the maximum assessed value of the property subject to the deduction from $240,000 to $350,000. Increases, for purposes of the over 65 circuit breaker credit: (1) the adjusted gross income threshold for an individual from $30,000 to $40,000; (2) the combined adjusted gross income threshold for an individual filing a joint return with the individual's spouse from $40,000 to $50,000; and (3) the maximum assessed value of the property subject to the credit from $240,000 to $350,000. Makes conforming changes.

David AbbottRepublican

Professional licensing.

Removes the following licensing provisions: (1) hearing aid dealers; (2) auctioneers and auction companies; and (3) electrologists. Removes specific courses required for certain behavioral health licensure. Replaces specific courses required for certain behavioral health licensure with a requirement that the program be nationally accredited. Makes conforming changes.

Kyle PierceRepublican

State holidays.

Establishes American Professional Football Day as a state holiday.

Mitch GoreDemocrat

Architect or engineer review of public work.

Provides that plans and specifications approved by an architect or engineer are not required for certain public work on a public building.

Kyle MillerDemocrat

State educational institution supplier diversity.

Requires the governor's supplier diversity commission, the commission for higher education, and the budget committee to review each state educational institution's annual report regarding certain supplier diversity requirements. Provides that if a state educational institution's annual report is not in compliance with certain supplier diversity requirements, the commission for higher education and the budget committee shall determine the total percentage by which the state educational institution fell short of the requirements.

John BartlettDemocrat

Vehicle Bill.

None

Vehicle Bill.

None

Vehicle Bill.

None

Vehicle Bill.

None

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.

Shane LindauerRepublican

Tax credit for safe gun storage expenses.

Provides that a taxpayer is entitled to a credit against the taxpayer's state income tax liability in a taxable year equal to the lesser of: (1) 20% multiplied by the safe gun storage expenses incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year; or (2) $200 (or $100 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return). Defines "safe gun storage expenses" as the purchase price of a qualified firearms storage device. Defines "qualified firearms storage device" as: (1) a safe, lockbox, cabinet, or other container designed to store firearms securely by restricting access to the firearms by a locking device; or (2) a locking device that, when installed on a firearm, is designed to prevent the firearm from being operated without first deactivating the device. Provides that to obtain the credit, the taxpayer must claim the credit in the manner prescribed by the department of state revenue (department). Requires the taxpayer to submit to the department proof of the taxpayer's safe gun storage expenses and all information that the department determines is necessary for the calculation of the credit. Provides that the department shall not share any information submitted by the taxpayer with any other state or federal agency. Prohibits the taxpayer from claiming any carryover, carryback, or refund of any unused credit.

Dave HallRepublican

Pediatric cancer research and treatment grant.

Establishes the pediatric cancer research and treatment grant program (grant program) to be administered by the rare disease advisory council (council). Establishes the pediatric cancer research and treatment fund. Sets forth requirements for an entity to receive a grant. Requires the council to develop criteria, policies, procedures, and a plan concerning awarding of the grants. Prioritizes use of the funds to be on innovative research and treatments with the potential of resulting in novel therapies for pediatric cancer. Requires the council to submit an annual report to the governor and legislative council concerning the grant program and publish the report on the Indiana department of health's website.

Ryan LauerRepublican

Repeal of involuntary firearm removal process.

Repeals provisions concerning the: (1) confiscation and retention of firearms from a dangerous person; (2) compilation and publication of statistics related to the confiscation and retention of firearms from a dangerous person; and (3) making of a false report that a person is dangerous. Modifies a provision concerning a petition to find that an individual is no longer dangerous.

Zach PayneRepublican

Freedom of conscience in health care.

Provides that a health care provider, health care entity, and a health carrier may not be required to provide or refer an individual for a health care service that violates the conscience of the health care provider, health care entity, or health carrier. Establishes an exception for a health carrier. Specifies that a health care provider, health care entity, or a health carrier may not be subject to discrimination and certain other acts and liability for declining to provide the health care service. Establishes a civil action for a violation of these provisions. Provides that a person who prevails in a civil action is entitled to certain relief.

Doug MillerRepublican

Campaign finance reports.

Requires the circuit court clerk of each county to place a copy of each campaign finance report, notice, or other instrument filed with the county election board on the circuit court clerk's or county election board's website in portable document format.

Wendy Dant ChesserDemocrat

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 how the director may begin an enforcement action and what information the director must send to the licensee. Provides when the director may 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.

Beau BairdRepublican

Free state park admissions for Gold Star families.

Requires the department of natural resources to provide free admission to state parks to a Gold Star family member. Requires the bureau of motor vehicles to update the Gold Star family member license plate form.

David AbbottRepublican

Prevention of elder abuse.

Precludes certain individuals who have been convicted of a battery offense or neglect of a dependent from providing certain types of in-home care for compensation.

Ryan LauerRepublican

Retiring farmers tax credit.

Provides an adjusted gross income tax credit for retired farmers who sell or lease farmland or sell livestock to a qualified beginning farmer. Defines "qualified beginning farmer" and "farmland" for purposes of the credit. Allows a taxpayer to apply to the Indiana state department of agriculture (ISDA) for approval and certification of the credit. Allows a beginning farmer to apply to the ISDA for certification as a qualified beginning farmer. Specifies the amount of the credit that may be claimed by a taxpayer. Limits the total amount of tax credits that may be awarded to $1,000,000 per state fiscal year. Sunsets the credit after six years.

Kendell CulpRepublican

Student immunizations.

Provides that a student enrolled in a health profession education program may not be required to receive an immunization as a condition of: (1) participating in; or (2) obtaining; clinical training or clinical experience required by the program when the student has a medical or religious exemption. Allows a student to bring a civil action against an entity for a violation of these provisions. Amends the definition of "documentation of exemption" for purposes of provisions governing immunization requirements at state educational institutions. Provides that a student may not be required to provide specific information regarding the student's religious objection.

Becky CashRepublican

Funding for programs to assist victims of crime.

Appropriates money to the Indiana criminal justice institute for the institute to disburse to entities eligible to receive victim assistance grants under the federal Victims of Crime Act for the provision of victim assistance services.

Julie OlthoffRepublican

Real estate land contracts.

Defines "principal dwelling land contract" (contract) as a land contract for the sale of real property: (1) designed for the occupancy of one to two families; and (2) that is or will be occupied by the buyer as the buyer's principal dwelling. Provides that a buyer who has completed the buyer's obligations under the contract is entitled to the homestead deduction regardless of whether the seller has conveyed title. Provides that the seller under a contract must provide the buyer with certain information concerning any liens that encumber the property 10 days before the contract is executed. Sets forth disclosures that must be included in a contract. Requires all preexisting liens on the property to be satisfied by the seller by the end of the contract term. Provides that a contract must permit a buyer to pay the balance owed and receive the deed at any time. Prohibits prepayment penalties or additional charges for an early payoff. Provides a three day cancellation period for both the buyer and seller. Allows the seller and the buyer to transfer their respective interests in the contract to other parties, subject to certain conditions. Requires the seller to provide the buyer with an annual statement of account. Sets forth certain rights and responsibilities of the parties upon default by either the buyer or the seller. Sets forth acts and omissions constituting violations and establishes remedies for these violations. Provides that a violation of these provisions constitutes an incurable deceptive act that is actionable by the attorney general under the deceptive consumer sales act. Authorizes the attorney general, in consultation with the department of financial institutions, to adopt rules to implement these provisions. Requires that the executed contract or a memorandum of land contract be notarized.

Justin MoedDemocrat

Marijuana advertising.

Provides that a person may not advertise: (1) a product containing marijuana; or (2) a marijuana business; on a sign within 1,000 feet of certain places. Provides that the attorney general may seek civil penalties, an injunction, and other costs for violations. Provides that civil penalties shall be deposited in the state general fund.

Joanna KingRepublican

Sales tax exemption for certain hygiene products.

Provides sales tax exemptions for feminine hygiene products and adult diapers.

Mark GendaRepublican

Vehicle Bill.

None

Designation of persimmon as state fruit.

Designates the persimmon as the official state fruit of Indiana.

Shane LindauerRepublican

Transfers for extracurricular reasons.

Removes language prohibiting certain students from enrolling into a school corporation primarily for athletic reasons.

Cory CriswellRepublican

State forest areas restricted from logging.

Requires the department of natural resources (department), before January 1, 2026, to designate at least one undivided area comprising at least 10% of each state forest as an old forest area. Provides that, wherever possible, the size of a designated old forest area must be at least 500 acres. Sets forth certain purposes to guide the department in designating the old forest areas. Prohibits the department from conducting or allowing timber management in the old forest areas. Requires the department to produce and keep on file maps and legal descriptions of the designated old forest areas. Provides that the designation of the old forest areas may not affect hunting, fishing, trapping, and other recreational uses of the state forests, the maintenance of access roads in the state forests, or rights of access through the state forests.

Dave HallRepublican

Assignment of offenders to correctional facilities.

Requires a correctional facility operated by the department of correction to provide privacy protections based upon an individual's sex. Requires facility and program assignment decisions to be made in compliance with the required privacy protections. Provides a private cause of action against a correctional facility for certain privacy violations.

Peggy MayfieldRepublican

Taxation of grain processing equipment.

Provides an assessed value deduction for eligible grain processing equipment equal to 100% of the assessed value for assessment dates beginning in 2026. However, limits the deduction to 10 consecutive years in the case of an owner of the equipment who is a grain buyer or warehouse subject to licensing by the Indiana grain buyers and warehouse licensing agency. Provides a sales tax exemption for equipment used in storing, drying, moving, removing, and handling agriculturally cultivated grain crops.

Kendell CulpRepublican

Teacher compensation.

Includes school social workers and school psychologists in the definition of "teacher" for purposes of the requirement for school corporations to expend a certain percentage amount of state tuition support on teacher compensation. Provides that the amount a school corporation expends on costs associated with a memorandum of understanding or any other agreement entered into with a community mental health center or certified or licensed provider to provide mental or behavioral health services to students of the school corporation is included in determining the percentage amount a school corporation is expending.

Steve BartelsRepublican

Sexual battery against a law enforcement officer.

Provides an enhancement for sexual battery that is committed against a law enforcement officer.

Victoria Garcia WilburnDemocrat

Ban on university practices.

Provides that a state educational institution may not investigate, threaten disciplinary action regarding, punish, or solicit the reporting of certain student speech. Provides that the race, color, or ethnicity of a student or applicant of a postsecondary educational institution may not be used in certain decision making processes or provided to specified individuals, and establishes a cause of action for a violation of these provisions.

Jake TeshkaRepublican

Medical cannabis.

Permits the use of medical cannabis by a person with a serious medical condition as determined by the person's physician and establishes a procedure for the production and distribution of medical cannabis. Makes conforming amendments.

Jake TeshkaRepublican

Elimination of state individual income tax.

Eliminates the state individual adjusted gross income tax by reducing the rate to 0%. Provides that in calculating the local income tax (LIT), which is imposed based on a local taxpayer's state adjusted gross income, the calculation of a taxpayer's state adjusted gross income for LIT purposes shall be calculated under the adjusted gross income tax provisions as if those provisions, and the most recent adjusted gross income tax rate before its elimination, were still in effect.

Zach PayneRepublican