Bills & Legislation

Local government finance.

Places restrictions on the issuance of certain general obligation bonds. Amends a capitalization rate percentage under the statewide agricultural land base rate determination. Provides that the percentage cap used to determine the maximum levy growth quotient is 4% in 2026. Provides that, notwithstanding any growth in a political subdivision's assessed value (AV) in the previous year, a political subdivision's ad valorem property tax levy shall not exceed the ad valorem property tax levy for its last preceding annual budget, unless the fiscal body of the political subdivision adopts an affirmative tax rate and tax levy increase by ordinance following a separate public hearing. Requires a resulting decrease in tax rates for each political subdivision in which there was an increase in the political subdivision's AV in the previous year, subject to any affirmative tax rate and tax levy increase adopted by the fiscal body of the political subdivision. Phases out the authority for the department of local government finance (department) to permit an excess tax levy that is based on AV growth, school transportation costs, and other circumstances. Retains the provisions that permit an excess tax levy if the civil taxing unit cannot carry out its governmental functions in the case of annexation, a natural disaster, an accident, or an emergency. Phases in an increase in the acquisition cost threshold for the business personal property tax exemption from $80,000 to $2,000,000. Provides that the 30% minimum valuation limitation does not apply to business personal property placed in service after January 1, 2025. Phases down the homestead standard deduction over five years to zero beginning for taxes due and payable in 2031. Phases in an increase in the supplemental homestead deduction to 2/3 of the AV of the homestead. Phases in an AV deduction for all property that is subject to the 2% circuit breaker credit for excessive property taxes for assessment dates beginning in 2025 up to a 1/3 AV deduction for taxes due and payable in 2031, and each taxable year thereafter. Expires certain property tax deductions allowed in current law, and instead allows a credit against local property taxes in certain instances. Makes certain changes to the qualification requirements and credit amount for the over 65 circuit breaker credit. Provides a supplemental homestead tax credit for property taxes for a person's homestead if the person qualifies for a standard homestead deduction for the same homestead property. Provides that specified referendums may be placed on the ballot only at a general election. Amends the ballot language for controlled project, school operating, and school public safety referendums. Provides that a school corporation may not adopt a resolution to place a controlled project referendum on the ballot during the second calendar year after the final calendar year in which a previously approved controlled project referendum levy is imposed. Modifies the threshold amounts used for determining whether a political subdivision's project is a controlled project and whether the petition and remonstrance process or the referendum process applies based on the political subdivision's total debt service tax rate. Adds provisions to authorize a county fiscal body to adopt an ordinance to establish a property tax payment deferral program (program). Provides that a qualified individual participating in the program may defer the payment of part of the property taxes that would otherwise be due on a homestead. Provides that property taxes deferred under the program are due after the occurrence of a deferral termination event. Provides that the maximum amount of taxes that may be deferred cumulatively year over year may not exceed $10,000. Increases, beginning in 2028, the maximum local income tax (LIT) expenditure rate for all counties to 2.9%. Authorizes a city or town to impose a municipal LIT rate beginning in 2028 not to exceed 1.2%. Provides that within a county's total expenditure rate, the county may adopt: (1) up to a 1.2% rate for county general purpose revenue; (2) up to a 0.4% rate for fire protection and emergency medical services; (3) up to a 0.2% rate for nonmunicipal civil taxing unit general purpose revenue; and (4) up to 1.2% for certain cities and towns that are not eligible to adopt a municipal LIT rate. Eliminates provisions that provide for a distribution of LIT expenditure rate revenue to schools and civil taxing units in counties that imposed a rate under the prior county adjusted gross income tax. Authorizes a county fiscal body to impose a local income tax expenditure rate to provide property tax relief for property tax liability attributable to homesteads in the county before January 1, 2028. Expires the authority to impose a property tax relief rate under the LIT and repeals the levy freeze rate. Provides that, in order to continue to impose an expenditure tax rate after 2027, each county must adopt a new ordinance on or before October 1, 2027, to impose the rate. Provides that, for counties that fail to adopt an ordinance to renew an existing expenditure tax rate in 2027, the expenditure tax rate for the county in 2028 shall be the minimum tax rate necessary for existing debt service. Specifies that this does not prevent the county from renewing, imposing, or modifying an expenditure tax rate in subsequent years. Eliminates local income tax councils beginning July 1, 2027, and instead provides that the county fiscal body is the adopting body in all counties for purposes of the county LIT, and the city or town fiscal body is the adopting body in the case of a municipal LIT. Establishes the state and local income tax holding account within the state general fund for purposes of LIT distributions. Requires the budget agency to maintain an accounting for each county imposing a county LIT based on annual returns filed by or for county taxpayers (same as current law). Requires undistributed amounts so accounted to be held for purposes of the state and local income tax holding account beginning after December 31, 2026. (Under current law, undistributed amounts are required to be held in reserve separate from the state general fund.) Requires the budget agency to present each December to the budget committee a report of the following: (1) An estimate of the monthly certified distribution amounts for the immediately succeeding calendar year. (2) A description of the method used to determine the monthly estimates. Beginning in 2028, requires the budget agency to make monthly transfers to the state and local income tax holding account of the amount determined for the month in the budget agency's report to the budget committee. Repeals a provision that requires the budget agency to adjust the certified distribution of a county for the succeeding year following a tax rate change. Requires the department to develop and maintain a property tax transparency portal through which taxpayers may: (1) compare the property tax liability in their current tax statement compared to their potential property tax liability based on changes under a proposed tax rate; and (2) provide taxpayer feedback to the department. Prohibits the northern Indiana commuter transportation district from issuing new bonds after May 9, 2025, that are payable in whole or in part from amounts distributed from the commuter rail service fund or the electric rail service fund. Requires all school corporations that adopt a resolution for an operating referendum tax levy that is imposed for the first time with property taxes first due and payable beginning after 2027 to share revenue with certain charter schools. Requires, beginning with distributions in 2028, that all school corporations begin sharing revenue from the school corporation's operations fund levy with certain charter schools. Provides for the phasing in of the sharing of revenue with certain charter schools from the school corporation's operations fund levy. Provides for the appointment of additional board members to the governing board of a charter school that receives property tax revenue. Sets forth additional procedures related to the closure of a charter school. Dissolves the Union School Corporation. Provides that for a fire protection territory established after January 1, 2025, each unit in a territory may not impose a tax rate that exceeds $0.40 per $100 of assessed valuation. Makes conforming changes. Makes technical corrections. Makes an appropriation.

Travis HoldmanRepublican

County government matters.

Allows an executive session to be held to communicate with an attorney, subject to the attorney client privilege. Excludes conveyances to a unit from the definition of a "conveyance document". Amends requirements for local ordinances concerning the operation of a golf cart or an off-road vehicle. Provides that if a body is to be transported by common carrier, the person in charge of interment shall secure a burial transit permit in duplicate from certain individuals. Provides that the governing body of a school corporation may enter into a public-private agreement for the construction or renovation of school buildings under the statutes governing public-private agreements. Provides that certain fees collected by the county recorder are deposited in the county recorder's records perpetuation fund. Provides that a fee for recording a mortgage assumption is the same as the fee for recording a mortgage. Prohibits a county employee from taking action on a county contract, unless permitted by a county ordinance. Amends the definition of "residential property" used for an allocation area established after June 30, 2025. Provides that, after June 30, 2025, no action shall be brought with respect to jail or prison conditions under state law by an offender until such administrative remedies as are available are exhausted.

Jennifer MeltzerRepublican

Various elections matters.

Modifies the definition of "candidate". Provides that certain documents and material generated for or used by a political party caucus to select a person to fill a vacancy in an elected office are the property of the political party. Provides that the office of the circuit court clerk must remain closed on primary election day and general election day. Provides that the circuit court clerk shall perform required duties to conduct elections on primary election day and general election day. Specifies that the circuit court clerk is not required to perform on primary election day and general election day a duty other than conducting elections. Requires a county, city, town, township, or school to provide to an employee of a local government office who requests leave to serve: (1) on primary election day or general election day; and (2) as a precinct election officer; a paid day of leave to serve as a precinct election officer. Specifies an exception. Requires certain redistricting authorities to redistrict election districts or recertify existing election districts within the statutory deadlines and withholds payment to aa member of a redistricting authority for failure to do so. Prescribes fees to be charged by the election division for particular products and services. Changes the manner in which a copy of a complaint is to be provided to members of the Indiana election commission. Specifies the term of a chairman of a county election board, circumstances under which the chairman is considered to have vacated the office, and the process for electing a member of the board to serve as chairman following a vacancy. Provides that a person must: (1) be at least 18 years of age at the next general, municipal, or special election; (2) be a United States citizen; and (3) reside in a precinct continuously before a general, municipal, or special election for at least 30 days; to register to vote in that precinct and may, upon making a proper application, register to vote in that precinct. Requires absentee activity reports and other election day reports to be provided by a certain time and provides exceptions. Requires the county voter registration official to take certain actions concerning potential nonresidential addresses not later than August 1 of each year. Provides that the county voter registration official may not enter a nonresidential address into the statewide voter registration system as a voter's registration address. Provides that the spouse of a service member may elect to use the same residence as the member. Requires a county voter registration office to conduct a voter list maintenance program within 48 hours of receiving certain information. Allows a county voter registration office to use, for purposes of voter list maintenance: (1) information received by the county voter registration office indicating that a voter has moved to another state; (2) the return of an absentee ballot sent by the county election board to a voter because of an unknown or insufficient address. Requires a county voter registration office that receives information indicating that a voter has moved to another state to mail a specified form to the voter. Specifies that a full-time employee of the department of homeland security who is prohibited from participating in political activities is disqualified from assuming or being a candidate for an elected office. Requires a write-in candidate for a school board office to file a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate with the county election board. Provides, for purposes of stating a candidate's affiliation with a political party in a declaration of candidacy, that if a candidate cast a nonpartisan ballot at an election held at either of the two most recent primary elections in which the candidate voted, a certification by the county chairman is required. Provides that, under certain circumstances, a county election board is not required to compile: (1) the addresses of persons for whom declarations of candidacy have been filed; or (2) information concerning precinct committeemen or state convention delegates. Specifies that a circuit court clerk who is required to conduct a special election is not required to publish the address of a candidate. Requires candidates for school board office and their candidate's committees to file required instruments with the county election board. Requires the names of all: (1) candidates for presidential electors and alternate presidential electors; and (2) nominees for President and Vice President of the United States; to be certified to the election division not later than noon September 1 before the general election. (Current law requires certification not later than noon on the second Tuesday in September before the general election.) Allows the county election board, by unanimous vote of the board's entire membership, to use bound materials instead of a paper envelope or bag in certain circumstances. Requires a voter registration application or absentee ballot application requested through electronic mail by a voter with print disabilities to be provided by electronic mail. (Current law permits providing these documents by fax or mail in certain circumstances.) Allows an individual to submit: (1) a replacement ballot statement request; and (2) a written replacement ballot request; by electronic mail. Repeals a provision that prohibits a voter from: (1) taking a digital image or photograph of the voter's ballot while in a polling place, except in specified circumstances; and (2) distributing or sharing the image using social media or by any other means. Requires that a voter entitled to cast an absentee ballot before an absentee voter board mark the voter's political party ballot selection on the electronic poll book instead of communicating the selection to the poll clerks. Permits a vendor to dispose of a voting system unit or an electronic poll book unit by transferring possession of the unit to a state or county historical society in Indiana. Specifies circumstances in which a candidate filing a petition for a recount or contest is liable for the expenses chargeable to another party. Provides that a petition for a recount or contest may not be filed earlier than noon 10 days after election day. Specifies, with regard to filling a candidate vacancy for a local office, that an authorization to fill vacancies given to a county chairman or a county committee expires at the time of the next election for precinct committeemen for the party with which the county chairman or county committee is affiliated. Provides that action to fill an early candidate vacancy must be taken not earlier than May 8 after the primary election if the vacancy exists on a general or municipal election ballot. Provides that if only one person seeks to fill a vacancy in a local office held by a major political party, a caucus vote is not required and the county chairman may select that person to fill the vacancy. Provides that certain state officers are liable to impeachment for crime, incapacity, or negligence in office. (Current law provides that these officers are liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office.) Specifies, for purposes of nepotism provisions, that the performance of certain duties of an absentee voter board, an absentee ballot counter, a provisional ballot counter, or an absentee ballot courier is not considered employment by a unit.

Timothy WescoRepublican

School and public safety matters.

Expands the eligibility requirements for admission to the Indiana Veterans' Home. Provides that the department of natural resources shall provide staff support for the Indiana semiquincentennial commission (commission). (Current law provides that the Indiana department of veterans' affairs provides staff support for the commission.) Adds a definition of an "eligible person" for purposes of administering grants for veteran services (GVS). Provides that a qualified entity may receive a GVS to provide certain services to support an eligible person. Makes changes to the qualifications to receive a veteran's burial allowance. Establishes the Medal of Honor license plate. Restores a provision of current law concerning certain disability ratings, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and educational cost exemptions. Updates references throughout the Indiana Code relating to the armed forces of the United States or uniformed services to include the United States Space Force. Changes references relating to military discharges. Makes technical changes to various references relating to the components of the armed forces of the United States. Provides that Hamilton County is not subject to the political party membership requirements for a board of aviation commissioners or an airport authority. Establishes the office of school safety within the department of homeland security (department) for the purpose of coordinating and administering school security and safety resources. Changes the composition of the secured school safety board. Requires a school corporation or charter school to comply with certain safety related requests by the office of school safety. Authorizes the department to issue enforcement orders in accordance with rules adopted by the board of firefighting personnel standards and education. Removes emergency medical services enforcement authority from the state fire marshal's management authority. Provides that the department, a fire department, an airport fire department, or a volunteer fire department may open burn for fire training purposes if certain conditions are met. Makes various changes to provisions relating to the department's enforcement authority pertaining to the administrative adjudication of building fire and safety laws. Amends the definition of "law enforcement officer" to include the state fire marshal and the executive director or fire investigator of the department. Provides that the fire prevention and building safety commission, with certain exceptions, may not adopt a final rule for more than three building codes during any 12 month period. Defines "correctional services provider" and adds correctional services providers to the definition of "covered person" for purposes of restricting access to a covered person's address on a public property data base website. Provides that a school resource officer who has completed Tier I or Tier II basic training has statewide jurisdiction. Provides that a school resource officer may pursue a person who flees from a school resource officer after the school resource officer has, by visible or audible means, including the operation of the school resource officer's siren or emergency lights, identified themself and ordered the person to stop. Increases the penalty for criminal recklessness from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor. Specifies that the immunities and limitations on liability that apply to a law enforcement officer (and the officer's employing agency) acting within the officer's jurisdictional area also apply to an officer (and employing agency) acting outside the jurisdictional area under certain circumstances. Makes pointing a firearm by a passenger in a vehicle whose driver is committing criminal recklessness a Level 6 felony under certain circumstances. Adds a hospital police department to the definition of police departments required to provide police officers with certain rights. Repeals the provision establishing the department of education's division of school building physical security and safety. Makes conforming amendments.

Steve BartelsRepublican

Teacher compensation.

Requires the department of education (department) to submit a report to the general assembly before November 1, 2025, that provides an analysis of the feasibility and cost of increasing school corporation employee health plan options. Creates the Indiana teacher recruitment program. Beginning June 30, 2025: (1) increases the minimum salary for a teacher employed by a school corporation to $45,000 (current law requires $40,000); and (2) requires a school corporation to expend an amount for teacher compensation that is not less than 65% of state tuition support (current law requires 62%). Amends the requirements for a school corporation and the department if the school corporation determines that the school corporation cannot meet minimum teacher salary requirements. Removes a provision that provides that the matrix rating system may not rank or compare teacher preparation programs.

Linda RogersRepublican

Mobile retail food establishment licenses.

Requires the Indiana department of health (state department) to establish: (1) a statewide mobile retail food establishment license (license); (2) standards for the licensure, inspection, and operation of a mobile retail food establishment; and (3) license fees and inspection fees. Requires the state department to establish a workgroup to collaborate with in implementing specified provisions. Beginning January 1, 2027, requires a local health department to: (1) receive applications for licenses; (2) collect annual license and inspection fees; (3) issue licenses; and (4) conduct semiannual inspections of a mobile retail food establishment that is issued a license. Provides that an owner or operator of a mobile retail food establishment issued a license is not required to obtain a county or local license or permit, nor required to pay a county or local inspection fee or a license or permit fee. Provides that beginning January 1, 2027, a person may not operate a mobile retail food establishment in Indiana unless the person obtains a license. Requires the state department to adopt rules to implement these provisions. Repeals provisions of law governing mobile retail food establishment permits effective January 1, 2027.

Joanna KingRepublican

Insurance matters.

Provides that the director of the state personnel department may make a determination to provide coverage under the state employee health plan for emergency medical services as part of a mobile integrated healthcare program. Provides that the requirement for a policy of accident and sickness insurance and a health maintenance organization contract to provide reimbursement for emergency medical services includes emergency medical services that are performed or provided as part of a mobile integrated healthcare program. Repeals a provision that requires the department of insurance to maintain an electronic system for the collection and storage of information concerning transactions involving residential property. Provides that the article regarding consumer data protection does not apply to any organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that is: (1) established to detect or prevent insurance related crime or fraud; and (2) subject to a memorandum of understanding with a statewide law enforcement agency. Changes the deadline for the Indiana Public Employers' Plan, Inc., to apply to the insurance commissioner for a certificate of authority to transact business as a domestic tax exempt reciprocal insurance company from before December 31, 2026, to before December 31, 2030. Repeals the statute requiring carriers of health insurance plans to conduct annual public forums. Provides that provisions requiring a notice of material change apply to personal automobile or homeowner's policies that are issued, delivered, amended, or renewed after June 30, 2026. Amends the definition of "small employer" in the chapter regarding small employer group health insurance. Makes corresponding changes.

Martin CarbaughRepublican

Cost sharing; out-of-pocket expense credit.

Requires an insurer, an administrator, and a pharmacy benefit manager to apply the annual limitation on cost sharing set forth in the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act under 42 U.S.C. 18022(c)(1) to prescription drugs that: (1) are covered under a health plan; (2) are life-saving or intended to manage chronic pain; and (3) do not have an approved generic version. Provides that an insurer, an administrator, and a pharmacy benefit manager may not directly or indirectly set, alter, implement, or condition the terms of health insurance coverage based in part or entirely on information about the availability or amount of financial or product assistance available for a prescription drug. Requires, before December 31 of each year, each insurer and administrator to certify to the insurance commissioner that the insurer or administrator has fully and completely complied with the cost sharing requirements during the previous calendar year. Requires a health plan to credit toward a covered individual's deductible and annual maximum out-of-pocket expenses any amount the covered individual pays directly to any health care provider for a medically necessary covered health care service if a claim for the health care service is not submitted to the health plan and the amount paid by the covered individual to the health care provider is less than the average discounted rate for the health care service paid to a health care provider in the health plan's network. Requires a health plan to: (1) establish a procedure by which a covered individual may claim a credit; and (2) identify documentation necessary to support a claim for a credit.

Julie McGuireRepublican

Department of natural resources.

Establishes a procedure to be followed when there are unpaid taxes assessed on a mineral interest. Adds a $10,000 cap on a tax credit for a taxpayer who completes preservation or rehabilitation of a historic property. Establishes that the department of natural resources can not certify credits into future years, but may maintain credits previously certified (credits granted before March 10, 2025 for expenditures incurred before July 1, 2024). Provides conditions and guidelines under which the department of natural resources may establish submerged lands preserves. Asks the legislative council to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the topic of studying the economic value of public land for recreation in Indiana.

Shane LindauerRepublican

Long term care insurance partnership program.

Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to reapply before September 1, 2025, for a Medicaid state plan amendment that provides for the establishment of the long term care partnership program and the discontinuance of the current long term care program.

Martin CarbaughRepublican

Employment of minor league baseball players.

Provides that a person who has entered into a contract to play baseball at the minor league level and is compensated under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement is excluded from the definition of "employee" for purposes of the minimum wage law. Provides that a record of daily and weekly hours and wages is not required for any person who has entered into a contract to play baseball at the minor league level and is compensated under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement.

Heath VanNatterRepublican

Department of local government finance.

Increases the threshold that applies to public works projects for which the department of natural resources may use its employees to perform the labor and supervision for the project. Removes the sunset of provisions that authorize the sale of bonds at a negotiated sale. Amends provisions pertaining to the investment of public funds in certain depositories. Requires the fiscal officer (rather than the executive) of a political subdivision to upload certain contracts to the Indiana transparency website (website). Permits the political subdivision to identify an individual other than the fiscal officer to upload contracts to the website. Provides that the change to the agricultural base rate in Senate Bill 1 does not apply for the January 1, 2025, assessment date to land in inventory. Repeals the increase in the personal property tax exemption for the 2025 assessment in Senate Bill 1, but retains the increase of the personal property tax exemption to $2,000,000 for the 2026 assessment date and thereafter. Removes an exception to provisions added in Senate Bill 1 exempting depreciable personal property placed in service after January 1, 2025, from the 30% minimum valuation floor if property tax revenue that is attributable to the depreciable personal property is pledged as payment for bonds, leases, or other obligations. Repeals the local property tax credits for veterans enacted in Senate Bill 1 and reinstates the property tax deductions in current law for veterans that were expired under Senate Bill 1. Provides that the personal property online submission portal (portal) may be used to file a personal property return until 2026. Repeals (effective January 1, 2026) the provision requiring the establishment of the portal and makes corresponding changes. Adds requirements for the filing of a petition for review of land values. Amends a provision pertaining to the assessment of solar land. Provides for the assessment of community land trust property and a property tax credit for community land trust property. For purposes of public utility companies, specifies that the period of time that a taxpayer may file an objection with the department of local government finance (DLGF) is not later than 15 days after the notice is postmarked. Provides, for particular calendar years, that all or part of a building is deemed to serve a charitable purpose and is exempt from property taxation if it is owned by certain nonprofit entities. Establishes a maximum entry fee per unit that may be charged by a continuing care retirement community to qualify for the property tax exemption. Adds, for particular calendar years, continuing care retirement communities, small house health facilities, and qualified residential treatment providers to the list of exempt entities for purposes of another property tax exemption. Provides that the DLGF may (as opposed to shall) adopt certain rules with respect to property of an exempt organization used in a nonexempt trade or business. Amends the requirements that must be satisfied to receive a property tax exemption for property used by a for-profit provider of early childhood education. Establishes a partial property tax exemption for an employer that provides child care on the employer's property for the employer's employees and certain other employees. Amends certain notice and procedural provisions applicable to proceedings before the Indiana board of tax review. Clarifies the deadline for submitting amended certified net assessed value amounts. Specifies the calculation of the maximum permissible property tax levy for certain units that fail to comply with certain budget and tax levy review and adoption procedures. Adds provisions that: (1) require the DLGF to increase the maximum permissible property tax levy for certain qualifying municipalities for property taxes first due and payable in 2025 to include all debt service levies of the qualifying municipality for property taxes first due and payable in 2025; (2) specify that the adjustment is a one time and permanent increase; (3) modify the: (A) local income tax trust account threshold percentage of a county that contains a qualifying municipality (for purposes of determining whether the county shall receive a supplemental distribution); and (B) certified share allocation determination for a qualifying municipality; and (4) prohibit the use funds from the state general fund to make up certain local income tax related shortfalls. Provides temporary one time increases for the maximum permissible ad valorem property tax levies for Shelby County and the Shelby County solid waste management district. Provides that the county treasurer is not required to mail or transmit a statement for property that is exempt from taxation and does not have a reported assessed value. Requires the DLGF, in a manner determined by the DLGF, to include on the coupon page of each property tax statement educational information regarding the eligibility and procedures for various property tax benefits available to certain taxpayers. Provides that a tract or item of real property owned by a political subdivision may not be sold at a tax sale. Removes a provision requiring the county executive to provide an annual report to the legislative council concerning certain tax sales. Provides that property tax assessment board of appeals members' terms must be staggered for a two year period and begin on January 1. Provides that a property tax payment made by a check processing company received after the due date for the property taxes is considered to be made on or before the due date if the taxpayer provides reasonable evidence that the payments were made on or before the due date. Reestablishes the deduction for aircraft entitling a taxpayer to a deduction from the assessed value of abatement property in each year in which the abatement property is subject to taxation for ad valorem property taxes. Provides a sales tax exemption for sales by agricultural commodity trade associations made at the state fair. Provides certain sourcing rules for the adjusted gross income of an investment partnership. Defines "investment partnership" and other related terms. Specifies that an electing entity or pass through entity shall be permitted to claim a credit for taxes withheld or paid on the entity's behalf. Allows an electing entity to make elections to claim certain state tax liability credits and sets forth requirements that apply to those elections. Expands the physician practice ownership tax credit against state tax liability to practicing physicians (instead of only primary care physicians) who have an ownership interest in a physician practice and meet other eligibility criteria. Limits the total amount of physician practice ownership tax credits that may be awarded in a state fiscal year. Specifies that a volunteer fire department that applies to the county adopting body for a distribution of local income tax revenue that is allocated to public safety purposes must do so through the fiscal officer of the unit served by the department. Allows the Fountain County council to adopt a resolution to make a one time transfer from the county jail revenue fund to the county general fund to be used for specified purposes. Allows revenue generated from a special purpose local income tax rate in Starke County to be used to operate and maintain the county jail and related facilities. Increases the amount of the local collection assistance fee. Provides a presumption of reasonable cause exception to the penalty for failure to file a return in the case of certain small partnerships. Amends the provisions to conform to the reasonable cause exception applicable to the failure to file penalty available under federal tax procedures (IRS Rev. Proc. 84-35, 1984-1 C.B. 509). Authorizes numerous local units to impose food and beverage taxes. Allows the town of Shipshewana to increase its food and beverage tax. Removes language excluding transactions that occur at a historic hotel from the Orange County food and beverage tax and amends provisions that apply to the uses of the tax revenue. Repeals provisions authorizing the imposition of food and beverage taxes in Wayne County. Reallocates the amounts of revenue received from the Vanderburgh County innkeeper's tax that is deposited in certain funds. Authorizes certain counties to impose an innkeeper's tax under separate enabling statutes. Allows Brown County to increase its innkeeper's tax rate. Prohibits the deposit or transfer of money in an innkeeper's or food and beverage tax fund into any other fund, or deposit or transfer of money from any other fund into an innkeeper's or food and beverage tax fund. Requires a local unit that imposes a food and beverage tax (as part of its required annual reporting) to provide to the state board of accounts a consolidated financial statement for the preceding year. Requires the state board of accounts to: (1) determine whether or not local units imposing a food and beverage tax, and other entities that receive a distribution of food and beverage tax revenue, are in compliance with current reporting requirements and applicable statutory requirements; and (2) submit a report of its findings to the legislative council. Provides for a reduction of the percentage of gross revenue to be paid to a unit of local government by a holder of a cable franchise. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply to the United States Department of Health and Human Services for an amendment to each home and community based services Medicaid waiver for certain eligibility criteria related to asset limit thresholds. Specifies that certain school corporation property tax referenda are eligible to be on the ballot in an election held in the fall of 2025. Applies certain access to financial data requirements to charter schools. Restores language in a provision amended by Senate Bill 1 regarding optional revenue sharing with charter schools. Specifies that a minimum population for application of certain provisions concerning: (1) the assessment of industrial facilities; (2) the general government of counties; and (3) the division of powers of certain counties; is 450,000 (instead of 400,000). Allows a county fiscal body to make loans of money for not more than 10 years (rather than five years under current law) and issue notes for the purpose of refunding those loans. Allows a person who is: (1) engaged in the business of renting or furnishing, for periods of less than 30 days, certain lodging facilities located within an economic development district; and (2) liable for a special benefits assessment for the property; to charge a fee of not more than $1 per night. Provides that the northwest Indiana regional development authority must be reimbursed for amounts deposited in the blighted property demolition fund not later than July 1, 2027 (instead of July 1, 2026). Requires local units to make semiannual fire service reports to the state fire marshal which, in turn, is required to submit the data reported to the legislative council. Provides for funding for cultural institutions. Urges the legislative council to assign to the appropriate interim study committee the task of studying certain issues relating to property exempt for charitable purposes. Amends a 2025 law requiring certain disclosures concerning appointed officers to provide that if an appointed board is a subgroup of an elected body that is appointed entirely: (1) from the body's elected members; and (2) by a member or members of the elected body; the appointed board may publish a board member's name and elected title in the board's meeting notice or agenda with a link or web address to the website where information of each board member's appointment and term is published. Removes provisions enacted by HEA 1001-2025 that: (1) treated the local government investment pool as a financial institution; and (2) considered the seven day yield published weekly by the treasurer of state to be a quote for purposes of the law governing the deposit and investment of public funds. Provides that money in the Pokagon Band Tribal-state compact fund is continuously appropriated for the purposes of the fund. Provides that funding to a local board of health from the local public health fund may only be used for Indiana residents who are lawfully present in the United States. Resolves conflicts.

Craig SnowRepublican

FSSA matters.

Adds additional duties to a workgroup currently organized concerning the pathways for aging risk based managed care program (program). Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services (office of the secretary) to determine the base reimbursement rate structure, methodology, and reimbursement rates for provider payment by managed care organizations under the program. Allows the office of the secretary to perform claims reviews of claims under the program. Requires a managed care organization participating in the program to do the following: (1) Contract with nursing facilities if certain conditions are met under the same terms for a specified time frame. (2) Submit monthly reports for claims that had a denial rate of at least five percent in the previous month. (3) Pay minimum reimbursement rates to providers. (4) Pay interest on unpaid claims that are later determined to be clean claims. Sets forth the powers and duties of the office of the secretary concerning Medicaid home and community based services waivers. Requires a provider of services under a home and community based services waiver to follow any waiver requirements under federal law and developed by the office of the secretary. Establishes requirements for home and community based services waivers. Relocates provisions requiring reimbursement for assisted living services for individuals who are aged and disabled and receiving services under a Medicaid waiver. Specifies that: (1) these provisions apply to a home and community based services waiver that included assisted living services as an available services before July 1, 2025; (2) these provisions apply to an individual receiving services under a home and community based services waiver; and (3) reimbursement is required for certain services that are part of the individual's home and community based service plan. Relocates provisions establishing limitations concerning assisted living services provided in a home and community based services program. Relocates a provision requiring the office of the secretary to annually determine any state savings generated by home and community based services. Removes a provision allowing the division of aging to adopt rules concerning an appeals process for a housing with services establishment provider's determination that the provider is unable to meet the health needs of a resident and allows the office of the secretary to adopt rules concerning the appeals process. Requires an individual who provides attendant care services for compensation from Medicaid to register with the office of the secretary. Removes the requirement that the division of aging administer programs established under Medicaid waivers for in-home services for treatment of medical conditions. 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 unit of services for the deaf and hard of hearing and the division (rather than the unit and the board of interpreters) to adopt rules creating standings for interpreters. Removes provisions concerning the board of interpreters. Repeals a provision providing that licensed home health agencies and licensed personal services agencies are approved to provide certain services under a Medicaid waiver granted to the state under federal law that provides services for treatment of medical conditions. Repeals language concerning a long term care services eligibility screen for purposes of the Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled program (CHOICE). Authorizes the division of disability and rehabilitative services to charge an authorized service provider that employs a direct service professional an annual fee. Establishes the direct support professional training program fund and appropriates money in the fund.

Brad BarrettRepublican

Education and higher education matters.

Provides that accredited nonpublic schools are eligible to participate in the following: (1) The establishment of police departments. (2) The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teacher recruitment grants. (3) The principal institute. Provides that charter schools are eligible to receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teacher recruitment grants. Establishes, for three school years: (1) a centralized school facilities pilot program; and (2) a student transportation pilot program. Allows: (1) not more than three applications, as selected by the department of education (department), to participate in the centralized school facilities pilot program; and (2) not more than three applications, as selected by the department, to participate in the student transportation pilot program (pilot programs). Establishes a: (1) local centralized school facilities board; and (2) local student transportation board; for participating school corporations and schools and grants the local boards certain powers and duties. Allows school corporations and schools to opt out of the pilot programs by providing a one year notice. Requires the department of local government finance, in consultation with the department, to prepare and submit reports that include certain recommendations. Establishes a mastery based education pilot program administered by the department. Establishes the Indianapolis local education alliance and requires the alliance to conduct a school facilities assessment and establish a school facilities and transportation implementation plan. Allows a parent of a choice scholarship student or an eligible choice scholarship school on behalf of a parent to petition the department to reconsider the eligibility of a choice scholarship student enrolled in the school if the parent has reason to believe that the student was determined ineligible due to enrollment data inaccuracies reported by a school. Provides that a student must be withdrawn from enrollment in a school corporation's virtual education program if the student accumulates 10 consecutive or 18 cumulative unexcused absences (instead of the number of unexcused absences sufficient to result in the student's classification as a habitual truant). Amends eligibility requirements for the high value workforce ready credit-bearing grant. Establishes the: (1) county deputy prosecuting attorney and public defender scholarship program; and (2) county deputy prosecuting attorney and public defender scholarship fund. Provides that a land use application for any approval that is required by a unit for a public or nonpublic school may not be denied for the sole reason that the requesting entity is seeking to establish a public or nonpublic school. Provides that, if Vigo County transfers or gifts any unencumbered funds to a school corporation, the county executive may establish a local board to have oversight and manage the use of the funds. Provides that the expenses of the local board shall be paid by the county. Requires certain individuals and certain schools to ensure that an AED is operational and present at certain events, and that individuals present at certain events are aware of the location of the AED and emergency plans regarding the use of the AED. Adds a requirement regarding certain school emergency action plans for sudden cardiac arrest. Removes certain sudden cardiac arrest training and certificate of completion requirements. Establishes requirements regarding a standardized admissions test for state educational institutions that offer certain health education programs. Requires a public school provide written notification to an employee and parent of a student not later than 14 days regarding certain unsubstantiated or otherwise dismissed allegations. Requires the department to submit a report to the general assembly on the academic readiness of students who enroll in a virtual school or program. Provides that the state board shall adopt rules regarding financial reporting and oversight required by a school corporation and a vendor who enter into or renew a contract relating to the operation of a dedicated virtual education school. Resolves conflicts.

Robert BehningRepublican

Bureau of motor vehicles.

Provides the records of the bureau of motor vehicles (bureau), for purposes of showing the last registered owner of a vehicle when obtaining a certificate of title for a repossessed vehicle, mean records related to certificate of titles or registrations. Allows the bureau to issue an electronic certificate of registration. Requires a toll operator to invoice a user not later than one year after a toll is incurred. Allows the bureau to issue a temporary registration permit at the bureau's discretion if a person meets certain requirements. Allows the bureau to offer alternative designs or color scheme versions of license plates. Requires a customer who selects both an alternative design or color scheme and a personalized license plate message for a license plate to pay two separate fees. Amends the requirements for a special group recognition license plate. Allows an insurance company to submit a signed or unsigned certificate of title for the issuance of a certificate of salvage title. Provides that a slow moving vehicle emblem and the emblem's position of mounting must substantially adhere to certain recommendations. Repeals provisions concerning the Indiana criminal justice institute's rulemaking authority concerning slow moving vehicle emblems. Provides that a commercial driver's license (CDL) may include an intrastate passenger transport endorsement if the applicant is at least 18 years of age. Provides maximum prices that public and private institutions and other entities may charge for conducting skills exams. Provides that a learner's permit, driver's license, identification card, and photo exempt identification card expire upon the bureau receiving notice of the death of the holder or upon issuance of a subsequent physical credential. Effective January 1, 2028, requires the bureau to maintain a secure online insurance verification system to verify proof of a driver's financial responsibility. Establishes the real time insurance verification advisory board. Allows a law enforcement officer to include in a written accident report whether a driver's medical impairment may have contributed to an accident. Removes the population requirement for a county to enter into an interlocal cooperation agreement with an adjacent county to allow a public transportation corporation to provide expanded service beyond the boundary of the county in which it is located. Prohibits a person from advertising: (1) a product containing marijuana; or (2) a controlled substance listed in schedule I; by any medium. Adds to the definition of a "consumer transaction" for purposes of deceptive consumer sales. Requires a towing company to release property to a consumer if the consumer pays a percentage of the towing invoice, obtains a bond for the remaining amount of the invoice, and provides a copy of a complaint filed with the attorney general. Requires a city, county, or town to credit the proceeds from the sale of an abandoned vehicle or parts against the costs of removal, storage, and disposal of the vehicle. Establishes rates a towing company may charge for fees for emergency towing or private property towing. Allows a county to mow or maintain any grass or vegetation in a right-of-way that is owned by the state and located in the county if the county obtains a permit from the office of the Indiana department of transportation district in which the county is located.

Jim PresselRepublican

Road funding.

Makes various changes to provisions concerning roads and transportation. Allows a taxpayer to claim a credit against state income tax liability for certain qualified railroad expenditures and qualified new rail infrastructure expenditures. Specifies the amount of the credit. Limits the total amount of credits that may be allowed in a state fiscal year and provides for the expiration of the credit. Increases the maximum rate a county containing a consolidated city (consolidated city) may impose for the county wheel tax and the county vehicle excise tax and specifies the purposes for which the proceeds of those taxes must be appropriated. Beginning in 2026, lowers the percentage of funds distributed to counties, cities, and towns (local units) from the motor vehicle highway account that must be used for construction, reconstruction, and preservation of a local unit's highways if certain conditions related to pavement quality are satisfied. Amends provisions pertaining to the Indiana finance authority's authorization to issue revenue bonds or notes, including grant anticipation revenue bonds or notes, to finance highway and road construction projects. Allows the Indiana department of transportation (department) to submit a request to the Federal Highway Administration for a waiver to toll lanes on interstate highways. Provides that, if a request for a waiver to toll lanes on interstate highways is granted, the general assembly is not required to enact a statute before tolling may occur. Allocates responsibility for bridges in a county between that county and a municipality based on the size and location of the bridge. Allows a local county road and bridge board to undertake low water crossing projects. Requires the department to ensure that information regarding funding sources for low water crossing projects is made available to county boards of commissioners and county highway departments. Provides that money in the local road and bridge matching grant (matching fund) must be allocated, transferred, and distributed for specified purposes. Specifies the timing of those allocations, transfers, and distributions. Imposes conditions on the allocations, transfers, and distributions made from the matching fund, including, in state fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2027, limitations on the ability of a local unit to apply for a grant in certain circumstances. Allows local units to use grants from the matching fund for low water crossing projects. Reduces the required local matching amounts and increases the population thresholds that apply to certain local units, if the department approves a grant from the matching fund. Restates a provision allocating 50% of the amount available in the matching fund to local units with a population of less than 50,000. Increases the speed limit on Interstate Highway 465. Requires all townships to annually adopt a capital improvement plan, which must include the balance of all unrestricted funds that exceed the township's budget for the following year. Provides that a township must transfer 30% of the amount of the balance of all unrestricted funds that exceed the township's budget for the following year to the township roads and infrastructure fund. Requires a township board to adopt a resolution if favor of providing money for the improvement and maintenance of roads and infrastructure within the township before a township transfers money for such projects. Provides, for purposes of the provisions regarding township capital improvement plans and township roads and infrastructure funds, that unrestricted funds are cash reserves that are not obligated, committed, encumbered, or restricted for specified purposes. Urges the legislative council to assign to the interim study committee on roads and transportation the study of appropriate road funding formulas. Makes conforming changes.

Jim PresselRepublican

Dealer services division.

Provides that certain licensing requirements relating to vehicle merchandising do not apply to distributors or manufacturers that are not located in Indiana. Provides that if certain persons engage in the business of buying, selling, or trading motor vehicles on a Sunday, those persons commit a Class B misdemeanor. Amends current law that establishes a mandatory training program that applicants for a used motor vehicle dealer license must complete. Provides that except as part of a change in dealer business entity type, a holder of a dealer license or endorsement may not take certain actions with respect to the dealer license or endorsement. Makes conforming changes.

Dave HeineRepublican

Licensure of foreign trained physicians.

Establishes a limited medical license for individuals who: (1) have graduated from certain international medical programs; (2) obtain a health care facility sponsor in an underserved area; and (3) meet certain other criteria. Provides that a limited medical license authorizes the recipient to practice medicine only at a health care facility in an underserved area. Enables the medical licensing board of Indiana (board) to revoke a limited medical license if the recipient stops working as a physician at a health care facility in an underserved area. Provides that a limited medical license may be converted to an unlimited license. Allows the board to require a comprehensive evaluation to determine the individual's competency before issuing an unlimited medical license. Allows, until June 30, 2027, an applicant for an unlimited license to practice osteopathic medicine to take all levels of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination not later than ten years from the date the applicant first passes level 1 of the examination.

Beau BairdRepublican

Services for the aged and disabled.

Allows the office of the secretary of family and social services (office of the secretary) to study and prepare a report containing recommendations for realigning and consolidating the local area agency on aging (area agency) planning and service areas. Amends the definition of "community and home care services" for purposes of community and home options to institutional care for the elderly and disabled program (CHOICE). Prohibits the division of aging from requiring a CHOICE provider to be certified under the Medicaid program or a Medicaid waiver program. Creates an exception for a provider of certain services. Requires an area agency to prioritize CHOICE funding to identify specified individuals and provide community and home care services to these individuals. Requires the office of the secretary, in negotiating reimbursement rates for CHOICE services, to consider the location and availability of service providers. Authorizes the office of the secretary to establish a Medicaid diversion pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of home modification and telehealth enhanced chronic care services provided by specified area agencies in reducing Medicaid expenditures. Allows the office of the secretary, a managed care organization that has contracted with the office of Medicaid policy and planning, and a person who has contracted with a certain managed care organization or the office of the secretary to contract with an area agency to provide and receive reimbursement for a level of care assessment for the: (1) health and wellness Medicaid waiver; (2) traumatic brain injury Medicaid waiver; and (3) risk based managed care program for the covered population.

Edward ClereRepublican

Education matters.

Provides that certain students have the opportunity to retake the determinant evaluation of reading skills at least twice in the summer before grade 3 retention requirements apply. Requires the department of education to establish a registration process for schools to exempt certain English language learners from compliance with grade 3 retention requirements until the beginning of the 2027-2028 school year. Allows required career fairs to be held off of school property if the school provides transportation. Amends agreement requirements with regard to the employment aid readiness network (EARN) Indiana program. Makes a technical correction.

Robert BehningRepublican

Bank accounts for foster and emancipated youths.

Provides that a foster youth or emancipated youth is legally competent to enter into a contract with a depository financial institution to open a savings or checking account in the youth's name with the consent of a juvenile court with jurisdiction over the youth.

Chris CampbellDemocrat

Alcohol and tobacco commission matters.

Makes the following changes: (1) Expands the purpose of the Richard D. Doyle tobacco education and enforcement fund. (2) Amends type II gambling game prize limits to include sports themed gaming. (3) Replaces a reference in the definition of a "Type II gambling game" to an Indiana gaming commission memorandum with a substantive definition. (4) Eliminates the requirement that a farm winery or artisan distiller annually submit excise tax returns to the alcohol and tobacco commission (ATC). (5) Removes a phrase that requires an e-liquid to contain nicotine to be considered a "tobacco product" under provisions concerning tobacco sales certificates. (6) Amends local alcoholic beverage board members' duties to reflect electronic record keeping. (7) Requires an employee or contractor who controls entry into age restricted premises or otherwise checks an individual's proof of age to complete alcohol server training. (8) Prohibits the ATC from issuing an alcoholic beverage permit unless a person has on file with the ATC a verified list containing the name and address of each person or entity: (A) with actual authority to direct or control the operation of the permit; and (B) holding at least a 5% (instead of 2%) interest in the permit and the business conducted, or to be conducted, under it. (9) Prohibits charging an individual a cover fee to access unlimited alcoholic beverages. Allows the sale of event packages. (10) Replaces, in statutes regarding unlawful sales to minors, references to "tobacco", "e-liquid", or "electronic cigarette" with the inclusive term "tobacco product". (11) Allows a person to participate electronically in an online auction or raffle but requires alcoholic beverage prizes to be collected in person. (12) Modifies the insurance coverage requirements that apply to specified permit holders. (13) Allows specified local government entities to permit the retail sale of alcoholic beverages in certain areas if a person that has an agreement to act as concessionaire for the permitted premises applies for and secures the necessary permits. (14) Establishes requirements regarding permittee donations to qualified organizations that are permittees conducting an event. (15) Prohibits, with exceptions, the sale, use, and distribution of flavored nitrous oxide. Repeals statutes that do the following: (1) Allow the ATC to require registration of alcoholic beverage brands and other information used in advertising. (2) Require attachment of an identification marker to a keg at the time of sale. (3) Make it a Class C misdemeanor to transport an alcoholic beverage to a retailer or dealer on a Sunday.

Ethan ManningRepublican

Taxation of military income.

Exempts military pay for members of the United States Space Force, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps from the individual income tax. Exempts military pay earned by members of an active component of the United States Space Force, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps from the individual income tax. Adds members of the United States Space Force, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps for purposes of eligibility for the income tax deduction for income from military retirement or survivor's benefits.

Mitch GoreDemocrat

Pension matters.

Amends provisions regarding the surcharge rates established by the Indiana public retirement system to actuarially prefund certain postretirement benefits. Adds provisions requiring the treasurer of state to determine a surcharge amount that is to be paid into the supplemental reserve account for the state police pre-1987 and 1987 benefit systems. Provides for a thirteenth check in calendar year 2025 for certain members, participants, or beneficiaries of the: (1) Indiana state teachers' retirement fund; (2) Indiana public employees' retirement fund; (3) state excise police, gaming agent, gaming control officer, and conservation enforcement officers' retirement plan; (4) state police pre-1987 benefit system; and (5) state police 1987 benefit system. Makes conforming changes.

Michael KarickhoffRepublican

Child Care and Development Fund.

Provides that a household is eligible for assistance under the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program if the household includes a foster parent at the time of the office of the secretary of family and social services' initial determination regarding the household's CCDF eligibility. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to allocate 200 CCDF vouchers to be used for a child who is placed with a licensed foster parent.

Elizabeth RowrayRepublican

Motor vehicle medical information program.

Establishes the yellow dot motor vehicle medical information program.

Sue ErringtonDemocrat

Medicare supplement insurance.

Prohibits an issuer of a Medicare supplement policy or certificate from denying, conditioning the issuance or effectiveness of, or discriminating in the pricing of a Medicare supplement policy or certificate because of the health status, claims experience, receipt of health care, or medical condition of an applicant who meets certain conditions.

Wendy Dant ChesserDemocrat

Earned wage access services.

Provides that under certain circumstances, a lender may contract for and receive a nonrefundable prepaid finance charge of 3% (instead of 2%, under current law) of the loan amount on a loan that is secured by an interest in land and is not made under a revolving loan account. Provides that under certain circumstances, a lender may contract for and receive a nonrefundable prepaid finance charge of 3% (instead of 2%, under current law) of the line of credit on a loan that is secured by an interest in land and is made under a revolving loan account. Provides that: (1) if a joint agreement of merger is approved by the department of financial institutions, any credit union whose existence will terminate as a result of the merger shall submit the joint agreement to a vote of its shareholders as directed by the resolution of the board of directors; and (2) a majority of shareholders voting may approve the joint agreement. Establishes within the Indiana Code a new chapter, to be known as the Indiana Earned Wage Access Act (Act), governing the offering and provision of earned wage access services to Indiana consumers. Provides that the Act is to be administered by the division of consumer credit within the department of financial institutions (department). Sets forth provisions that address the following: (1) Definitions of terms. (2) Exemptions from the Act's requirements. (3) The department's supervisory authority under the Act. (4) The licensing of providers of earned wage access services (providers). (5) The acquisition of control of a licensee. (6) Reporting and record keeping requirements for licensees. (7) Duties of providers under the Act. (8) Prohibited acts by providers. (9) The department's enforcement authority under the Act. (10) Criminal liability for certain prohibited acts. (11) Statutory construction of the Act's provisions. Makes conforming changes to sections of the Indiana Code codified outside the Act.

Jake TeshkaRepublican

Insurance and transfer on death deeds.

Removes language regarding coverage under a casualty insurance policy or liability insurance policy on property transferred by a transfer on death deed. Specifies that a provision regarding insurance coverage on property transferred by a transfer on death deed does not apply to a commercial lines property insurance policy. Makes corresponding changes.

Matt LehmanRepublican

Indiana National Guard.

Increases, from $8,800 to $20,000, the amount that shall be paid by the state if a member of the Indiana National Guard dies in the active service of the state. Provides that a spouse or dependent of a member of the Indiana National Guard is eligible for a state employee death benefit if the member dies while serving on state active duty. Provides that the adjutant general may procure a medical insurance plan for members of the Indiana National Guard who are ordered to state active duty. Adds awards and decorations that may be awarded by the Indiana National Guard. Provides that members of the Indiana National Guard, while serving on state active duty, shall be considered state employees for purposes of receiving worker's compensation. Provides that a scholarship applicant of the National Guard tuition supplement program may use the scholarship for a credential-certifying program, licensing program, trade certification program, or apprenticeship program for an in-demand occupation as identified by the adjutant general and the department of workforce development, in consultation with the commission for higher education. Provides that if a scholarship applicant of the National Guard tuition supplement program receives a twenty-first century scholars program scholarship, the scholarship applicant may use a National Guard tuition supplement program scholarship awarded to pay for qualified program and educational expenses approved by the commission for higher education and room and board for two years. Makes technical corrections.

Steve BartelsRepublican

Technical corrections.

Addresses technical issues in the Indiana Code, including those related to spelling, tabulation, formatting, grammar, and cross-references. Resolves technical conflicts from the 2024 legislative session. Makes conforming amendments. (The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the code revision committee.)

Karen EnglemanRepublican

State budget.

Appropriates money for capital expenditures, the operation of the state, K-12 and higher education, the delivery of Medicaid and other services, and various other distributions and purposes. Provides that the annual salary of the members of the general assembly shall not be increased during the biennium beginning July 1, 2025. Extends the review, analysis, and evaluation of tax incentives by the legislative services agency through 2030. Requires the legislative services agency to perform a fiscal impact analysis for each executive order issued by the governor under the emergency management and disaster law. Requires state officials to report to the budget committee expenses and funding used for trips taken in their official capacity. Provides that if the budget director determines at any time that a state agency can perform the agency's statutory obligations with less than the amount appropriated, the budget director shall, with the approval of the governor, and after notice to the state agency, reduce the amount or amounts allotted or to be allotted. Requires the budget director to withhold not less than 5% of any appropriation to a state agency to be used for salaries or other wages for state agency employees or general operating expenses of the state agency. Repeals the governor's workforce cabinet. Makes conforming changes. Requires the department of natural resources (not the Indiana department of veterans' affairs under current law) to provide staff support to the Indiana semiquincentennial commission and repeals provisions requiring certain meetings and events of the commission to be held at the World War Memorial in Indianapolis. Removes a requirement to include certain services in a lease between the Indiana department of administration and the Indiana historical society for use of a building. Makes an appropriation from the Pokagon Band Tribal-state compact fund to the Midwest continental divide commission fund. Establishes the Indiana local government investment pool board for the purpose of establishing policies governing the investment of funds contributed to the local government investment pool. Removes political affiliation requirements that apply to members appointed by the governor to the board for depositories. Allows the Indiana finance authority to begin a project related to the Learning and Training Center in Boone County beginning July 1, 2027 if certain conditions are met. Provides that a price preference for certain businesses applies to any proposal, contract, project, or agreement of the Indiana department of transportation, including state highway contracts, to the extent that the bid does not exceed the estimated cost of the project. Provides that the Indiana department of administration has sole control and jurisdiction over the policies governing and the usage of the Beth Bowen Meditation Room in the state capitol building. Exempts the Indiana board of tax review from requirements concerning live transmissions of meetings. Removes the statewide innovation development district fund as a funding source for an agreement between the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) and a taxpayer to receive payment in lieu of claiming an economic development for a growing economy tax credit. Amends the cap on the aggregate amount of tax credits the IEDC may certify each year. Requires the department of state revenue to establish an amnesty program for taxpayers who have an unpaid tax liability for a listed tax that was due and payable before January 1, 2023. Increases the cigarette tax by $2 per pack on cigarettes weighing not more than three pounds per 1,000 and by a proportionate amount on cigarettes weighing more than three pounds per 1,000. Increases the tax rate imposed on the sale of closed system cartridges, open system electronic cigarettes, moist snuff, alternative tobacco products, other tobacco products, and cigars. Specifies penalties for the underpayment of certain estimated taxes for pass through entities. Increases the amount of the public utility fee from 0.15% to 0.175% of the public utility's annual gross intrastate operating revenue and transfers the public utility fee revenue and certain payments to the state general fund (not the public utility fund under current law). Requires termination of the compact related to the establishment of the Chicago-Gary Regional Airport Authority. Requires that the salary matrix for state police, capitol police officers, and department of natural resources law enforcement officers be adjusted each time an adjustment is made to a pay plan for state employees in the executive branch. Adds purposes related to the Stop the Bleed program and the purchase of bleeding control kits to the allowable purposes for which a secured school fund matching grant may be used. Provides that a managed care organization that participates in the risk based managed care program that fails to pay a claim submitted by a nursing facility provider within a specified period shall pay a penalty of $500 per calendar day per claim. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services (office of the secretary) to determine rebate eligibility for outpatient prescription drugs prescribed to Medicaid recipients from certain entities. Adds a member from the mental health Medicaid quality advisory committee to the therapeutics committee. Removes the prohibition on prior authorization for mental health drugs. Allows the office of the secretary to establish a prior authorization program. Specifies provider payment requirements that apply to any managed care organization that participates in the risk based managed care program. Establishes the health care engineering fund for the purpose of funding plan reviews for certain health facilities. Imposes a fee for each plan review, which is deposited in the fund. Repeals the provisions requiring the office of the secretary of family and social services to transfer $38,000,000 each year to the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County. Makes certain eligibility changes for the On My Way Pre-k program and the CCDF program. Adds therapeutic ibogaine research to the research that is currently funded under the therapeutic psilocybin research fund. Provides that a community mental health center that provides compensation to any individual employee in an amount that is $400,000 or more per year is not eligible to receive funding from local property taxes or state programs or grants, but excluding the Medicaid program. Requires the department of natural resources to provide free admission to state parks to a Gold Star family member. Requires the bureau of motor vehicles to update the Gold Star family member license plate form. Provides that funding to a local board of health from the local public health fund may only be used for Indiana residents who are legal citizens of the United States. Extends the sunset of the collection of health facility quality assessment fees from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Specifies that a company that seeks to construct, operate, and maintain a carbon dioxide transmission pipeline in Indiana must apply to the department of natural resources (DNR) for a carbon dioxide transmission pipeline certificate of authority (certificate). Amends provisions in existing law that provide an exemption from the requirement to obtain a certificate under certain circumstances to specify that the exemption does not apply in circumstances in which the proposed pipeline crosses a parcel for which the pipeline company would be required to obtain a right-of-way or easement for the pipeline. Establishes the carbon sequestration project program administrative fund (fund) for the purpose of defraying the administrative costs of the DNR in managing and operating the carbon sequestration project program (program). Requires the DNR to deposit the following in the fund (instead of in the state general fund, under current law): (1) Filing fees for applications for carbon dioxide transmission pipeline certificates of authority. (2) Filing fees for applications for permits for carbon sequestration projects. (3) The fee paid by a storage operator based on the amount of carbon dioxide injected into a storage facility. (4) The cash bond and permit fee required to be paid by a person that applies for a permit for drilling, converting, or operating a nonproduction well for use in carbon dioxide investigations. Requires the DNR to deposit certain fees and penalties in the carbon dioxide storage facility trust fund (instead of in the state general fund, under current law): Amends the Indiana Code section requiring the payment of a fee that is based on the amount of carbon dioxide injected into a storage facility by a storage operator, to provide that the fee is to be: (1) paid annually (instead of one time after the storage operator begins injecting carbon dioxide into the storage facility); and (2) based on the number of metric tons of carbon dioxide injected into the storage facility during the immediately preceding calendar year (instead of based on the metric tons of carbon dioxide proposed to be injected during the first 10 years of the carbon sequestration project). Requires the secretary of education to provide a report and recommendation to the general assembly concerning aligning state funding for dual credit and the advanced placement program with the new high school diploma and expanding access to dual credit course work to all Indiana students. Prohibits a school employer from bargaining collectively with the exclusive school employee representative regarding contract costs for curricular materials. Establishes a teacher appreciation grant program to provide grants to school corporations and charter schools to attract, reward, and retain teachers who significantly impact student outcomes. Repeals the chapter establishing the curricular materials fund and certain provisions related to procedures for reimbursement of costs of providing curricular materials. Removes the annual income maximum for choice scholarship eligibility beginning June 29, 2026. Specifies the maximum tuition or fee amount that may be charged to enroll a career scholarship student enrolled in the career scholarship account (CSA) program, or an approved intermediary acting on behalf of a career scholarship student, in a career and technical education program, course, or class. Changes the administration of the education scholarship program and the CSA program from the treasurer of state to the department of education, and in certain instances, the responsibilities related to the CSA program from the commission for higher education to the department. Requires the state board of education to meet at least one time per year (instead of one time per month). Requires the commission for higher education to annually prepare and submit to the legislative council and to the budget committee a report that examines the utilization of physical facilities for instruction at each state educational institution. Amends the membership appointments and requirements for the board of trustees of Indiana University. Requires a state educational institution (institution) to plan and conduct degree program reviews. Provides that if: (1) the average number of students graduating in a degree program is below a certain threshold; and (2) the institution would like to continue the degree program; the institution must request approval from the commission. Requires the board of trustees of each institution to establish a post tenure review process for tenured faculty that measures productivity and a review process regarding department level promotions and tenure expectations. Requires a faculty member to post syllabi on an institution's website. Provides that: (1) certain faculty governance organization meetings must be open to the public; (2) faculty governance organization actions are advisory only; and (3) members of faculty governance organizations must be employees of the institution to vote. Repeals provisions regarding the election of members to the board of trustees of Indiana University by the alumni of Indiana University. Repeals the nonreverting provisions for the higher education award fund and the freedom of choice grant fund. Authorizes the department of child services to enter into a written agreement with the department of state revenue to transfer the administration of the child support bureau to the department of state revenue. Requires a clerk to collect a small claims service fee of $26 in each action filed in a Marion County small claims court. Establishes the small claims fund. Requires the court to distribute certain fees to the county auditor for distribution to the small claims fund. Provides that the fees in the small claims fund are to be distributed equally among the townships and the fees must fund the operation of the small claims court located within the township. Amends provisions concerning the designation of an innovation development district (district) to add certain qualification requirements. Provides for the determination of the: (1) base assessed value; (2) gross retail base period amount; and (3) income tax base period amount; in a district. Requires the executive of a city, county, or town, or, if applicable, executives, and the IEDC to enter into an agreement establishing the terms and conditions governing any district (instead of only certain districts). Repeals the statewide innovation development district fund. Establishes the economic development reserve account. Increases the maximum amount of covered taxes that may be captured in the Evansville professional sports and convention development area (PSCD) from $10 per resident to $2,000,000 and expands the PSCD area. Provides that unexpended and unencumbered amounts appropriated from the federal economic stimulus fund in P.L.165-2021 do not revert to the state general fund. Requires the state comptroller to transfer: (1) $15,000,000 from the addiction services fund; and (2) $25,000,000 from the department of insurance fund; to the tobacco master settlement agreement fund on July 1, 2025. Requires the budget agency to transfer to the state general fund the balance in the freedom of choice grant fund (IC 21-12-4-5) and the higher education award fund (IC 21-12-3-19) that is not needed for the payment of scholarship awards in the state fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Requires the office of management and budget to submit a report to the budget committee with options for reforming: (1) a certain funding model in the Indiana office of technology; and (2) the management performance hub. Requires the northwest Indiana regional development authority to transfer certain money received from wagering revenues to the northern Indiana commuter transportation district for operation and maintenance costs of the South Shore line that are attributable to the operations of the part of the South Shore line located in Lake County. Provides that: (1) an appropriation to the legislative council and the legislative services agency for a state fiscal year ending before July 1, 2027, reverts to the state general fund as directed by the personnel subcommittee of the legislative council; and (2) an employee in an entity in the legislative or judicial branch of state government is eligible to participate in a pilot program for converting unused excess accrued leave to a monetary contribution for the employee in the employee's 401(a) matching account with Hoosier START. Changes the effective dates of the provisions of HEA 1601-2025 to January 1, 2026. Urges the legislative council to assign to the appropriate interim study committee during the 2025 legislative interim the task of studying the impact of removing caseload limitations for the department of child services. Makes conforming changes.

Jeffrey ThompsonRepublican

Energy generation resources.

Provides a credit against state tax liability for expenses incurred in the manufacture of a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) in Indiana. Establishes procedures under which certain energy utilities may request approval for one or more of the following from the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC): (1) An expedited generation resource plan (EGR plan) to meet customer load growth that exceeds a specified threshold. (2) A generation resource submittal for the acquisition of a specific generation resource in accordance with an approved EGR plan. (3) A project to serve one or more large load customers. Sets forth: (1) the requirements for approval of each of these types of requests; (2) standards for financial assurances by large load customers; and (3) cost recovery mechanisms for certain acquisition costs or project costs incurred by energy utilities. Amends the statute concerning public utilities' annual electric resource planning reports to the IURC to provide that for an annual report submitted after December 31, 2025, a public utility must include information as to the amount of generating resource capacity or energy that the public utility plans to retire or refuel with respect to any electric generation resource of at least 125 megawatts. Provides that for any planned retirement or refueling, the public utility must include, along with other specified information, information as to the public utility's plans with respect to the following: (1) For a retirement, the amount of replacement capacity identified to provide approximately the same accredited capacity within the appropriate regional transmission organization (RTO) as the capacity of the facility to be retired. (2) For a refueling, the extent to which the refueling will maintain or increase the current generating resource accredited capacity or energy that the electric generating facility provides, so as to provide approximately the same accredited capacity within the appropriate RTO. Requires IURC staff to prepare a staff report for each public utility report that includes a planned electric generation resource retirement. Provides that if, after reviewing a public utility's report and any related staff report, the IURC is not satisfied that the public utility can satisfy both its planning reserve margin requirement and the statute's prescribed reliability adequacy metrics, the IURC shall conduct an investigation into the reasons for the public utility's inability to meet these requirements. Provides that if the public utility's report indicates that the public utility plans to retire an electric generating facility within one year of the date of the report, the IURC must conduct such an investigation. Provides that: (1) a public utility may request, not earlier than three years before the planned retirement date of an electric generation facility, that the IURC conduct an investigation into the planned retirement; and (2) if the IURC conducts an investigation at the request of the public utility within that three year period, the IURC may not conduct a subsequent investigation that would otherwise be required under the bill's provisions unless the IURC is not satisfied that the public utility can satisfy both its planning reserve margin requirement and the statutory reliability adequacy metrics as of the time the investigation would otherwise be required. Provides that if a CPCN is granted by the IURC for a facility intended to repower or replace a generation unit that is planned for retirement, and the CPCN includes findings that the project will result in at least equivalent accredited capacity and will provide economic benefit to ratepayers as compared to the continued operation of the generating unit to be retired, the CPCN constitutes approval by the IURC for purposes of an investigation that would otherwise be required. Provides that if, after an investigation, the IURC determines that the capacity resources available to the public utility will not be adequate to allow the public utility to satisfy both its planning reserve margin requirements and the statute's prescribed reliability adequacy metrics, the IURC shall issue an order: (1) directing the public utility to acquire or construct; or (2) prohibiting the retirement or refueling of; such capacity resources that are reasonable and necessary to enable the public utility to meet these requirements. Provides that if the IURC does not issue an order in an investigation within 120 days after the initiation of the investigation, the public utility is considered to be able to satisfy both its planning reserve margin requirement and the statutory reliability adequacy metrics with respect to the retirement of the facility under investigation. Provides that if the IURC issues an order to prohibit the retirement or refueling of an electric generation resource, the IURC shall create a sub-docket to authorize the public utility to recover in rates the costs of the continued operation of the electric generation resource proposed to be retired or refueled, subject to a finding by the IURC that the continued costs of operation are just and reasonable. Makes a technical change to another Indiana Code section to recognize the redesignation of subsections within the section containing these provisions.

Edmond SolidayRepublican

Various education matters.

Removes and repeals various education provisions and expired education provisions, including provisions concerning the following: (1) Secretary of education criteria. (2) Certain department of education (department) requirements. (3) The advisory committee on career and technical education. (4) Use of hearing examiners by the state board of education (state board). (5) Credit for retaking a virtual course during certain time periods. (6) Children's social, emotional, and behavioral health plans. (7) Family friendly school designations. (8) The Indiana civic education commission. (9) Discretionary directives to the department. (10) The program for the advancement of math and science. (11) Access to telecommunication services. (12) Elementary school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists program and fund. (13) Grants for mental health counselor licenses for school counselors. (14) The arts education program. (15) The geothermal conversion revolving fund. (16) Clause requirements for certain charter school organizer documents. (17) Required acknowledgment by a current authorizer regarding a proposal by an existing charter school to another authorizer. (18) Requirements regarding a governing body of a school corporation (governing body) providing a noncharter school. (19) Charter requirements, including minimum year and annual performance target requirements. (20) Certain notice requirements from an authorizer to an organizer that is not in compliance. (21) Indiana school for the arts. (22) Allowing the board of trustees of Vincennes University to establish a grammar school. (23) Designation of certain committees by a governing body. (24) Governing body use of funds for associations. (25) Developing and reviewing evidence based plans with parents for improving student behavior and discipline. (26) Township trustees and the sale of schoolhouses. (27) School health advisory councils and adoption of a school corporation policy on child nutrition and physical activity. (28) Certain agreement requirements regarding joint programs. (29) Certain requirements regarding the transfer of a student to another school. (30) Freeway school corporation and freeway school program. (31) Policies, programs, and reports regarding criminal organization activity. (32) Transportation program discretion. (33) Recommendations regarding certain powers and duties of the department. (34) Culturally responsive methods. (35) Certain training and professional development requirements. (36) Certain teacher leave requirements. (37) Ineligibility for state funds for adopting residence requirements. (38) Certain compensation included in computing a teacher's retirement benefit. (39) Penalty for failing to comply with working schedule requirements. (40) Discretionary modification of graduation plan. (41) Required course on safety education. (42) Compilation of leaflets regarding hygiene, sanitary science, and disease prevention. (43) Making a violation regarding teaching certain disease information an infraction. (44) Certain elective courses and teachings. (45) Voluntary summer school program and joint summer school program requirements. (46) Technology preparation curriculum. (47) Community or volunteer service programs. (48) Nonsession school activities. (49) Requirements regarding Indiana academic standards. (50) Strategic and continuous improvement and achievement plans. (51) Cultural competency. (52) Student educational achievement grants. (53) Remediation grant program. (54) Postsecondary workforce training program remediation reduction. (55) Requirement to provide an enrollment form for the twenty-first century scholars program to certain students. (56) Governor's scholars academy. (57) Seminary township school fund. (58) Dual credit teacher stipend matching grant fund. (59) Student enrichment grants. (60) The study of ethnic and racial groups as a semester elective course. (61) Requirements regarding proposed charter school economic interest statements. (62) Certain charter requirements for adult high schools. (63) Required policies on contacting employment references. (64) Certain requirements concerning staff performance evaluations. (65) Authorizer responsibility for charter school compliance with applicable legal standards. (66) Certain nondiscrimination provisions regarding students who transfer from charter schools to public noncharter schools. Merges and amends provisions regarding fund distribution upon the termination of a charter and the cessation of a charter school. Amends the age eligibility for a member of a governing body. Amends the time period by which a governing body must organize by electing officers. Establishes information that must be included in a consolidated audit by an organizer. Provides adult high schools are excluded from all cohort based graduation rate calculations except to the extent required under federal law. Amends the termination and notice requirements with regard to terminating a transportation program. Relocates and amends a provision regarding classroom instruction curriculum in teacher preparation programs. Provides that the secretary of education (instead of the governor) shall appoint the director of special education. Amends required frequency of child abuse and neglect training. Requires the department to make a list of best practices and guidelines regarding classroom behavioral management strategies and a list of best practices to reduce student discipline. Permits the governing body of a school corporation or an organizer of a charter school to assess and collect a reasonable fee for certain supplies and materials. Amends certain financial statement filing requirements regarding school trusts to pool assets for insurance coverage. Repeals a provision regarding requiring certain CSA participating entities to provide evidence of certain unencumbered assets. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Robert BehningRepublican

Housing and building matters.

Requires (rather than allows) a city, town, or county (unit) that requires a building permit for construction of a Class 2 structure to allow the inspection to be provided by private providers in addition to the unit's inspectors. Provides that a "home inspector" or a unit employee may not act as a private provider. Provides that if an applicant uses a private provider because the unit is unable to timely perform a plan review, the unit: (1) must refund the applicant for any plan review fees; and (2) may charge a convenience fee of not more than $100. Provides that a unit: (1) may not require a registered architect or engineer to prepare construction documents for a Class 2 structure when constructed in accordance with the building code; and (2) may require a registered architect or engineer to prepare construction documents as proof of equivalence of alternative materials, appliances, equipment, or method of design or construction. If required by the unit, creates deadlines for the following: (1) Issuance of building permits. (2) Performance of plan reviews. (3) Performance of inspections. (4) Submission of construction documents or plans. (5) Issuance of certificates of occupancy or certificates of completion and compliance. Requires the state to give political subdivisions that enact certain land use policies priority in receiving loans from the residential housing infrastructure assistance revolving fund.

Doug MillerRepublican

Health care matters.

Establishes: (1) a state directed payment program (program) for hospitals; and (2) a managed care assessment fee. Changes disproportionate share payments when a state directed payment program is in effect. Allows the incremental hospital fee fund to be used to fund the Medicaid program. Requires a nonprofit hospital system to submit audited financial statements. Provides for a $10,000 per day penalty for failure to submit the hospital's financial statements. Requires the office of management and budget (office) to: (1) develop a methodology to be used in conducting a study of commercial inpatient hospital prices and outpatient hospital prices; and (2) upon budget committee review, conduct the study to determine Indiana's statewide average inpatient and outpatient hospital prices. Requires the office to submit a report of the study to the governor and general assembly. Before June 30, 2029, requires an Indiana nonprofit hospital system's aggregate average inpatient and outpatient hospital prices to at least be equal to or less than the statewide average. States that a violation by the Indiana nonprofit hospital system results in a forfeiture of its nonprofit status. Requires, before October 1 of each year, every nonprofit hospital to provide the Indiana department of health with specified federally filed forms and specified data used to complete the forms. Requires the Indiana department of health to submit these forms to the health care cost oversight task force and impose a fine of $10,000 per day on a nonprofit hospital for failure to submit the nonprofit hospital's forms. Provides an exemption from health care billing requirements for a facility located in a specified populated municipality. Requires a third party administrator to disclose commissions and fees to policyholders in a separate notification. Requires an insurer and a health maintenance organization to submit specified data information to the all payer claims data base. Requires an insurance producer or third party administrator to, before or at the time of sale, provide the plan sponsor with a statement from the insurer or health maintenance organization, disclosing commissions and fees that the insurance producer or third party administrator will receive. Changes the time frame in which certain information and claims data must be submitted to a contract holder as part of an audit or claims data request. Sets requirements for certain hospitals concerning a direct to employer health care arrangement. Beginning January 1, 2026, requires a state employee health plan, a policy of accident and sickness insurance, and a health maintenance organization contract to provide a plan sponsor with the national average drug acquisition cost of a generic drug. States that if an agreement between a health plan and a pharmacy benefit manager provides that less than 85% of the estimated rebates will be deducted from the cost of prescription drugs before a covered individual's cost sharing requirement is determined, the pharmacy benefit manager must provide the policyholder with an annual notice that includes: (1) an explanation of what a rebate is; (2) an explanation of how rebates accrue to the health plan from the manufacturer; and (3) the aggregate amount of rebates that accrued to the health plan for prescription drugs dispensed under the policyholder's health plan for the previous year. Places limitations on hospital health provider contracts linking to or negotiating reimbursement or terms under a separate hospital health care provider contract or product. Requires the office to: (1) study the effect, including the fiscal impact, of requiring physician reimbursement rates under a commercial policy to be set at a minimum reimbursement rate; and (2) report its findings under the study. Requires certain health carriers to provide claims data to a contract holder not more than four times per year (current law allows for the provision of the data twice annually). Requires certain insurers and health maintenance organizations to file specified information concerning changes in hospital reimbursement to the department of insurance.

Martin CarbaughRepublican

Cancer clinical trial program.

Allows an organization or entity to establish and administer a cancer clinical trial participation program for the purpose of providing payments to a participant for certain costs incurred by the participant while participating in a cancer clinical trial. Sets forth program requirements and participant eligibility.

Robin ShacklefordDemocrat

School transfers.

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

Cory CriswellRepublican

Health matters.

Specifies that the Medicaid fraud control unit's (MFCU) investigation of Medicaid fraud may include the investigation of provider fraud, insurer fraud, duplicate billing, and other instances of fraud. Permits the attorney general to enter into a data sharing agreement with specified state agencies and authorizes the MFCU to analyze this data to carry out its investigative duties. Provides that all complaints made to the MFCU are confidential until an action is filed concerning the complaint. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to establish: (1) metrics to assess the quality of care and patient outcomes; and (2) transparency and accountability safeguards; for a specified long term care risk based managed care program. Requires, not later than July 31, 2026, a clinical laboratory and diagnostic imaging facility to post certain pricing information for services determined by the department of insurance. Allows: (1) a manufacturer to provide; and (2) a patient to receive; individualized investigational treatment if certain conditions are met. Requires an Indiana nonprofit hospital system to report a list of facilities that may submit a bill on an institutional provider form and report the facility code for each facility. Adds provisions concerning payments by insurers, health maintenance organizations, employers, and other responsible persons to qualified providers that are providing services in an office setting. Requires good faith estimates for health care services to be provided at least two business days (rather than five business days) before the health care services are scheduled to be provided. Removes language concerning the disclosure of a trade secret from provisions that allow for a health plan sponsor to access and audit claims data. Provides that when a health carrier is in the process of negotiating a health provider contract with a health provider facility or provider, the health carrier must provide certain information to the health provider facility or provider. Prohibits certain provisions from being included in a health provider contract. Allows the department of insurance to: (1) enter into partnerships and joint ventures to encourage best practices in the appropriate and effective use of prior authorization in health care; and (2) receive information regarding prior authorization disputes. Requires the department of insurance to prepare a report with findings and recommendations related to the prior authorization dispute information. Requires, not later than September 1, 2025, the department of insurance to issue a request for information concerning ways to better enable medical consumers to compare and shop for medical and health care services. Provides that an insurer or a health maintenance organization may not deny a claim for reimbursement on the sole basis that the referring provider is an out of network provider. Requires, if a fully credentialed physician becomes employed with another employer or establishes or relocates a medical practice in Indiana, an insurer and health maintenance organization to provisionally credential the physician for 60 days or until the physician is fully credentialed, whichever is earlier. Requires the Indiana department of health, in consultation with the office of technology, to study the feasibility of developing certain standards regarding medical records and data.

Brad BarrettRepublican