Bills & Legislation

School age child care.

Removes certain transportation requirements in the approval criteria for the school age child care project fund. Requires the division of family resources to adopt rules specifying cost and expense standards for transporting a child to a facility where the child does not attend school.

Dale DeVonRepublican

Constitutional amendment ballot question.

Prescribes the ballot language for the proposed constitutional amendment concerning the residency of a city or town court judge.

Mike AylesworthRepublican

Alzheimer's disease and dementia education.

Requires the Indiana department of health (state department) to: (1) collaborate with a national Alzheimer's disease and dementia organization in educating the public about Alzheimer's disease and dementia; and (2) identify and collaborate with additional partners in the education. Requires the state department to partner for outreach in the education and publish certain educational materials on the state department's website. Allows the state department to accept grants, services, and property from public and private entities for the education.

Gregory PorterDemocrat

County coroners.

Makes changes to the blood or tissue retention protocols at a hospital for purposes of conducting a death investigation. Makes changes to the training course requirements for coroners and deputy coroners. Makes changes to provisions governing the conduct of a death investigation.Provides that a coroner or deputy coroner who conducts a death investigation or signs a death certificate without completing certain training commits a Class B misdemeanor. Provides that, if a coroner or deputy coroner fails to complete the required training course within the time required, the county shall reimburse the coroners training board for the cost of the training. Provides that the county may recover from an individual the amount the county reimbursed the coroners training board. Makes technical corrections.

Karen EnglemanRepublican

Various judicial matters.

Amends the membership of the community corrections advisory board. Defines "full court" as the total of all Marion superior court judges who are appointed and serving as judges. Specifies that if a newly appointed judge is filling a vacancy of a judge whose term ends the same year as the appointment, the newly appointed judge shall serve a term that expires on December 31 of the sixth full year following the appointment. Requires the Marion County judicial selection committee (judicial selection committee) to nominate five candidates to the governor when a judicial vacancy exists and allows the governor to appoint any of the nominated candidates when filling more than one vacancy. Replaces the term "presiding judge" with "chief judge" within the Marion County superior court. Amends the membership of the judicial selection committee. Prohibits a member of the judicial selection committee who is not an ex officio member to serve consecutive terms and staggers the terms of certain members of the judicial selection committee to begin on July 1, 2026, or July 1, 2028. Requires the judicial selection committee to determine that a judge is suitable to retain judicial office before a judge's request for retention may be placed on the ballot. Establishes a procedure with specific deadlines for a judge who wishes to stand for retention in 2026. Repeals and replaces a provision concerning the procedure to select the Marion County judicial executive committee (executive committee) and certain court provisions. Provides that, for an executive committee starting a term on January 1, 2027, and for the selection of each executive committee thereafter, the full court shall meet not later than November 15 in the final year of the executive committee's term to select the candidates of the next executive committee. Requires a two-thirds vote of the sitting judges who will hold office on January 1 of the next year to select the candidates of the executive committee and requires the chair of the judicial selection committee to approve the members of the executive committee and select one member of the executive committee as the chief judge. Allows the chair of the judicial selection committee to remove a member of the executive committee for cause. Increases the term of an executive committee member of the Marion County judiciary from two years to three years. Specifies which duties are the responsibility of the full court and which are to be determined by a trial judge. Describes the duties and authority of the executive committee. Provides that any action taken by the executive committee may only be overruled by a vote of 85% of the full court sitting at the time the vote is taken. Removes a requirement that the executive committee requires the approval of two-thirds of the judges to determine the number of judicial officers and personnel required to serve the court. Provides that the judge of the circuit court has exclusive authority to appoint commissioners or magistrates allocated to the circuit court. Amends how magistrates and commissioners are appointed. Specifies that the executive committee has final authority for all employment decisions regarding commissioners and magistrates. Repeals a provision that allows the presiding judge to appoint a magistrate and allows the executive committee to appoint 28 magistrates. Requires a voting member of the justice reinvestment advisory council to cast a vote in person. Requires that, in a county having a consolidated city, the chief judge or a judge appointed by the chief judge be the chair of the local justice reinvestment advisory council. Provides that a local or regional advisory council may only take action upon the affirmative vote of the members and a member must cast a vote in person. Makes conforming changes.

Danny LopezRepublican

Permissible unsupervised activity.

Defines "independent activity". Provides that a child is not a child in need of services solely because a parent, guardian, or custodian allows the child to engage in an independent activity unless the parent, guardian, or custodian is so reckless in allowing the child to engage in the independent activity that it endangers the child's health or safety given the child's maturity, condition, and ability. Provides a defense for neglect of a dependent that the accused person reasonably believed that an independent activity was not dangerous.

Jake TeshkaRepublican

Children in need of services.

Requires the department of child services, subject to certain procedural safeguards, to have in-person contact with an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect: (1) before concluding an assessment; and (2) before dismissing or terminating a pending child in need of services case with the juvenile court.

Victoria Garcia WilburnDemocrat

Gaming matters.

Provides that the horse racing commission may issue three satellite facility licenses (instead of four per permit holder under current law). Requires Allen County, DeKalb County, and Steuben County to place a public question on the 2026 general election ballot that seeks approval from the voters to permit inland casino gambling. Authorizes the Indiana gaming commission (commission) to award a new riverboat license for an inland casino in Allen County, DeKalb County, or Steuben County. Prohibits the commission from awarding an owner's license to operate a casino in Allen County, DeKalb County, or Steuben County if the voters of the county do not approve casino gaming in the county. Specifies application requirements, including local government support and the applicant's commitment and plan to invest at least $500,000,000 for the development of a casino and nongaming amenities. Requires an approved applicant to pay $150,000,000 to the commission to be deposited by the commission as follows: (1) $100,000,000 to the state general fund; and (2) $50,000,000 to the shuttered riverboat fund to be used for local units that are affected by a shuttered riverboat or inland casino closure. Provides that if a licensed owner ceases operations or goes out of business, the license issued under this section is terminated effective on that date.

Craig SnowRepublican

Regulation and investment of cryptocurrency.

Provides that the following shall offer, as a regular investment program, a self directed brokerage account that offers at least one cryptocurrency investment option: (1) The legislators' defined contribution plan. (2) The Hoosier START plan. (3) Specified public employees' retirement fund plans and accounts. (4) Specified teachers' retirement fund plans and accounts (including the teachers' pre-1996 account). Prohibits a public agency, other than the department of financial institutions, or a county, municipality, or township from adopting or enforcing a rule, ordinance, or other regulation that does any of the following: (1) Prohibits, restricts, or impairs an individual's ability to: (A) accept digital assets as a method of payment for legal goods and services; or (B) take custody of digital assets using specified technologies. (2) Imposes taxes or fees on: (A) use or acceptance of digital assets as a method of payment for legal goods and services; or (B) taking or maintaining custody of digital assets using a self-hosted wallet or hardware wallet; that are not applicable to comparable financial transactions that do not involve digital assets. (3) Prohibits, restricts, or impairs the ability of an individual or business to engage in specified activities pertaining to blockchains. Prohibits a public agency, other than the department of financial institutions, from adopting or enforcing a rule, ordinance, or other regulation that prohibits operation of a digital mining business. Prohibits a county, municipality, or township from adopting or enforcing a rule, ordinance, or other regulation that does any of the following: (1) Prohibits a digital asset mining business from operating in an area zoned for industrial use, or subjects a digital asset mining business located in an area zoned for industrial use to noise restrictions that are not applicable to other businesses operating in an area zoned for industrial use. (2) Prohibits private digital asset mining in a private residence located in an area that is zoned for residential use, or subjects private digital asset mining in a residence located in an area zoned for residential use to noise restrictions that do not apply to other residences in an area zoned for residential use. Provides that development or use of software for noncustodial transfer of digital assets does not constitute money transmission for purposes of statutes regarding licensure of money transmitters. Provides that a court may compel a person to disclose a digital asset private key only if no other admissible information is sufficient to provide access to the digital asset.

Kyle PierceRepublican

Insurance coverage for public safety employees.

Provides that a public safety employee who: (1) becomes disabled on or after January 1, 2020; (2) receives a Class 1 or a Class 2 impairment benefit; and (3) is eligible for group health insurance coverage for the public safety employee and the public safety employee's spouse or dependents; must pay no more than the amount that the public safety employee would have been required to pay if still serving as a current active public safety employee employed by the local unit public employer. Specifies that the public safety employee must file a written request for insurance coverage with the employer before June 1, 2026, or within 90 days after the public safety employee begins receiving disability benefits, whichever is later. Specifies that if a public safety agency closes, merges, or otherwise ceases to exist, the local unit public employer that caused the public safety agency to cease to exist, shall continue to provide certain insurance coverage. Provides that a surviving spouse or dependent of a public safety employee who dies in the line of duty must pay the same amount that the public safety employee would have been required to pay if still serving as a current active public safety employee employed by the local unit public employer for coverage selected by the surviving spouse or dependent under the group health insurance program.

Jim PresselRepublican

VFD clothing and automobile allowances.

Increases, from $100 to $250, the clothing and automobile allowance for an active member of a volunteer fire department (department). Provides that a unit served by a volunteer fire department shall pay the clothing and automobile allowance directly to each active and participating member of the department.

Randy NovakDemocrat

Various administrative law matters.

Adds conditions for which the horse racing commission (HRC) may revoke or suspend a license or deny a license application. Adds a reference to wagering on horse racing in a provision prohibiting certain individuals from wagering at a licensed facility. Provides that appeals of certain decisions of the HRC may be appealed to the office of administrative law proceedings. Adds sports wagering certificate holders to the voluntary exclusion program. Defines and establishes civil penalties for conducting a "sweepstakes game". Allows the holder of a beer wholesaler's permit to possess, transport, sell, and deliver beer to a food manufacturer that is registered with the federal Food and Drug Administration for the purpose of adding or integrating the beer into a product or recipe. Provides that a wine retailer whose wine sales represent at least 60% of the annual gross income from the premises may allow customers to obtain sealed bottles of wine by self-service for consumption off the licensed premises. Allows the holder of a temporary wine permit to purchase, receive, and sell mixed beverages. Establishes requirements for the wholesale sale and distribution of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes. Adds additional information an applicant must provide to the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) when applying for a tobacco sales certificate. Provides for the suspension of a certificate if the certificate holder's employees violate employee identification requirements three or more times in one year. Allows the commission to issue to the city of Gary not more than 10 new three-way permits. Allows the commission to issue: (1) a beer dealer's permit, wine dealer's permit, and liquor dealer's permit to a drug store operated in the city of Westfield; and (2) a beer dealer's permit and wine dealer's permit to a convenience store operated in the town of Sellersburg. Provides that certain requirements regarding the sale, rental, trade, or transfer of a handgun do not apply to an item defined as an antique firearm.

Ethan ManningRepublican

Resisting law enforcement conflict resolution.

Resolves a conflict between HEA 1014-2025 and HEA 1637-2025.

Jennifer MeltzerRepublican

Medicaid reimbursement for children's hospitals.

Extends the expiration date of language specifying Medicaid reimbursement for certain out-of-state children's hospitals from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027.

Harold SlagerRepublican

Student eligibility in interscholastic sports.

Requires, for purposes of interscholastic athletic events, state educational institutions and certain private postsecondary educational institutions to expressly designate an athletic team or sport as one of the following: (1) A male, men's, or boys' team or sport. (2) A female, women's, or girls' team or sport. (3) A coeducational or mixed team or sport. Prohibits a male, based on the student's biological sex at birth in accordance with the student's genetics and reproductive biology, from participating on an athletic team or sport designated as being a female, women's, or girls' athletic team or sport. Requires state educational institutions and certain private postsecondary educational institutions to establish grievance procedures for a violation of these provisions. Establishes a civil action for a violation of these provisions. Provides that state educational institutions and certain private postsecondary educational institutions are not subject to liability in a civil, administrative, disciplinary, or criminal action for acting in compliance with these provisions.

Michelle DavisRepublican

Gaming and alcohol matters.

Specifies that the horse racing commission (IHRC) may adopt rules that incorporate by reference the most current version of the: (1) model rules; and (2) model rules concerning foreign substances; adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. Provides that, after June 30, 2025, the governor shall appoint the director of the IHRC and the director of the IHRC shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. Removes the requirement that the IHRC appoint an assistant director and provides that the director shall hire an assistant director. Provides that a contracted steward or judge is considered an employee of the IHRC for the purpose of receiving representation by the attorney general in certain suits. Changes references to the horse racing tracks. Provides that judges and stewards may suspend a license for not more than three years on behalf of the IHRC. (Current law allows judges and stewards to suspend a license for not more than one year on behalf of the IHRC.) Provides that the suspension of a license or the imposition of certain civil penalties must occur within 365 days (instead of 180 days) after the date of the violation. Provides that the Indiana gaming commission (commission) shall require an occupational license applicant and occupational licensee to submit fingerprints for review by the state police department (department) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): (1) for a criminal history record check; and (2) in the form and manner required by the department and the FBI. Requires the department to provide the results of each requested criminal history record check to the commission. Allows the department to charge a fee for a criminal history record check and requires the commission to pay the fee from money received from fees collected from occupational license applicants or licensees. Provides a list of the individuals required to hold an occupational license. Provides that a horse's veterinary medical records and medical condition must be furnished within five business days without written client authorization to the IHRC as part of an investigation in which a horse under the care, control, or ownership of a licensee has been treated by a veterinarian. Provides that the state lottery commission shall not operate or authorize the operation of a lottery courier service. Requires the state lottery commission to adopt rules regarding the bulk purchase of lottery products. Allows a wine dealer that is not a package liquor store to deliver wine to a customer's residence or office. Provides three-way permits, subject to certain conditions, to the city of Warsaw and the town of Syracuse. Increases the number of gallons of liquor an artisan distiller may produce in a calendar year from 20,000 gallons to 30,000 gallons. Allows the holder of an artisan distiller's permit to manufacture liquor for another holder of an artisan distiller's permit if certain conditions are met. Provides that a municipality may not require a designated permittee or vendor within a designated refreshment area to purchase containers for alcoholic beverages from a certain vendor.

Ethan ManningRepublican

Property matters.

Provides that if a tenant does not claim the tenant's property within 45 days after receiving a certain notice, a warehouseman or storage facility may sell the tenant's property (current law requires a warehouseman or storage facility to wait 90 days).

Alex ZimmermanRepublican

Distributions to charitable beneficiaries.

Provides that an applicant for a certificate of death has a direct interest in a certificate of death if the applicant is a beneficiary of the deceased's individual retirement account, retirement account, brokerage transfer on death account, annuity, or life insurance policy. Provides that if a charitable organization is designated as the beneficiary of an individual retirement account, retirement account, brokerage transfer on death account, annuity, or life insurance policy, a financial institution or insurance company in control of the funds must transfer the funds directly to the charitable organization without requiring certain conditions to be satisfied, if the: (1) charitable organization submits a certain affidavit.

Ethan ManningRepublican

Watershed development commissions.

Alters the membership of a watershed development commission board that includes the Maumee River basin (Maumee watershed development commission). Provides that a Maumee watershed development commission may take certain actions with respect to certain flood plains. Expands permitted uses for certain funds collected by a Maumee watershed development commission and establishes certain budget limits. Provides that the department of natural resources's division of water shall provide a Maumee watershed development commission with a written summary of the division's review of certain public works projects within 30 days of the review. Makes conforming changes.

Dave HeineRepublican

Exceptions to paraphernalia statutes.

Provides that the controlled substance paraphernalia statutes do not apply to items marketed to detect the presence of a drug or controlled substance.

Jennifer MeltzerRepublican

Office of the attorney general.

Requires a teacher's electronic mail address to be used for sending the annual summary of a teacher's rights and protections. Removes the requirement that the attorney general publish an annual newspaper notice regarding unclaimed property held by the attorney general with a value of more than $100.

Michael KarickhoffRepublican

Child care.

Provides that a granted waiver or variance expires three years after the date that the waiver or variance becomes effective. Removes the requirement that a child receiving child care from a school must be the child of a student or employee of the school. Provides that, not later than June 30, 2026, the division of family resources (division) shall establish an organizational license category for multi-site child care centers operating under one owner, and specifies obligations of the division with regard to the new license category. Provides that, subject to exceptions, certain properties may not be required to comply with a new or different set of building, fire safety, or equipment laws than were originally enforced by the department: (1) before July 1, 2025; or (2) two years after the earlier of the date of the: (A) initial inspection; or (B) plan review. Allows a child care home that was licensed to operate a Class 2 structure before July 1, 2025, to continue operating in the structure notwithstanding the building, fire safety, or equipment laws and regulations.

Dave HeineRepublican

Various alcoholic beverage matters.

Allows a craft manufacturer to participate in a farmers' market, subject to certain conditions. Allows a liquor retailer and a liquor dealer to serve samples of mixed beverages. Increases, from 45 to 75 days, the number of days in a calendar year the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) may approve for a craft manufacturer to participate in a trade show or exposition. Repeals a provision prohibiting a beer dealer from selling and delivering beer for carry-out, or for delivery to a customer's residence or office, in a quantity that exceeds 864 ounces in a single transaction. Repeals a limitation on the maximum quantity of liquor that a liquor dealer may deliver to a customer's residence or office at any one time. Repeals a provision that allows the holder of a farm winery permit to sell the winery's wine to consumers by the bottle at a farmers' market that is operated on a nonprofit basis. Repeals a limitation on the maximum quantity of wine that a wine dealer may sell in a single transaction. Provides that the commission may issue a three way permit: (1) to a theater within the historic district of a city with a certain population; and (2) that is not subject to the quota. Requires a permittee to obtain written permission from the appropriate local or state agency to locate a restaurant or hotel patio or terrace in the public right-of-way. Allows the commission to issue a food hall master permit to a food hall that meets certain requirements.

Ethan ManningRepublican

Veterinary medicine.

Amends the licensure applicability provision for veterinarians to include registration and permits for veterinary technicians. Requires certain individuals to submit to both a state and national background check. Allows the state police department to release the results of a national criminal history background check to an authorized employee of the board of animal health. Makes a technical correction.

Mike AylesworthRepublican

Supplemental fee for electric vehicles.

Provides that the supplemental fee to register an electric vehicle does not apply to a motor driven cycle.

Pat Boy

State comptroller matters.

Specifies the timing of annual salary increases for state elected officials. Provides that the state comptroller calculates distributions of financial institutions tax revenue to taxing units. Provides that a taxing unit may deposit a distribution of financial institutions tax revenue in any fund, and the revenue may be used for any purpose allowed by law. Requires the state comptroller to calculate and provide the distribution amounts of commercial vehicle excise tax revenue for each taxing unit in a county to the county auditor. Provides that the county auditor may deposit a distribution of commercial vehicle excise tax revenue in any fund, and the revenue be may used for any purpose allowed by law. Removes a requirement that a prosecuting attorney notify the state comptroller of the prosecuting attorney's election to devote full professional time to the duties of the office. Provides that an individual is not required to file any notification with the state comptroller that the individual has been elected or appointed to a judgeship. Requires the state comptroller and Indiana public retirement system to develop and present to the interim study committee on pension management oversight a proposed plan for a transition from the use of, and contribution of state revenue to, retirement medical benefits accounts to an increased focus on the use of, and additional contributions of state revenue to, the state employees' deferred compensation plan.

Edward ClereRepublican

Food matters.

Establishes a two year moratorium on the sale of cultivated meat products in Indiana. Prohibits a person from misbranding a cultivated meat product as a meat product. Provides that the cultivated meat product is misbranded as a meat product if the cultivated meat product is: (1) advertised; (2) labeled; or (3) offered for sale or sold; in a manner that does not clearly indicate that it is a cultivated meat product or not in accordance with rules adopted by BOAH. Requires BOAH to administer the chapter.

Beau BairdRepublican

Water and wastewater utility asset management.

Provides that beginning January 1, 2026, a water or wastewater utility (utility) that is not under the jurisdiction of the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) for the approval of rates and charges shall submit a report on the utility's asset management program (program) to the IURC on a quadrennial basis according to a schedule prescribed by the IURC. Provides that a utility's report must include information: (1) demonstrating the utility's efforts to implement the Indiana finance authority's guidelines for asset management programs; and (2) certifying that: (A) the utility has the technical, managerial, legal, and financial capability to support those efforts; and (B) for a report submitted after December 31, 2026, the governing body of the utility has completed a training or continuing education program, as required under the bill, at least one time during the four year reporting period. Provides that evidence that a utility has submitted an asset management program to the Indiana finance authority (IFA) in connection with an application for a grant, loan, or other financial assistance may be provided by the utility to satisfy the requirement to demonstrate the utility's efforts to implement the IFA's guidelines for asset management programs. Requires the IURC to adopt before October 1, 2025, a general administrative order (GAO) setting forth the: (1) information required to be included in a utility's report; (2) procedures for submission of the report, including a simplified alternative reporting form that a utility with less than 1,000 customers may elect to submit; (3) quadrennial reporting schedule for submitting a report; and (4) criteria to be used by the IURC in making certain determinations about a utility's asset management program. Provides that the IURC shall verify on a quadrennial basis: (1) the sufficiency of each utility's program; and (2) the program's compliance with the IURC's GAO. Provides that if the IURC determines that specified deficiencies exist with respect to a utility's program, the IURC: (1) shall notify the utility of the deficiency and provide the utility a time frame in which the utility must correct the deficiency; and (2) may require the utility to undergo an informal rate review. Provides that if a utility receives two consecutive notices of a deficiency from the IURC: (1) the IURC shall assert jurisdiction over the rates and charges of the utility; and (2) the utility must undergo base rate cases under the statutory procedure that applies to wastewater utilities that have been issued two enforcement orders by the department of environmental management. Provides that if a utility receives three consecutive notices of a deficiency over the course of three consecutive verifications, the IURC may initiate a receivership proceeding with respect to the utility. Authorizes the IURC to enter into an agreement with: (1) the department of environmental management; and (2) the Indiana finance authority; to carry out these requirements. Authorizes the IURC to delegate its authority to: (1) review reports submitted by utilities under the bill's provisions; and (2) issue determinations and notices of deficiency; to technical staff, subject to the right of a utility to appeal a determination by technical staff to the full IURC. Provides that beginning January 1, 2027, the governing body of a utility must, on at least a quadrennial basis, complete a training or continuing education program that: (1) includes instruction on specified topics; and (2) is offered by: (A) the IURC; (B) the drinking water and wastewater infrastructure research and extension program; or (C) a statewide not-for-profit association for rural water or wastewater utilities.

Jim PresselRepublican

Various agency administrative procedures.

Provides that the department of natural resources is subject to the jurisdiction of the office of administrative law proceedings. Provides that the secretary of family and social services is the ultimate authority for Medicaid applicants and recipient eligibility appeals. Provides that in Medicaid applicant eligibility cases, except in certain circumstances, the order from the administrative law judge is final after 61 days without further affirmation from the ultimate authority. Provides that the review of certain professional disciplinary reviews are not subject to the office of administrative law proceedings. Sets forth the process to select a hearing officer for the professional disciplinary reviews. Makes changes to motor vehicle dealer services statutes to be consistent with the jurisdiction of the office of administrative law proceedings. Provides that the department of child services (DCS) is the ultimate authority of the review of decisions concerning residential child care base rates. Removes the duty of DCS to adopt rules concerning the administrative review by DCS of a proposed or approved substantiated report of child abuse or neglect, before or after an administrative hearing is available or conducted. Makes conforming changes. Makes technical corrections and conforming amendments required by HEA 1003-2024 concerning the office of administrative law proceedings.

Jennifer MeltzerRepublican

Alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

Allows the holder of a tobacco sales certificate (holder) to obtain a supplemental cigar sales certificate (cigar certificate) that allows the holder to sell cigars on a temporary basis at a function or event. Provides the fee for a cigar certificate is $1,000 and has a term of three years. Requires the holder to give written notice to the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) of the date and location of the function or event where the holder proposes to sell cigars. Provides that the commission's approval of the location does not authorize smoking in violation of: (1) state laws prohibiting smoking in public places; or (2) any county, city, or town smoking ordinance. Allows a restaurant proprietor who holds an alcoholic beverage retailer's permit to establish a segregated room where cigar consumption may occur, if the proprietor has the permission of the local government entity that enforces local smoking ordinances.

Kyle MillerDemocrat

Pro bono legal services fee.

Removes the sunset provision for pro bono legal services fees.

Alex ZimmermanRepublican

Consumer genetic testing providers.

Provides that a person may not discriminate against an individual on the basis of the individual's solicitation and use of consumer genetic testing services or on the basis of the results of genetic testing performed by a provider of consumer genetic testing services (provider). Requires a provider to disclose specified information to an individual who submits biological material to the provider for genetic testing. Prohibits a provider that performs, or causes to be performed, genetic testing on an individual's biological material from: (1) taking specified actions with regard to: (A) the biological material; or (B) data resulting from genetic testing performed on the biological material; unless the provider has solicited and received the individual's consent to the action; or (2) providing data, other than deidentified data, resulting from genetic testing performed on the individual's biological material to: (A) an insurer; (B) a business that provides information or data to insurers for the purposes of underwriting or rating of risks; or (C) the individual's employer. Imposes requirements on a provider with respect to: (1) controlling access to an individual's biological material and data; (2) complying with the individual's revocation of consent with regard to the individual's biological material and data; and (3) marketing or advertising sent to the individual as a result of the individual's solicitation and use of the provider's genetic testing services or use of a website or other remote or virtual service associated with the provider's genetic testing services. Provides that a provider may not charge a fee for the provision of biological material or data resulting from genetic testing performed on biological material: (1) to a law enforcement agency on the basis of a search warrant; or (2) as required by a court order; that is more than the provider's actual cost of providing the material or data. Provides for enforcement of the bill's provisions by the attorney general.

Kyle PierceRepublican

Hearing aids and speech-language pathologists.

Adds speech-language pathology assistant to the definition of "practitioner" for purposes of the provision of telehealth. Specifies services included in the definition of "audiology". Allows for the sale, use, provision of customer service, or distribution of an over-the-counter hearing aid without the fitting of the hearing aid by a hearing aid dealer who has been issued a certificate of registration or a licensed audiologist. (Current law does not differentiate between a prescription hearing aid and an over-the-counter hearing aid concerning the fitting of the hearing aid.)

Lori Goss-ReavesRepublican

Excused absence from school.

Provides that the governing body of a school corporation or the chief administrative officer of a nonpublic school system shall authorize the absence and excuse of a school student if the student participates in certain events offered by the National FFA Organization, the Indiana FFA Association, or a 4-H club. Provides that a student's excused absences may not exceed six days in a school year. Provides that the student must be in good academic standing.

Beau BairdRepublican

Human services matters.

Provides that provisions of law concerning the statewide waiver ombudsman apply to an individual who has a disability and receives services administered by the bureau of disabilities services. (Current law specifies that these provisions apply to an individual who has a developmental disability and receives services under the federal home and community based services program.) Specifies that these provisions do not apply to an individual served by the long term care ombudsman program. Changes references from "statewide waiver ombudsman" to "statewide bureau of disabilities services ombudsman". Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services (office of the secretary) to prepare an annual report on the provision of Medicaid home and community based waiver services. Specifies the information that must be included in the report. Requires the division of disability and rehabilitative services advisory council to provide recommendations to the division of disability and rehabilitative services to ensure the delivery of appropriate high quality services to recipients. Requires the office of the secretary to provide to the division of disability and rehabilitative services advisory council reports on the office of the secretary's plans to provide services to individuals who require extraordinary care and specifies the timing of the reports.

Edward ClereRepublican

Charity gaming.

Provides that, beginning January 1, 2026, a facility or location may not be used for the purpose of conducting a bingo event or a casino game night on more than three calendar days per calendar week. Provides that a qualified organization may use the net proceeds from an allowable activity for any lawful purpose. Requires a qualified organization with an adjusted gross revenue with annual gross receipts of $1,000,000 or more from casino game night activities to submit its records for an independent audit as part of its application for renewal. Requires a worker or operator conducting or assisting in the conducting of a casino game night to wear an identification card. Allows a qualified organization to conduct an electronic raffle, subject to certain requirements.

Ron AltingRepublican

Battery charged security devices.

Prohibits a county, city, or town from adopting or enforcing an ordinance or resolution that prohibits or imposes requirements on certain battery charged security devices.

James BuckRepublican

Pharmacy benefits.

Requires an insurer, a pharmacy benefit manager, or any other administrator of pharmacy benefits to ensure that a network utilized by the insurer, pharmacy benefit manager, or other administrator is reasonably adequate and accessible and file an annual report regarding the network with the commissioner of the department of insurance (commissioner). Sets forth certain limitations and requirements with respect to the provision of pharmacy or pharmacist services under a health plan. Allows any insured, pharmacy, or pharmacist impacted by an alleged violation to file a complaint with the commissioner. Provides that the commissioner may order reimbursement to any person who has incurred a monetary loss as a result of a violation. Requires, if a pharmacy benefit manger is used with regard to a state employee health plan, the state personnel department to either create a pharmacy benefit manager or contract with an insurer, a pharmacy benefit manager, or other administrator. Prohibits a third party administrator from: (1) requiring, as a condition of a plan sponsor entering into a contract with the third party administrator, that the plan sponsor enter into a contract with a particular pharmacy benefit manager; or (2) charging a different fee for services provided by the third party administrator to a plan sponsor based on the plan sponsor's selection of a particular pharmacy benefit manager. Urges the legislative council to assign to the appropriate study committee the task of studying the topic of contracts for pharmacy benefit coverage under the Medicaid program and a state employee health plan.

Ed CharbonneauRepublican

Adult protective services.

Specifies that the adult protective services reporting applies to reports received through a statewide toll free telephone call or through online reporting. Requires an adult protective services unit (unit) to investigate and determine whether a report is to be referred to law enforcement or another agency for investigation. Removes language specifying entities to be informed of an endangered adult report. Removes language requiring the prosecuting attorneys council of Indiana to concur on standards of practice concerning services provided by the unit. Removes language that required the division of aging to maintain nonidentifying statistical records concerning unsubstantiated reports about endangered adults. Authorizes the division to determine when endangered adult reports may be made available and only requires the alleged victim to give consent of the release. (Current law requires all parties to give consent.) Requires the unit to share appropriate information to coordinate and implement services. Removes language that allowed a prosecuting attorney or head of a governmental entity to give written permission for a unit or staff member to be designated as a representative.

Michael CriderRepublican

Electronic pull tabs in charity gaming.

Allows for the use of electronic pull tab games, electronic pull tab devices, and electronic pull tab systems in charity gaming by certain organizations. Provides for a maximum number of electronic pull tab devices that may be present, for purposes of charity gaming, in a permitted location.

Kyle WalkerRepublican

Various corrections matters.

Eliminates requirements that the department of correction: (1) maintain farm programs for offenders committed to the department; and (2) prepare a report calculating the savings realized as a result of sentencing changes. Replaces a reference to a rule repealed by the department of correction with a requirement that the custody and treatment of juveniles meet the standards and licensing requirements adopted in the administrative rules of the department.

Mike BohacekRepublican

Ground water emergencies.

Allows the owner or operator of a significant ground water withdrawal facility to file a complaint with the director of the department of natural resources (director) that a water well on the property of the owner of the significant ground water withdrawal facility failed to furnish the well's normal supply of water or failed to furnish potable water. Requires the director to launch an investigation into a complaint of a well failure from a significant ground water withdrawal facility within three business days of the director receiving the complaint. Provides that the owner of a significant ground water withdrawal facility responsible for the failure or substantial impairment of a well shall provide timely and reasonable compensation to the owner of an impacted significant ground water withdrawal facility or nonsignificant ground water withdrawal facility.

Susan GlickRepublican

Tax exemption for eligible events.

Provides various tax exemptions for the Women's National Basketball Association All-Star Game, including ancillary events, when held in Indiana.

Scott BaldwinRepublican

Criminal procedures.

Increases the penalty levels of crimes related to fentanyl. Provides that a court shall consider requiring certain persons charged with a crime of domestic violence to wear a monitoring device as a condition of bail. Requires that a bail hearing for a violent arrestee or a repeat violent arrestee be held in open court and provides that before releasing a violent arrestee or a repeat violent arrestee on bail the court must review the probable cause affidavit or arrest warrant and impose money bail payable by surety bond or cash deposit. Provides that in accordance with IC 27-10-2-4.5(g)(2), a charitable bail organization may not pay money bail on behalf of a violent arrestee or a repeat violent arrestee. Makes conforming changes.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

Education matters.

Requires the department of education (department), in collaboration with certain other state entities, to collect and maintain certain data and to publish on the department's website timely and relevant information about secondary education programs. Provides that the department shall administer and implement the comprehensive career navigation and coaching system developed by the commission for higher education and administer the career coaching grant fund (fund). Provides certain requirements for an eligible entity to receive a grant from the fund. Requires the department to prepare a report concerning career coaching and submit the report to the governor and general assembly. Requires the department of workforce development to update wage threshold data used to categorize career and technical education programs for use in the subsequent school year. Makes conforming changes.

Jeff RaatzRepublican

Various education matters.

Provides that the department of education (department) is the proper authority to accept federal funds appropriated to aid in the education of children with disabilities (current law provides that the state board of education is the proper authority). Removes the member of the Indiana Transportation Association from the list of nonvoting members on the state school bus committee. Provides that an individual seeking an initial practitioners license through an alternative certification path must successfully complete an applicable teacher licensing exam as approved by the state board of education (board) (current law requires the successful completion of a Praxis Subject Assessment). Provides that summer school funding may be differentiated based on the course or length of time of the program. Moves the establishment of the division of special education from the board to the department. Changes certain duties for the secretary of education and the director of special education. Provides that the department may suspend or terminate the certification of a scholarship granting organization if the department establishes that the organization has not granted a scholarship within certain time frames.

Jeff RaatzRepublican

Water matters.

Prohibits a water utility from constructing a long haul water pipeline unless the water utility first obtains a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) from the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC). Sets forth specified information that an application for a CPCN must include. Sets forth specified findings that the IURC must make before granting a CPCN. Sets forth conditions under which a water utility may recover through rates the actual costs the water utility incurs in reliance on a CPCN issued by the IURC. Provides that a person that transfers, sells, or leases a long haul water pipeline must provide written notice to the IURC of the transfer, sale, or lease not later than 60 days after the transfer, sale, or lease is finalized. Prohibits a person that transfers or proposes to transfer: (1) more than an annual average of 30,000,000 gallons of water per day out of a basin; or (2) water from a restricted use area; from transferring water out of a basin, or supplying water to another person that the person knows will transfer more than 100,000 gallons of water out of a basin, without first obtaining a transfer permit from the department of natural resources (department). Sets forth specified information that must be included in an application for a transfer permit. Provides that a transfer permit is required for an existing or ongoing interbasin transfer (as of July 1, 2025) if the existing or ongoing transfer exceeds the capacity of any system engaged in the interbasin transfer in any 90 day period. Provides that the department shall approve an application for a permit if the department determines that the transfer: (1) will not result in a perennial overdraft of a ground water resource or in a perennial stream flow depletion; and (2) is in the public interest, as described in the Indiana Code section concerning beneficial uses of Indiana's surface water resources. Provides that a transfer permit: (1) does not expire; and (2) may be renewed, revoked, suspended, or modified in certain circumstances. Provides that the department may assess a civil penalty for violations of these provisions.

Eric KochRepublican

Transfer of high risk persons from county jail.

Establishes a procedure for the transfer of an inmate from a county jail to another county jail or the department of correction if the inmate: (1) poses a serious risk of escape; (2) demonstrates violent or aggressive behavior; or (3) needs to be protected from other inmates.

Cyndi CarrascoRepublican

Small modular nuclear reactor pilot program.

Establishes the small modular nuclear reactor partnership pilot program (program). Provides that certain electric utilities (eligible utilities) may partner with one or more other specified types of partners (eligible partners) to develop one or more small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) at an eligible project site, subject to the approval of the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC). For purposes of these provisions, provides that an eligible project site is: (1) a location in Indiana; or (2) the site of a nuclear energy facility that supplies electricity to Indiana retail customers on July 1, 2011. Provides that an eligible utility that seeks to develop a project with one or more eligible partners may petition the IURC for approval to participate in the program. Sets forth the information that an eligible utility's petition must include. Sets forth the factors that the IURC must consider in reviewing a petition. Requires the IURC to issue a final order approving or denying a petition not later than 180 days after receiving the petition and the eligible utility's complete case in chief, subject to the IURC's right to extend the time for review if the eligible utility does not object to the extension. Provides that the IURC shall approve a petition if the IURC makes specified findings. Provides that an eligible utility may petition the IURC for approval to incur, before obtaining a certificate of convenience and necessity (CPCN) to construct an SMR under the program, eligible project development costs. Defines "eligible project development costs" as project development costs that: (1) have been, or are reasonably estimated to be, incurred by an eligible utility in the development of one or more SMRs under the program; and (2) have not been and will not be recovered by the eligible utility through contributions of any money, services, or property provided at no cost to the eligible utility by any eligible partner, governmental agency, or other third party, regardless of whether the third party has entered into an eligible partnership with the eligible utility. Sets forth certain factors that the IURC must consider in reviewing an eligible utility's petition to incur eligible project development costs. Provides that if the IURC denies an eligible utility's petition to participate in the program, and the eligible utility seeks to pursue the development of an SMR outside the program, the eligible utility may: (1) proceed to develop an SMR under the procedures set forth under the existing Indiana Code section governing CPCNs for SMRs; and (2) request that the eligible utility's petition to incur eligible project development costs under bill's provisions be considered a petition to incur project development costs under the Indiana Code section governing CPCNs for SMRs .Provides that if an eligible utility receives approval to incur eligible project development costs, the eligible utility may petition the IURC for the approval of a rate schedule that periodically adjusts the eligible utility's rates and charges to provide for the timely recovery of eligible project development costs. Provides that an eligible utility that receives approval to recover eligible project development costs shall: (1) recover 80% of the approved eligible project development costs under the approved rate schedule; and (2) defer the remaining 20% of approved eligible project development costs for recovery as part of the eligible utility's next general rate case before the IURC. Provides that eligible project development costs that: (1) are incurred by an eligible utility; and (2) exceed the best estimate of eligible project development costs included in the IURC's order authorizing the eligible utility to incur eligible project development costs; may not be included in the eligible utility's rates and charges unless found by the IURC to be reasonable, necessary, and prudent in supporting the development of the project for which they were incurred. Provides that: (1) eligible project development costs incurred for a project that is canceled or not completed may be recovered by the eligible utility if found by the IURC to be reasonable, necessary, and prudently incurred; but (2) such costs shall be recovered without a return unless the IURC makes certain additional findings.

Eric KochRepublican