Bills & Legislation

Powers and duties of the election commission.

Separates out the procedures for how a county election board and the Indiana election commission (commission) may administratively disband certain committees into two different sections of the Indiana Code. Allows the commission to administratively disband a committee if: (1) the committee has not filed a report of expenditures during the previous calendar year; (2) the committee has never filed a report of expenditures or the last report filed reported cash on hand that did not exceed $1,000; and (3) the election division has attempted to contact the committee but the communication was returned or otherwise undeliverable. Removes the discretion of the commission with respect to certain civil penalties that may be imposed and instead requires the commission to impose the civil penalties. Requires the commission to assess a civil penalty of $1,000 or $500, plus investigative costs, for certain violations. Provides that a $500 civil penalty shall be assessed for a violation of certain electronic filing requirements.

Mike GaskillRepublican

Energy utility matters.

Provides that any standard tariff offered by an energy utility after March 14, 2026, to a large load customer of the energy utility must include a provision that requires reimbursement by the large load customer of all project costs reasonably allocable to the large load customer, regardless of whether the large load customer ultimately takes service in any anticipated amount and within any anticipated time frame. Makes a conforming amendment to the existing statute that allows an energy utility to petition the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) for approval of a project to serve a large load customer. Provides that in a proceeding that is filed with or pending before the IURC after December 31, 2025, for a change in an energy utility's basic rates and charges, the IURC may not issue an order in the proceeding that would result, upon full implementation, in an increase in the energy utility's basic rates and charges, for any customer class, that exceeds the average monthly percentage increase in seasonally adjusted electricity prices for the United States over the course of a specified period that ends with the last month of the energy utility's 12 month test period used in the proceeding. Provides that the IURC may not authorize a public utility that: (1) provides retail electric or natural gas service; and (2) is under the IURC's jurisdiction for the approval of rates and charges; (utility) to recover through the utility's retail rates and charges any direct or indirect costs associated with specified expenses and activities related to lobbying, legislative action, political activities, charitable giving, litigation, investor relations, and other specified activities and expenses. Beginning in 2026, requires a utility to file with the IURC an annual report that includes specified information concerning costs to: (1) the utility; or (2) an affiliate of the utility; that are related to these expenses or activities and that are directly billed or allocated to the utility. Requires the IURC to make available on the IURC's website a direct link to the annual reports provided by all utilities under these provisions. Urges the legislative council to assign to the interim study committee on energy, utilities, and telecommunications the task of studying, during the 2026 legislative interim, the use of trackers by public utilities providing electric or natural gas service.

Vaneta BeckerRepublican

Intelligent speed assistance device.

Defines an "intelligent speed assistance device" as an aftermarket device that uses technology to limit the speed of a motor vehicle to not more than the speed limit of the area being traveled. Allows a court to require a person who has been convicted of a crime for which the operation of a motor vehicle is an element of the offense to use an intelligent speed assistance device. Requires the court to notify the bureau of motor vehicles (bureau) if an order is issued requiring the use of an intelligent speed assistance device and for the bureau to send a notice to the individual subject to the court order. Makes it a Class B misdemeanor to tamper with, or solicit another person to tamper with, an intelligent speed assistance device. Permits the bureau to establish rules related to the use of intelligent speed assistance devices and to approve vendors of intelligent speed assistance devices.

Vaneta BeckerRepublican

Abortion inducing drugs and abortion reports.

Modifies the definitions of "abortion" and "abortion inducing drug". Amends the information required to be reported to the Indiana department of health (state department) concerning an abortion complication. Requires the state department to send each abortion complication report to the office of the inspector general. Provides that a person who manufactures, distributes, mails, transports, delivers, prescribes, or provides an abortion inducing drug is jointly and severally liable for: (1) the wrongful death of an unborn child or pregnant woman from the use of an abortion inducing drug; and (2) personal injury of an unborn child or pregnant woman from the use of the abortion inducing drug. Allows the mother or father of an unborn child to bring a wrongful death action for the wrongful death of the unborn child from the use of abortion inducing drugs. Provides affirmative defenses. Allows for qui tam actions against certain persons. Adds an exception for the prohibition on abortion inducing drugs.

Tyler JohnsonRepublican

PFAS chemicals.

Defines "decision", "PFAS chemicals", and "state prioritized PFAS chemicals". Prohibits the department of environmental management (department) from basing a decision primarily on federal risk values that have not been promulgated through federal rulemaking. Instructs the department to avoid the use of federal risk values that are at or below background concentrations in air, water, soil, or sediment. Provides that the department shall focus on state prioritized PFAS chemicals when PFAS chemicals are relevant to carrying out the department's duties.

Scott BaldwinRepublican

Property and local income taxes.

Amends provisions added in SEA 1 in the 2025 session that require the department of local government finance to neutralize the effect of certain property tax provisions enacted in that bill. Amends the threshold for the business personal property tax exemption enacted in SEA 1 in the 2025 session. Reinstates excess tax levy appeal provisions that were repealed in SEA 1 in the 2025 session. Amends the various local income tax (LIT) rates that may be adopted under provisions added in SEA 1 in the 2025 session. Amends the population thresholds used to determine if a city or town is eligible to adopt a municipal LIT. Repeals provisions that require counties and municipalities to readopt their LIT rate each year. Moves the effective date for the local income tax changes enacted in SEA 1 in the 2025 session from 2028 to 2029. Makes corresponding changes to move the expiration date regarding a county with a single voting bloc enacted in HEA 1142 in the 2025 session.

Linda RogersRepublican

Various education matters.

Requires the department of education (department) to: (1) compile a list of business and industry partners that provide guaranteed incentives to high school students who earn the honors employment plus seal; and (2) publish the list on the department's website. Provides that, in addition to conditions established in current law to convert an existing public elementary or secondary school, an existing public elementary or secondary school may be converted into a charter school if certain other conditions apply. Allows, if the conditions are met, the governing body of a school corporation to: (1) convert more than one existing public elementary or secondary school within the school corporation; and (2) operate two or more conversion charter schools under a single charter. Allows participating innovation network charter schools to enter into an agreement with more than one school corporation. Establishes the following for or with regard to participating innovation network charter schools that entered into an agreement with more than one school corporation: (1) Requirements regarding the location of a participating innovation network charter school. (2) Terms of a participating innovation network charter school agreement. (3) Duties of the department. Amends certain requirements and procedures that apply to the closure and transfer of covered school buildings. Provides that a lease or sale of a covered school building to a charter school or state educational institution includes certain assets. Requires parental notification if a school determines a student is at risk of not achieving grade level proficiency in mathematics.

Linda RogersRepublican

Surplus interconnection service.

Defines "surplus interconnection service" (SIS), with respect to established interconnection service connecting an electric generating facility with an electric transmission system, as any portion of that service that: (1) has not been used; and (2) is not reasonably expected to be needed; the use of which would result in the total amount of interconnection service at the point of interconnection remaining the same. Provides that an electric utility that is required to file integrated resource plans (IRPs) with the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) must include in any IRP filed after December 31, 2029, an analysis of the potential for SIS to meet immediate needs for capacity and energy at utility owned facilities. Provides that with respect to any petition filed with the IURC after December 31, 2029, for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction, purchase, or lease of an electric generation facility, the IURC shall consider whether: (1) the petitioner has conducted an analysis of the use of SIS as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, the proposed construction, purchase, or lease of the facility; and (2) the proposed construction, use, or lease of the facility will make use of, or allow for the use of, SIS. Requires the IURC to conduct a study to evaluate the potential use of SIS by electric utilities. Sets forth specific topics that the IURC must evaluate as part of the study. Requires the IURC to include in its 2027 annual report its findings with respect to the topics evaluated in the study.

Eric KochRepublican

Utility service enhancement improvement costs.

Amends the statute that authorizes a conservancy district providing water service to withdraw from the jurisdiction of the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) if the conservancy district serves less than 2,000 customers, so as to authorize a withdrawal from the IURC's jurisdiction if the conservancy district serves less than 3,000 customers. Amends the existing statute authorizing alternative regulatory procedures for water or sewer utilities with customer bases not exceeding specified numbers to include within the scope of the statute a procedure that promotes economic development opportunities in rural areas while providing just and reasonable protections to a utility's existing ratepayers. Prohibits a water or wastewater utility (utility) from charging or collecting a capacity related fee or a tap fee to an eligible customer for connecting workforce housing to the utility's water or wastewater system (system) under certain circumstances. Provides that if the utility determines that the extension of service to the workforce housing will not result in a positive contribution to the utility's overall cost of service over a 20 year period, the utility may charge and collect from the eligible customer a capacity related fee or a tap fee that does not exceed the difference between: (1) the otherwise applicable capacity related fee or tap fee; minus (2) the contribution to the utility's overall cost of service over a 20 year period that will result from the extension of service to the workforce housing. Provides that for purposes of these provisions, an "eligible customer" means a not-for-profit organization that: (1) has entered into an agreement with the Indiana housing and community development authority under which the person will construct workforce housing in Indiana; and (2) seeks to connect the workforce housing to the system of a utility under the terms of a special contract with the utility. Authorizes a water or wastewater utility that is eligible under existing law to recover costs for service enhancement improvements (eligible utility) to adjust the statutory adjustment tracker to reflect certain per unit chemical and power costs if those costs have increased or decreased by more than 3% over the two most recent years. Provides that if the costs: (1) have increased by more than 3% over the two year period, the amount of the adjustment shall be included in the adjustment rider as an expense; or (2) have decreased by more than 3% over the two year period, the amount of the adjustment shall be included in the adjustment rider as a credit. Provides that an eligible utility is not required to seek preapproval of a plan from the IURC in order to seek recovery of the costs of chemicals and power. Requires an eligible utility for which the IURC has issued an order approving an adjustment rider for the recovery of chemical or power costs to file a petition for a change in its adjustment amount: (1) not later than 30 days after the end of each 12 month period after the date of the IURC's order approving the adjustment rider; and (2) until the IURC issues an order in the eligible utility's next general rate case. Specifies that the costs of chemicals and power may be recovered in full and without deferring 20% of the costs for recovery as part of the eligible utility's next general rate case.

Eric KochRepublican

Innkeeper's tax.

Authorizes the city of New Haven to impose an innkeeper's tax at a flat rate that does not exceed $5 per night. Amends provisions regarding distribution and uses of the Hamilton County innkeeper's tax. Makes corresponding changes to statutes concerning innkeeper's tax administration.

Travis HoldmanRepublican

Various tax matters.

Amends and adds state income tax statutes to conform with certain provisions enacted in Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1) (commonly known as One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025). Specifies rounding provisions for cash transactions with regard to the penny phaseout. Amends state income tax withholding provisions for gambling winnings. Amends the definition of "contribution" for purpose of the state income tax credit for contributions to an ABLE account. Amends provisions regarding computation of specified research or experimental expenditures. Authorizes the department of state revenue (department) to mail documents electronically through its online tax system. Allows taxpayers to request to receive all documents from the department through the department's online tax system. Makes changes to certain tax warrant procedures. Extends the deadline for filing revenue agent report (RAR) adjustments from 180 days to one year from the Internal Revenue Service's finalization of the federal adjustments. Amends the statute of limitations for issuing assessments and refunds based on an RAR to one year. Adds certain sales tax enforcement provisions regarding motor vehicles, cargo trailers, aircraft, and watercraft. Amends provisions regarding confidentiality of tax information. Makes various changes to the cigarette tax chapter, the petroleum severance tax chapter, and the alcoholic beverage excise tax chapters. Specifies the liability of responsible persons for trust fund taxes. Defines the term "responsible person" with regard to trust fund taxes. Specifies application of the Indiana adoption tax credit. Revises provisions in the pass through entity tax regrading credit for taxes paid to another state. Amends provisions in the tax amnesty program. Specifies the determination of estimated tax penalties. Makes amending changes to the aircraft license excise tax.

Travis HoldmanRepublican

Relocation of casino to Marion County.

Provides that the licensed owner of the riverboat located in the city of Rising Sun (licensed owner) may relocate gaming operations to a casino in Marion County if certain conditions are met. Requires the licensed owner to pay a fee of $50,000,000 if the licensed owner sells or transfers the licensed owner's interest in the licensed owner's license within 10 years of the approval of relocation. Provides for the distribution of wagering tax revenue and supplemental wagering tax revenue from a casino in Marion County. Requires the licensed owner of a casino in Marion County to annually pay a community support fee to the city of Rising Sun and Ohio County.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

Tip pooling.

Specifically authorizes the use of tip pooling arrangements under certain circumstances.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

Redaction of court records.

Requires the names and specified other information of child victims, child witnesses, and certain other persons to be redacted in criminal actions. Requires the use of an anonymous designator such as "Child Witness No. 1" when redacting a name, and prohibits redaction that uses the person's initials or that describes the person in terms of a family relationship.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

South Bend Community school corporation.

Provides that members of the governing body for the South Bend Community school corporation (school corporation) serving on June 30, 2026, shall become on July 1, 2026, an advisory board to the governing body for the school corporation. Provides that, beginning July 1, 2026, members of the governing body for the school corporation shall be appointed by the secretary of education following a nomination process. Establishes a commission to nominate individuals for the governing body.

Linda RogersRepublican

State chemist.

Codifies animal food administrative rules. Defines or amends certain terms. Codifies certain requirements and processes for commercial feed and pet food with respect to: (1) label format; (2) label information; (3) express guarantees; (4) suitability; (5) ingredients; (6) directions for use and precautionary statements; (7) nonprotein nitrogen; (8) drug and feed additives; (9) adulterants; (10) good manufacturing practices; (11) payment of inspection fees; (12) interstate exclusion; and (13) commercial feed licenses.

Jean LeisingRepublican

Regulation of hemp.

Defines "THC" for purposes of Indiana alcohol and tobacco law. Expands certain crimes concerning alcohol and tobacco, including crimes regarding possession by minors and sales to minors, to include products containing THC. Provides that a violation of the hemp derived cannabinoid products chapter is a deceptive act. Provides that the offense of aiding unlawful possession includes unlawful possession of a product containing THC. Provides that the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) shall conduct random inspections of locations where products containing THC are sold. Allows law enforcement officers to engage minors who are at least 16 years of age to purchase THC products as part of a law enforcement action. Enacts provisions regulating the manufacture, distribution, sale, and transportation of hemp derived cannabinoid products (hemp derived cannabinoid products law). Requires the commission to enforce and administer the hemp derived cannabinoid products law. Provides for issuance of: (1) manufacturer permits; (2) distributor permits; (3) retail permits; and (4) carrier permits; for hemp derived cannabinoid products. Prohibits the sale of hemp derived cannabinoid products online or by delivery. Provides that a person issued a manufacturer permit may manufacture hemp derived cannabinoid products only in Indiana. Imposes packaging and labeling requirements for hemp derived cannabinoid products. Requires testing of hemp derived cannabinoid products and provides that the commission may spot test hemp derived cannabinoid products for compliance with the hemp derived cannabinoid products law. Specifies circumstances under which a hemp derived cannabinoid product shall be treated as if it is marijuana. Creates the hemp derived cannabinoid products fund and specifies purposes for which money in the fund shall be used. Imposes restrictions on advertising of hemp derived cannabinoid products. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of the hemp derived cannabinoid products law, and provides that a violation of the hemp derived cannabinoid products law is a deceptive act for purposes of Indiana law regarding deceptive consumer sales. Provides that for purposes of Indiana motor vehicle law: (1) "intoxicated" includes being under the influence of tetrahydrocannabinol; and (2) "schedule I drug" includes marijuana, hemp, and tetrahydrocannabinol. Provides that the state seed commissioner (commissioner) may issue hemp grower's licenses and hemp handler's licenses, and specifies licensure requirements and duties of licensees. Provides that the commissioner: (1) shall share information with the state police department regarding the commissioner's licensure of hemp growers and handlers; and (2) shall report specified information to the United States Secretary of Agriculture. Provides that Indiana's hemp growing programs may not operate above federal restrictions or limitations. Repeals chapters regarding: (1) distribution of low THC hemp extract; and (2) sale of low THC hemp extract. Provides that a retail establishment in which tobacco products and products containing THC (rather than tobacco products alone, under current law) account for 85% of the establishment's gross sales may not allow an individual under 21 years of age to enter the establishment. Adds federal definitions of certain hemp terms to the Indiana criminal code. Modifies definitions of "marijuana" and "smokable hemp" for purposes of the Indiana criminal code. Removes references to "delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol" and "low THC hemp extract" in certain crimes. Provides that nothing in Indiana: (1) alcohol and tobacco law; or (2) agriculture law; may be construed under the "inclusio unius, exclusio alterius" canon of construction as legalizing marijuana. Specifies situations in which a product shall be treated as if it is marijuana. Makes an appropriation.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

OWI penalties.

Provides that if a person has one prior OWI conviction, the court shall order that the person be imprisoned for at least 10 days or perform community service, and if a person has two prior OWI convictions, the court shall order that the person be imprisoned for at least 20 days or perform community service. Provides that a person receives good time credit while serving a sentence imposed under this statute (under current law, a person does not receive good time credit).Provides that this statute does not increase the maximum sentence for the offense as provided by either IC 35-50-2 or IC 35-50-3. Specifies that "vehicle", for purposes of the crime of operating while intoxicated, includes a watercraft, and repeals the separate crime of operating a motorboat while intoxicated. Provides that an initial hearing may be waived and allows a person to apply for a specialized driving privilege after an initial hearing. Adds operating while intoxicated due to use of a controlled substance to the habitual traffic violator statute. Authorizes the use of a roadside chemical test under certain circumstances. Specifies that ignition interlock devices may only be used when the underlying offense is operating while intoxicated resulting from the use of alcohol. Makes certain provisions concerning pretrial administrative suspension of driving privileges discretionary with the court.Provides that the budget director shall review and determine before December 31, 2026, whether federal highway administration funding to the state will or will not be reduced due to the amendment of provisions concerning administrative suspension of driving privileges. Requires the budget director to notify the budget committee of the determination and those provisions may not be implemented until after budget committee review. Makes conforming amendments.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

Criminal law matters.

Provides that a person who commits a criminal offense commits a separate offense for each victim of the offense. Requires the department of correction to weekly transport sentenced offenders from the Marion County adult detention center to the appropriate correctional facility. Removes a provision allowing an automatic change of judge when a judge rejects a plea agreement in a misdemeanor case. Allows the state to appeal a sentence in a criminal case. Makes sentences nonsuspendible for: (1) crimes of violence; and (2) persons charged with a felony who have a prior felony conviction. Provides that an inmate may earn not more than six months of educational credit for participating in an individualized case management plan. Increases the penalty for invasion of privacy if the crime is committed by a person against whom domestic battery charges are pending. Provides that crimes committed against different victims during the same episode of criminal conduct do not count against the sentencing cap that applies to crimes committed as part of the same episode of criminal conduct. Specifies that persons convicted of certain crimes may not participate in a community corrections program. Increases the penalty for: (1) reckless homicide; (2) involuntary manslaughter; and (3) reckless supervision; to a Level 4 felony. Establishes the public prosecution fund and a prosecuting attorney compensation fee of $40, which will be deposited in the public prosecution fund. Provides that a county may be reimbursed for certain prosecutorial expenses from the fund, unless the prosecuting attorney in the county is a noncompliant prosecuting attorney. Requires the Indiana prosecuting attorney's council to set standards for reimbursement. Makes it malicious littering, a Class A misdemeanor, for a person to place refuse on the property of another person with the intent to cause the owner or occupant of the property to reasonably fear for their physical safety.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

Deed fraud.

Establishes the deed fraud task force. Provides that a county recorder may: (1) refuse to record a suspicious instrument, unless a court of competent jurisdiction finds that the county recorder's finding that the instrument is a suspicious instrument is erroneous; (2) report a suspicious instrument to the appropriate law enforcement agency; or (3) notify a notarial officer or notary public who has purported to acknowledge or prove a suspicious instrument of the reason for the county recorder's finding that the instrument is a suspicious instrument. Requires each county recorder to establish a property alert notification system. Requires each county recorder to establish an instrument alert notification system. Provides that a notarial officer may refuse to perform a notarial act if the notarial officer is not satisfied that the individual executing the record has provided sufficient information to conduct identity proofing. Requires a notary public to present proof of the notary public's commission to a person that sells or otherwise provides a stamping device to the notary public. Requires an applicant seeking a commission as a notary public to complete a background check administered by the secretary of state. Requires the secretary of state to establish certain security procedures and access controls with respect to the electronic data base of active notaries public. Provides that a person that alleges damages arising from the recording of a forged deed or mortgage has a cause of action against certain persons.

Greg GoodeRepublican

Ivy Tech Community College.

Consolidates duties and responsibilities for Ivy Tech Community College (college). Includes logistics, information technology, and life sciences as areas of expertise for members of the college's board of trustees (board). Provides that members of a campus board may represent an employer that operates within the campus service area. Provides that the campus board, in collaboration with the campus chancellor, shall nominate and submit candidate names in the event of a campus board vacancy. Requires the campus board to: (1) develop and recommend certain plans to the board; and (2) make certain budget recommendations to the campus chancellor. Realigns and consolidates the primary purposes of the college. Consolidates duties and responsibilities for the board. Requires the Indiana economic development corporation, not later than December 1, 2026, to: (1) develop an education to employment research program; and (2) create a framework for education to employment data analysis and data sharing. Repeals certain provisions regarding the purpose and requirements of the college.

Greg GoodeRepublican

Property tax streamline.

Abolishes the offices of county assessor and township assessor and transfers the duties of the assessor to the county auditor. Abolishes the office of township trustee and transfers the duties of the township trustee to the board of county commissioners. Requires the department of local government finance (DLGF) to develop an automated valuation model system (AVM system) to be used by the DLGF to conduct the assessment of all tangible property statewide, except for agricultural land. Requires the DLGF to conduct all assessments for tangible property, excluding agricultural land, using the AVM system beginning with the first assessment date that an AVM system is operational for use, but not later than 2037. Requires the DLGF to present a plan of implementation for an AVM system to the interim study committee on fiscal policy before November 1, 2026, and present an update on the AVM system before November 1 in subsequent years until the AVM system is operational for use. Except for agricultural land, provides that tangible property shall not be subject to assessment beginning with assessments in 2027 through the first assessment date for which the AVM system is applied. Freezes the assessed value of all taxable property, except agricultural land, during this time period at the assessed value determined for the property for the 2028 assessment date. Caps the property tax liability for all taxable property for taxes first due and payable in 2028 through the first date that taxes are first due and payable based on assessments under the AVM system to not more than: (1) for taxes first due and payable in 2028, the property tax liability imposed on the taxpayer's property for taxes first due and payable in 2026; and (2) for taxes first due and payable in 2029 and thereafter, the property tax liability for the calendar year not to exceed a 3% increase from the taxpayer's property tax liability from the previous year. Requires the department of transportation (department) to develop and implement inspection criteria for local bridge inspections throughout the state with timelines, inspection standards, and milestones that ensure public safety, comply with state and federal inspection standards, and have the goal of reducing the cost of local bridge inspections within a county. Requires the department to exempt certain inspection regulations that the department determines will reduce costs while complying with state and federal inspection standard. Repeals a provision in current law requiring the department to ensure that Indiana's local bridge conditions are in the top quarter compared to other states (retains the requirement for state bridges). Requires the legislative services agency to prepare legislation for introduction in the 2027 regular session of the general assembly to make appropriate required changes in statutes. Makes corresponding changes.

Scott AlexanderRepublican

Foreign agent registration, foreign terrorist organizations, and foreign adversaries.

Provides that contracts entered into, amended, or renewed by a qualified entity for the provision of a technological product or service must contain a provision requiring the contractor to confirm that the contractor and any subcontractors working under the contract for the contractor are not prohibited persons. Requires certain persons acting on behalf of a hostile foreign country to register with the attorney general. Establishes a procedure to deny state benefits to persons who aid a foreign terrorist organization. Requires a state educational institution to meet certain requirements regarding the admission and enrollment of a foreign student into qualifying programs at state educational institutions. Requires an approved postsecondary educational institution to provide to the commission for higher education the number of foreign students currently enrolled in a qualifying program and the number of foreign students enrolled in a qualifying program for each academic year for the preceding 10 years. Prohibits certain individuals and business entities from acquiring real property located in Indiana. Provides that an agreement or cooperative agreement between a unit and a prohibited person is contrary to public policy and is void and unenforceable. Repeals existing statutes regarding foreign ownership of agricultural land.

Chris GartenRepublican

Electricity rate increases due to data centers.

Provides that the Indiana utility regulatory commission may not approve an increase in the rates and charges of an electric utility to the extent the increase is related solely to the electric utility's cost of providing electric utility service to: (1) a data center; or (2) a new or existing facility: (A) the electricity demand of which exceeds or will exceed a specified amount; and (B) that employs or will employ fewer than 50 full-time employees on the premises of the facility.

Chris GartenRepublican

Nuclear facility permits.

Makes the following changes to the Indiana Code chapter concerning the issuance of permits for nuclear powered generating facilities and nuclear fuel reprocessing plants (facilities) by the department of environmental management (department): (1) Repeals a provision that prohibits a person from constructing or operating, or increasing the capacity of, a facility without a permit from the department. (2) Repeals a provision authorizing the environmental rules board (board) to adopt rules establishing: (A) conditions for the issuance of a permit for; and (B) requirements for the operation of; a facility. (3) Requires a person proposing to construct a facility to file with the department (instead of the board, under current law) an environmental feasibility report concurrently with the filing of documents (instead of the preliminary safety analysis, under current law) required to be filed with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (instead of the United States Atomic Energy Commission, under current law). (4) Repeals a provision authorizing the commissioner of the department to conduct a public hearing on the environmental effects of the proposed operation of a facility. (5) Repeals a provision: (A) requiring the board to adopt rules and standards to protect Indiana citizens from radiation hazards; and (B) setting forth requirements for required permits with respect to radioactive discharge.

Eric KochRepublican

Partnership composite returns.

Removes penalty provisions that apply if a pass through entity fails to include in a composite return nonresident partners, nonresident shareholders, or nonresident beneficiaries that do not have distributive share income of greater than $0. Makes conforming changes.

Scott BaldwinRepublican

Carbon dioxide.

Specifies that an application for a carbon dioxide transmission pipeline certificate of authority must include: (1) a risk assessment; and (2) a carbon dioxide injection estimate. Provides that when determining compensation in certain eminent domain proceedings, the perceived risk of certain hazardous conditions must be taken into account. Establishes a carbon sequestration pilot project fee program, and specifies certain conditions in relation to the fee money. Provides that a transfer of ownership in regard to a carbon sequestration pilot project does not relieve a prior operator from liability for any negligence or willful misconduct that occurred before the transfer. Requires the department of natural resources to inspect a carbon sequestration pilot project. Alters the threshold of consent one must obtain in order to use eminent domain or integration in relation to carbon sequestration.

Spencer DeeryRepublican

Criminal vandalism.

Renames the crime of "criminal mischief" to "criminal vandalism". Repeals: (1) institutional criminal mischief; (2) cemetery mischief; (3) railroad mischief; and (4) critical infrastructure facility mischief; places them in the "criminal vandalism" statute, and preserves the original penalties and defenses. Repeals and places provisions involving damage to a cave in the criminal vandalism statute. Repeals and places provisions involving depositing refuse in a cave in the littering statute. Makes conforming amendments.

Michael YoungRepublican

INSPECT program.

Sets forth the circumstances in which a dispenser is not required to transmit certain information to the INSPECT program (program). Requires an opioid treatment program to, before reporting patient information to the program, comply with federal regulations in obtaining patient consent. Allows the board of pharmacy to disclose prescription drug monitoring program data to a representative of the Indiana department of health and the office of the secretary of family and social services for specified purposes.

Michael CriderRepublican

Child and dependent care tax credit.

Provides a refundable child and dependent care tax credit to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income for the taxable year is not more than 250% of the federal poverty level. Provides that the credit is equal to the lesser of: (1) an amount ranging from $200 to $1,000, depending on the extent to which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds the federal poverty level; or (2) 20% of the taxpayer's employment related expenses.

J.D. FordDemocrat

Economic development tax credits.

Amends the economic development for a growing economy (EDGE) tax credit to: (1) authorize the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) to increase the value of an EDGE credit to a company for new job creation based on the amount of expenses of the company to relocate an individual to Indiana to fill the position; and (2) explicitly permit the IEDC to provide EDGE credits to a company that is retaining an employee through a minimum of a 25% increase in hourly wages paid to the individual. Clarifies provisions that apply to IEDC certification of a fund as a qualified Indiana investment fund.

Brian BuchananRepublican

Various employment matters.

Provides that, under certain circumstances, an employer who takes an adverse action against an employee commits an infraction. Specifies that, under certain circumstances, an adverse employment action is prima facie evidence of an unlawful retaliation. Provides that, under certain circumstances, an employer who knowingly or intentionally fails to pay an employee or former employee commits an infraction. Increases the amount of worker's compensation and worker's occupational diseases compensation benefits available for injuries and disablements: (1) in fiscal year 2027; (2) in fiscal year 2028; (3) in fiscal year 2029; (4) in fiscal year 2030; (5) in fiscal year 2031; and (6) in fiscal year 2032 and thereafter. Amends the definition of "wage credits". Specifies the rate for unemployment insurance benefits for initial claims filed by an individual who is totally unemployed for any week beginning after June 30, 2026. Specifies, for initial claims filed for any week beginning after June 30, 2026: (1) the maximum weekly benefit amount; and (2) an additional weekly benefit for eligible and qualified individuals with dependents.

Rodney PolDemocrat

Base rate cases for electricity suppliers.

Provides that in a base rate proceeding that is filed with or pending before the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) after December 31, 2025, for an increase in an electricity supplier's basic rates and charges, the IURC shall do the following: (1) Consider whether the requested increase would result, upon full implementation, in an average monthly residential bill that would represent more than 6% of a representative low income customer's monthly income. (2) Consider and compare the following: (A) The total amount of the electricity supplier's actual return that was distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends, or reinvested by the electricity supplier in its own stock, during the period extending back to the IURC's last order approving the electricity supplier's basic rates and charges (relevant period). (B) The sum of the total amount of the electricity supplier's actual return for the relevant period that was invested in infrastructure or improvements to the electricity supplier's system, plus the amount of capital investments that are associated with a set of discrete and identifiable capital spending projects that will be placed in service within a reasonable time after the end of the electricity supplier's 12 month test period in the proceeding. (3) Hold at least two public hearings in the electricity supplier's service area. Provides that in the IURC's final order in the proceeding, the IURC shall include: (1) the IURC's findings with respect to the considerations required under the bill; and (2) a discussion of how the IURC took those findings into account in reaching the decisions set forth in the order.

Rodney PolDemocrat

Hobart counter-cyclical fund loan.

Cancels a 2023 loan or loans from the state of Indiana from the counter-cyclical revenue and economic stabilization fund for the purpose of providing funds to be applied to refunding certain bonds of the city of Hobart and the city of Hobart redevelopment district and offsetting property tax revenue shortfalls incurred and to be incurred by the city of Hobart. Provides that the city of Hobart is not required to make any further payments to the state of Indiana in satisfaction of the loan or loans.

Mark SpencerDemocrat

Eligibility for veteran's benefits.

Changes references relating to military discharges to require discharges under honorable conditions. (Current law provides that a veteran is eligible for benefits except under certain conditions designated by the Indiana department of veterans' affairs.) Excludes references used to determine eligibility for grants from the military family relief fund.

Mark SpencerDemocrat

Relocation of outdoor advertising signs.

Provides that the Indiana department of transportation or a zoning authority may not apply zoning standards or require a permit to relocate certain outdoor advertising signs. Provides that an existing outdoor advertising sign located within the boundaries of an excluded city may not be relocated outside the excluded city unless the county or municipality to which the outdoor advertising sign will be relocated approves of the relocation. Allows a zoning authority to permit or inspect a relocated outdoor advertising sign if the purpose is to ensure compliance with certain safety standards.

Blake DoriotRepublican

Electric generation asset reports.

Prescribes additional information that an electricity supplier must include in the electricity supplier's annual accounting filing with the Indiana utility regulatory commission.

Blake DoriotRepublican

Reorganization of consumer lending laws.

Repeals the statutes governing first lien mortgage lending, small loans, mortgage rescue protection fraud, and home loan practices and the Uniform Consumer Credit Code. Recodifies the repealed statutes in a new title of the Indiana Code concerning consumer lending (Title 37). Conforms the structure and organization of the recodified statutes to the requirements of the general assembly's drafting manual. Makes conforming changes to cross-references.

Scott BaldwinRepublican

Local public work project bidding.

Provides additional considerations that a local public works board may consider in determining the lowest responsible and responsive bidder for a public work project costing at least $300,000.

Dan DernulcRepublican

Family and children matters.

Requires the local office of the department of child services to provide notice of an adoption petition to the court in which a CHINS proceeding is open or pending. Provides that the consent to adoption may be executed or acknowledged at any time after the birth of the child in the presence of an attorney, in person, or by video conferencing. Provides that a court may grant postadoption contact privileges if the child is at least 12 months of age. (Current law requires the child to be at least two years of age.) Provides certain exceptions to confidentiality requirements. Requires the department of child services (department) to consider certain factors when evaluating an out-of-home placement for a child in a child in need of services (CHINS) case. Provides that a placement with whom a child has resided with for at least 12 months, consecutively or nonconsecutively, is presumed to be an individual who has a significant relationship with the child. Requires a court to write a formal order in certain circumstances and include specific information in the order. Provides that the objectives of the dispositional decree are not considered met solely because a court is prohibited from changing a child's placement under IC 31-34-23-6(g) and prohibits the court from considering certain information when deciding whether the objectives of the dispositional decree are met. Requires any party seeking a change in placement for certain children to file a motion with the court, provide notice to all persons affected, and inform all persons affected of the right to file a written objection within 15 days. (Current law only allows the department to file the motion for a change of placement.) Allows a court to rule on a party's motion for the change in placement without delay if exigent circumstances are alleged in the party's motion. Provides that, with certain exceptions, if a child is the subject of an adoption petition, the adoption petitioner is the child's current placement, and the adoption petitioner has been the child's placement for at least 12 months, the court shall not change the child's placement until the adoption petition has been ruled on. Provides that if the party seeking a change of placement is a parent, guardian ad litem, or a court appointed special advocate, the party must provide notice to the department of child services, and the department shall then provide notice of the motion to the child's out-of-home placement.

Tyler JohnsonRepublican

Administrative rulemaking.

Provides that if the implementation and compliance costs of a proposed rule, provisional rule, or interim rule exceed $100,000 (instead of $1,000,000) over a two year period: (1) the rule cannot be published in the Indiana Register until the budget committee has reviewed the rule; (2) the budget agency and the office of management and budget may not approve any part of the proposed rule prior to review by the budget committee; and (3) in the case of a provisional rule or an interim rule, the governor may not approve a rule prior to the budget committee's review of the rule. Provides that an agency may adopt a rule only if the agency has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the governor that certain circumstances exist. Specifies that provisional and interim rulemaking may be used only under specified circumstances if the combined implementation and compliance costs would not exceed $500,000 for businesses, units, and individuals if effective over a two year period.

Tyler JohnsonRepublican

Health care matters.

Prohibits: (1) the state employee health plan; (2) the Medicaid program; (3) an accident and sickness insurance policy; and (4) a health maintenance organization individual or group contract; from imposing a time limit on the amount of anesthesia time for a medical procedure or otherwise restricting or excluding coverage or payment of anesthesia time. Modifies the definitions of "charity care" and "community benefits" for purposes of certain hospital reporting requirements. Requires additional reporting of information by nonprofit hospitals to the Indiana department of health (state department). Requires the report to be posted on the nonprofit hospital's website and the state department's website. Increases the penalty for failure to file the report and changes the time frame in which the penalty may be assessed. Specifies that any penalty be deposited in the local public health fund. Allows for certain practitioners to provide neuroplastogen treatment concerning qualified patients with life threatening conditions if certain requirements are met. Allows for research to be conducted on neuroplastogen access. Requires reporting of adverse events and annual reporting of patient statistical information concerning the neuroplastogen treatment. Provides for immunity when treating using neuroplastogens. Requires a clinical peer to disclose certain information for a peer to peer review of an adverse determination. Prohibits a utilization review entity from using artificial intelligence as the primary means for making adverse determinations. Prohibits a health insurer from engaging in certain downcoding practices and sets forth conditions for downcoding a claim. Authorizes the department of insurance to enforce the downcoding requirements and impose certain penalties for a violation. Prohibits an insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, or other administrator of pharmacy benefits from designating a prescription drug as a specialty drug unless certain conditions are met.

Tyler JohnsonRepublican

Various health matters.

Prohibits a person from adding a chemical to a public water supply in certain circumstances. Defines "medical intervention" and provides that a person may not require an individual to accept, undergo, or engage in a medical intervention in or on the individual's body as a condition of employment, entrance, admission, compensation, benefits, or participation. Provides that a person may not take a punitive measure against an individual because the individual refused to accept, undergo, or engage in a medical intervention in or on the individual's body. Allows an individual who suffers bodily injury as a result of a violation of these provisions to file an action. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally causes bodily injury to another person by violating these provisions commits battery, a class B misdemeanor, enhanced to a level 5 felony if the offense constitutes a violation of the right to bodily integrity. Allows an individual to sell certain meat products from the individual's primary residence. Establishes various requirements for an individual to sell certain meat products from the individual's primary residence. Exempts a stand or another retail building used only for the sale of certain food products or meat products from the definition of a Class 1 structure. 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 if receiving the immunization is against the student's conscience. Amends the information that the statewide child fatality review committee and statewide maternal mortality review committee must include in each committee's annual report. Provides that a physician may not be required to receive an immunization if receiving the immunization is against the physician's conscience. 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. Requires a licensed child care center, school, and person that operates a before or after school program to report the ingredients of each food product provided to a child or student. Requires the division of family resources and the department of education to publish the information on each agency's website. Allows a school corporation to contract with a health care provider, health system, or community partner to establish a school based health center (center). Sets forth requirements to establish a center. Provides that, notwithstanding state or federal law, a school may not conduct a physical or mental assessment or treatment of a student unless the physical or mental assessment or treatment is related to an illness or accident that occurred during school hours or on or near school property. Repeals certain superseded laws, including provisions concerning immunizations, communicable diseases, potentially disease transmitting offenses, quarantine, medical testing, disqualification for unemployment benefits, and COVID-19 immunization requirements. Makes conforming amendments.

Tyler JohnsonRepublican

Dangerous excessive speeding.

Creates the crime of excessive speeding, a Class C misdemeanor. Provides that the offense is a Class B misdemeanor if the person has a prior unrelated conviction and provides that two convictions within five years shall result in the court's recommendation for immediate suspension of driving privileges. Provides that a sentencing court shall impose a fine of $5,000 and recommend the suspension of driving privileges for six months for a person convicted of resisting law enforcement using a vehicle. Provides that a sentencing court shall impose a fine of $10,000 and recommend the suspension of driving privileges for one year if a person uses a vehicle to commit the offense and the person has a prior unrelated conviction.

James BuckRepublican

Shooting ranges.

Provides that the maintenance, repair, renovation, modernization, or expansion of buildings, structures, or facilities used in connection with a shooting range, including improvements to safety, security accessibility, or environmental controls, is a continuation of a permitted use and may not be treated by a local unit of government as: (1) an expansion of a nonconforming use; or (2) a basis to deny, delay, or condition approval of any permit that is otherwise required under applicable building codes or safety regulations. Provides that if an area is zoned for commercial use, a retail sporting goods store is a permitted use on each lot or parcel. Provides that if a property is zoned for commercial, industrial, or agricultural use, an indoor shooting range is permitted on any lot or parcel if certain conditions are satisfied.

James TomesRepublican

Return of firearm to rightful owner.

Provides that a person may not waive certain requirements concerning the return of a firearm to the rightful owner as part of a plea agreement. Specifies that any purported waiver is invalid and unenforceable as against public policy.

James TomesRepublican

Payment of insurance claims.

Provides that an insurer may not adjust a subsequent claim filed by a provider as a method of obtaining reimbursement of an overpayment made by the insurer on a prior claim by the provider. Provides that a health maintenance organization may not adjust a subsequent claim filed by a provider as a method of obtaining reimbursement of an overpayment made by the health maintenance organization on a prior claim by the provider. Provides that an insurer may not, more than one year after the date on which an overpayment on a provider claim was made to the provider by the insurer, request that the provider repay the overpayment (current law is two years). Provides that a health maintenance organization may not, more than one year after the date on which an overpayment on a provider claim was made to the provider by the health maintenance organization, request that the provider repay the overpayment (current law is two years). Makes conforming changes.

La Keisha JacksonDemocrat

Indiana department of transportation.

Allows the Indiana department of transportation (department) to assume the responsibilities and duties of the United States Department of Transportation with respect to certain federal environmental laws. Provides that the department waives its civil immunity and consents to the jurisdiction of the federal courts for responsibilities and duties assumed under certain federal environmental laws. Amends language regarding a local unit's eligibility for: (1) a grant from the local road and bridge matching grant fund (fund); and (2) a distribution from the fund based on the local unit's share of total lane mileage. Provides limitations for an overweight truck permit that is issued for a single trip. Provides for the use of the Indiana Plane Coordinate System as a means to describe real property. Provides that the department may give preference in awarding grants from the fund to local units that have adopted an enhanced asset management plan. Provides that a county may impose a vehicle excise tax or wheel tax on a vehicle that is registered in the county and not registered in a municipality in the county where a vehicle excise tax or wheel tax went into effect after December 31, 2026. Amends certain requirements for township capital improvement plans.

Michael CriderRepublican