Bills & Legislation

Special education.

Requires the department of education, in collaboration with the Indiana department of health, the department of child services, and the office of the secretary of family and social services to report and make recommendations concerning certain data regarding residential placement, developmental preschool, and special education.

Tonya PfaffDemocrat

Indiana emergency efficiency and resilience task force.

Establishes the Indiana emergency efficiency and resilience task force (task force). Provides that the task force shall study certain topics related to disaster resilience. Requires the task force to submit a written report with specific findings and recommendations to the legislative council not later than December 1, 2026.

Beau BairdRepublican

Annexation.

Allows a town to annex: (1) a noncontiguous residential development; and (2) the right-of-way of a public highway connecting the development to the city. Provides that annexation is initiated by: (1) the filing of a petition requesting annexation by the owner of the residential development; and (2) the town legislative body adopting a resolution approving initiation of the annexation process. Requires the town to satisfy statutory requirements for annexation, including adopting a written fiscal plan and annexation ordinance.

David AbbottRepublican

Charges for hospital administered drugs.

Prohibits a hospital from billing for an administered drug an amount that exceeds the lesser of the following: (1) 120% of the Medicare reimbursement rate for the administered drug. (2) The amount the hospital bills for the administered drug on June 30, 2026. Creates an exception. Requires a hospital to update the Medicare reimbursement rate for an administered drug on January 1 and July 1 of each year.

Julie McGuireRepublican

Real property assessment.

Establishes the real property assessment task force (task force) to review issues related to real property assessment in Indiana. Sets forth membership, and requires the task force to issue a report to the general assembly not later than November 1, 2026. Adds representatives with certain categories of expertise to the real property assessment task force.

Edward ClereRepublican

Elimination of township assessors.

Abolishes the office of township assessor, in counties in which the office of township assessor has not already been abolished, if the county council and county commissioners unanimously vote to abolish the office and consolidate it with the office of the county assessor.

Timothy WescoRepublican

School scholarship tax credits.

Increases the percentage of the contribution allowed to be claimed for the school scholarship tax credit (tax credit) from 50% to 75%. Allows taxpayers that commit to making a contribution of at least the same amount for at least two consecutive years to claim the tax credit in an amount equal to 90% of the amount of the contribution. Increases the total amount of tax credits that may be awarded for a state fiscal year from $18,500,000 to $80,000,000. Provides a calculation for an annual increase of the total amount of tax credits for future state fiscal years based on the tax credit's usage. Expands the definition of "participating school" for purposes of the certification of scholarship granting organizations by removing language providing for accreditation and administration of tests under the statewide assessment program or other norm-referenced assessment of the school's students. Requires the receipt prescribed by the department of state revenue for use in an agreement to be a scholarship granting organization to include whether a taxpayer commits to making contributions of at least the same amount for at least two consecutive years.

Timothy WescoRepublican

Internal Revenue Code conformity.

Amends the definition of "Internal Revenue Code" for state income tax purposes to conform with certain provisions enacted in Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1) (commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025).

Jeffrey ThompsonRepublican

Land use and development.

Requires a development that is sited on land: (1) in an area zoned agricultural; and (2) comprised of certain capability classes of soils; to be a permitted use. Extends governmental immunity to a private entity or nonprofit entity that has executed certain agreements under the Indiana brownfields program. Provides that before a qualified data center user may use a specific transaction award certificate issued after June 30, 2026, to purchase qualified data center equipment eligible for the state gross retail tax exemption, the qualified data center user and a local unit that issues after June 30, 2026, a permit authorizing the development, construction, or operation of the qualified data center in the unit shall enter into a written agreement that includes a commitment by the qualified data center user to contribute to the local unit an amount equal to at least 1% of the amount of taxes that are not paid on each purchase of qualified data center equipment that is made: (1) using the specific transaction award certificate; and (2) during the duration of the specific transaction award certificate. For purposes of the statute concerning energy production zones: (1) redesignates the term "electric generation facility" as "electric generation or storage facility"; and (2) provides that the term includes a utility scale battery energy storage system (BESS). Provides that if a planned electric generation or storage facility will include a BESS, the project owner must include in the required statutory notice to the local planning authority: (1) the emergency response plan required under the statute governing the approval of a BESS by the department of homeland security (department); and (2) documentation of the department's approval of the BESS. Makes conforming changes. Allows a plan commission, board of zoning appeals, or county or municipal legislative body (body) to require a person to provide their name and address in writing in order to speak at a public hearing regarding certain matters. Allows the body's presiding officer to give consideration to whether a person is a county resident or has an interest as an owner, lessor, lessee, or life tenant in real property within the county in deciding: (1) the order of speakers; and (2) the amount of time allotted to speakers; at a hearing.

Kendell CulpRepublican

Directory of in network providers.

Requires, upon issuance and renewal of a policy, an insurer to provide a directory of providers with which the insurer has entered into a reimbursement agreement to an insured or prospective insured. (Under current law, an insurer may provide a directory of providers to an insured.) Provides that: (1) a directory of providers provided by an insurer must include every provider that has entered into a reimbursement agreement with the insurer; and (2) a list of providers provided by a health maintenance organization must include every provider who provides health care services through the health maintenance organization.

Martin CarbaughRepublican

Nonprofit hospitals.

Sets forth additional requirements for a nonprofit hospital's community benefits plan (plan). Requires a nonprofit hospital to spend more under the nonprofit hospital's plan than the nonprofit hospital's estimated tax exemption value. Allows the Indiana department of health (state department) to enforce compliance with the plan requirements. Sets forth additional reporting requirements for a nonprofit hospital's annual plan report (report). Requires the state department to review the report for compliance and to verify certain reported expenditure data. Allows for the assessment of a penalty for violations.

Martin CarbaughRepublican

Securities and investment adviser representatives.

Exempts a merger and acquisition broker from registering as a broker-dealer under certain circumstances. Requires an applicant seeking to register as an agent of a broker-dealer in Indiana to pass financial industry regulatory authority (FINRA) examinations unless certain exceptions apply. Requires an applicant seeking to register as an investment adviser representative in Indiana to pass FINRA examinations unless certain exceptions apply. Provides that under certain circumstances an agent of a broker-dealer or an investment adviser representative may have the validity of the individual's FINRA qualifying examinations extended. Requires an investment adviser representative to participate in a continuing education program.

Martin CarbaughRepublican

Property and local income tax.

Provides that property taxes imposed to pay debt service: (1) on certain bonds; and (2) to make lease payments on certain leases; are not considered for purposes of calculating a person's supplemental tax credit. Provides that the expenditure tax rate for a county or municipality expires on December 31, 2029, and on December 31 of every fourth calendar year thereafter (instead of every calendar year under current law).

Chris CampbellDemocrat

Physician standards of practice.

Specifies that the provisions prohibiting a physician or practitioner from aiding or abetting in the provision of gender transition procedures to a minor do not prohibit a physician or other practitioner from: (1) releasing a minor's health information to another physician or other practitioner in the course of the receiving practitioner's care of the minor; or (2) discussing a minor's medical history with another physician or other practitioner providing care to the minor.

Chris CampbellDemocrat

Voter identification.

Provides that a REAL ID driver's license or identification card that complies with certain requirements is sufficient proof of identification for purposes of elections statutes.

Chris CampbellDemocrat

Sales tax exemption for utility service.

Provides a sales tax exemption for the sale or furnishing of the following services or commodities by a power subsidiary or a person engaged as a public utility to a person for commercial or domestic consumption: (1) Electrical energy. (2) Natural or artificial gas. (3) Water. (4) Steam. (5) Steam heating service. Makes conforming amendments.

Ryan DvorakDemocrat

Eminent domain.

Eliminates eminent domain authority for the following purposes: (1) Acquiring a right-of-way for the construction or operation of a pipeline for transporting carbon dioxide or other carbon oxides. (2) Acquiring underground strata for a well or monitoring facility for underground storage of carbon dioxide or other carbon oxides. (3) A carbon sequestration pilot project or other underground carbon dioxide or other carbon oxides storage project.

Tim YocumRepublican

County commissioner districts.

Urges the legislative council to assign to an appropriate interim study committee the task of studying whether the county executive should implement certain processes with respect to establishing or revising districts.

Tim YocumRepublican

Public safety matters.

Provides that the law enforcement training board (board) shall select an executive director to serve at the pleasure of the board. Authorizes the waiver of certain training requirements for law enforcement officers with experience in other states. Provides that a person confined to a county jail may be required to make a copayment in an amount of not more than $30 (current law is $15). Provides that a person confined to a county jail is not required to make a certain copayment if, among other things, the person does not have funds in the person's commissary account or trust account within 180 days after the service is provided (current law is 60 days). Requires certain water vessels to include an engine cut-off switch. Provides that a sailing vessel at least seven meters in length must comply with federal regulations. Makes changes to the employment eligibility requirements for employees of the Indiana department of veterans' affairs (department). Makes changes to the purpose of the military family relief fund (fund). Provides that the department shall report to the Indiana veterans' affairs commission (commission), at least quarterly, as to the status of all applications regarding assistance from the fund during the previous quarter. Adds provisions indicating who is eligible for a grant from the fund. Provides that the department shall make a comprehensive assessment of an applicant's financial condition and needs when making a determination regarding an award from the fund. Provides that an applicant may not be eligible for assistance from the fund if the applicant's federal gross income, or the combined federal gross income of the applicant and the applicant's spouse, exceeds two times the poverty guideline unless the commission approves an income waiver. Provides that an applicant must establish that the applicant has incurred a genuine hardship to be eligible to receive assistance from the fund. Provides that the department or commission may impose stipulations or conditions concerning an applicant seeking an award from the fund. Makes changes to the subject matter that must be included in administrative rules established by the commission. Makes certain changes relating to the review of grants from the fund to employees of the department. Provides that an applicant may appeal a denied request for short term financial assistance from the fund. Authorizes the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard (adjutant general) to establish a military police force of the Indiana National Guard. Provides that a member of the military police force of the Indiana National Guard has police powers: (1) when the member is called to state active duty; and (2) if the individual successfully completes either army or air military police occupational training and receives qualifying instruction on Indiana law enforcement prescribed by the adjutant general. Requires the military police force of the Indiana National Guard, upon authorization, to respond in accordance with the National Incident Management System and in coordination with the Indiana state police. Makes changes to the authorized duties and responsibilities of the adjutant general in which the state armory board (board) may make contributions. Provides that the board may utilize any and all appropriate methods to lease or purchase real estate. Provides that an armory may not be erected on land that is leased for less than 25 years. (Current law provides that an armory may not be erected on land that is leased for less than 50 years.) Provides that the board may adopt policies or procedures for the use and governance of armories. (Current law authorizes the board to adopt rules for the use and governance of armories.) Specifies the types of donated property that the board may reconvey if the board determines that the property is no longer usable. Provides that if the board receives from the adjutant general information of the disbandment of the organization of the armed forces of Indiana occupying and using an armory, the board shall take charge of the armory. Makes various changes to provisions relating to the sale of property owned by the board. Establishes the Indiana civilian cyber corps program (program) as a subdivision of the Indiana guard reserve. Provides that the program includes civilian volunteers who have expertise in addressing cybersecurity incidents and who volunteer at the invitation of the adjutant general. Provides that the work product of a civilian cyber corps volunteer or adviser, including any information voluntarily submitted to the volunteer or adviser, is exempt from disclosure. Provides that a civilian cyber corps volunteer or adviser is immune from tort liability for an injury to a person or damage to property that occurs while the volunteer or adviser is deployed and acting on behalf of the adjutant general if certain conditions are met. Provides that the adjutant general may appoint additional general officers. (Current law authorizes the appointment of assistant adjutants general.) Changes the definitions of "veteran" for purposes of provisions relating to: (1) the governor's commission on supplier diversity; (2) the state civil service system; and (3) authorizing preference points for the appointment of veterans. Removes a requirement that the National Guard tuition supplement grant must be used within eight years after the date the individual first applies and becomes eligible for benefits. Repeals: (1) the Indiana cyber civilian corps program advisory board; (2) a provision relating to contracts to use Stout Field as a commercial runway; (3) a definition of "qualified service member"; (4) a provision requiring a muffler or underwater exhaust for a boat; and (5) a provision prohibiting the use of a boat motor equipped with a muffler cutout or bypass. Makes it a Class B misdemeanor for a person to knowingly or intentionally possess an imitation firearm: (1) in or on school property; or (2) on a school bus. Makes technical corrections and conforming amendments.

Steve BartelsRepublican

Funding of prosecuting attorney operations.

Establishes the public prosecution fund and a prosecuting attorney compensation fee (a court fee) of $10 for certain actions and $50 for certain actions which will be deposited in the state general fund. Provides that a county may be reimbursed for certain prosecutorial expenses from the fund, unless the prosecuting attorney in the county is a noncompliant prosecuting attorney. Requires the Indiana prosecuting attorney's council to set standards for reimbursement.

Gregory SteuerwaldRepublican

Various food matters.

Establishes the Indiana food protection panel (panel). Provides that a recipient of an enforcement action taken by a local health officer following a food establishment inspection may appeal the action to the panel. Prohibits the health and hospital corporation or a local health department from imposing requirements or standards that exceed the minimum sanitary standards adopted by the Indiana department of health (state department). Requires the state department to: (1) provide local health departments with guidelines concerning the interpretation of the state department's rules; (2) designate an employee as the point of contact for local health departments on sanitary standards for food establishments; and (3) distribute the contact information of the designated employee to the local health departments. Requires the state department to create a business model determination worksheet and distribute the worksheet to all the local health departments. Permits an individual vendor at a farmers' market or roadside stand to sell certain meat products. Adds provisions concerning limited custom exempt meat product sales. Prohibits a person from misbranding a food product containing insect protein and selling a misbranded food product containing insect protein as a food product. Requires a person selling a food product containing insect protein to label the food product with a label stating "THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS INSECT PROTEIN". Prohibits a county, city, or town (unit) from adopting or enforcing an ordinance that prevents a person from cultivating a vegetable garden on certain property. Allows a unit to adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that imposes the same standards and requirements as those imposed on certain property.

Kendell CulpRepublican

Low THC hemp extract.

Defines "hemp" as a cannabis plant that contains not more than 0.3% total THC. Defines "low THC hemp extract" as a substance that: (1) is derived from hemp; (2) does not contain more than 0.3% total THC; (3) does not contain synthetic or synthesized cannabinoids; (4) contains no other controlled substances; and (5) is not sold in a container that contains more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC. Makes conforming amendments.

Harold SlagerRepublican

Lake County Convention Center.

Makes changes to the amount of supplemental wagering tax that the treasurer of state is required to pay to each riverboat operating in Gary. Makes changes to the distribution of wagering tax revenue to the city of Gary. Legalizes and validates bonds, notes, evidences of indebtedness, leases, or other written obligations issued or executed by or in the name of the: (1) Indiana finance authority; (2) development authority; and (3) Lake County Convention Center Authority (authority); as authorized or approved by resolution or ordinance adopted before February 28, 2026. Provides that the authority is established when the construction of the convention and event center is substantially completed so that the convention and event center can be used for its intended purpose. (Current law provides for the establishment of the authority upon the adoption of the proposal for the development, operation, and ownership of the Lake County convention and event center.) Requires a member appointed to the authority to be an Indiana resident. Provides that an attorney in active standing may not be appointed to the authority. Provides that the Lake County convention and event center reserve fund shall be administered by the Lake County commissioners until the authority is established. Repeals a provision that allocates deposits of Gary riverboat graduated wagering tax revenue.

Harold SlagerRepublican

Regulation of grease control equipment.

Establishes a statewide regulatory scheme for grease control equipment. Provides that a waste water treatment plant must continue to accept septage under certain circumstances. Creates a process for septage haulers to resolve disputes with wastewater treatment plants with respect to accepting septage.

Jim PresselRepublican

Prohibition of certain abortion funding.

Prohibits an Indiana governmental entity from making a payment from any fund under its control for the costs associated with procuring an abortion, including travel expenses, unless the abortion is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant woman. Specifies that the prohibition does not apply to a payment made by an Indiana governmental entity to provide group health insurance for employees of the Indiana governmental entity.

Peggy MayfieldRepublican

Exclusionary rule.

Prohibits the exclusion of otherwise admissible evidence based on a violation of the Constitution of the State of Indiana, the Constitution of the United States, or the laws of the United States or Indiana unless certain conditions apply. Provides that an appeal from a court's order excluding evidence may be taken directly to the supreme court.

Alaina ShonkwilerRepublican

County fire protection.

Requires each county, excluding a county containing a consolidated city or a county that is entirely within a fire protection district, to establish a county fire and emergency service board (board). Requires the board to develop a county fire and emergency service plan (county plan). Requires the board, on January 1, 2028, to establish a county fire and emergency service district (district) to provide fire protection to: (1) the unincorporated territory of each township located in the county in which the township provides fire protection; and (2) any other territory within the county that is transferred to the district in accordance with the county plan. Provides that a township, excluding a township in a county containing a consolidated city, may not impose a property tax levy for fire services for property taxes first due and payable after December 31, 2027. Provides that a fire protection district that includes all of the unincorporated area of the county may establish a nine member governing board.

Chris MayRepublican

Bedford food and beverage tax.

Authorizes the city of Bedford to impose a food and beverage tax.

Chris MayRepublican

Employee health plans for county elected officials.

Requires a county to offer a program of group insurance to each county elected official if the county offers the program of group insurance to county employees and at least one county elected official.

Chris MayRepublican

Confined feeding operations.

Creates a preapplication process for the approval of confined feeding operations. Provides that the department of environmental management (department) must refund a confined feeding operation application fee under certain circumstances. Provides that certain confined feeding operations do not need to use certain equipment for solid manure produced by livestock. Prohibits the department from requiring an existing confined feeding operation permit holder, who is applying to expand an operation, to update a previously approved facility or structure. Establishes certain requirements for earthen berms at manure storage facilities. Requires the department to: (1) designate an employee as the point of contact for information on confined feeding operation applications; and (2) distribute the contact information of the designated employee to all operating confined feeding operations.

Kendell CulpRepublican

Conservation of agricultural land.

Requires each board of county commissioners to adopt an ordinance to allow landowners to apply to have land included in an agricultural resource area within the county. Specifies certain procedures and requirements for the agricultural resource area programs. Provides provisions that apply to land within a program, including eminent domain provisions, a prohibition against annexation for nonagricultural purposes, certain priority provisions for specified funding, and authorization for a county option property tax deduction for land located within agricultural resource areas in the county. Authorizes the Indiana state department of agriculture (department) to receive and hold agricultural conservation easements acquired by gift, bequest, or devise and to enter into agreements with nongovernment entities to monitor those easements. Establishes the farmland advisory board for the purpose of advising the department on developing standards for accepting, monitoring, and enforcing agricultural conservation easements it may hold, creating a model agricultural resource area ordinance, collecting feedback on agricultural resource areas, and supporting education and outreach about agricultural resource areas.

Kendell CulpRepublican

Child services provider background checks.

Requires an employee of: (1) a preventative provider that operates a child welfare program; (2) a provider of home based family preservation services; (3) a child caring institution; (4) a group home; or (5) a child placing agency; to undergo a background check once every four years. Provides that the employee is not required to complete a separate federally required background check to provide additional child welfare services for the same employer.

Elizabeth RowrayRepublican

Indiana department of health.

Changes the statewide standing order for the dispensing of a smoking cessation product to a tobacco, vaping, or nicotine cessation product. Amends the date by which a hospital must submit the hospital's fiscal report and patient information report to the state department. Removes a requirement that a home health aide competency evaluation program include at least 75 hours of training and 16 hours of classroom training before supervised practical training. Adds Parkinson's disease to the definition of "chronic disease" for provisions concerning the chronic disease registry. Requires: (1) the state department to maintain a trauma registry; and (2) certain health care facilities to submit data to the registry. Establishes requirements for the handling and transporting of infectious waste. Sets forth factors the state department must consider in determining the nature of and civil penalty for a violation of infectious waste requirements. Expands provisions concerning epinephrine, including provisions allowing a pharmacist to dispense and an entity to prescribe epinephrine rather than auto-injectable epinephrine. Removes the expiration of provisions concerning lead screening for children. Requires a registered manufacturer, processor, repackager, or wholesale distributor of food, drugs, or cosmetics to comply with federal regulations concerning good manufacturing practices. Allows the state health commissioner to enter and inspect the premises of the manufacturer, processor, repackager, or wholesale distributor. Permits a local health department to conduct inspections of certain manufacturers, processors, repackagers, or wholesale distributors. Amends the information a local child fatality review team and the statewide child fatality review committee may review in conducting a child fatality review. Allows a suicide and overdose fatality review team and a fetal-infant mortality review team to provide records to the state department. Requires the state department to maintain the confidentiality of these records. Requires a medical school to: (1) include nutrition education in the school's curriculum; and (2) require students to complete a rural health rotation. Voids administrative rules concerning infectious waste and the state trauma registry.

Brad BarrettRepublican

Crimes of violence.

Revises and consolidates the definition of "crime of violence". Amends the definition of violent offender to mean a person who is convicted of an offense or attempted offense that is a crime of violence or a person who is charged with an offense or attempted offense that is a crime of violence. Amends the definition of "violent arrestee" to mean a person arrested for or charged with a crime of violence that is a Level 1 felony, Level 2 felony, Level 3 felony, Level 4 felony, or a Level 5 felony. Removes provisions concerning repeat violent arrestees. Amends the definition of "violent criminal" to mean a person convicted of a crime of violence. Adds: (1) dangerous possession of a firearm with two priors; and (2) unlawful carrying of a handgun with two priors; to the crimes of violence list. Makes a technical correction and conforming changes.

Chris JeterRepublican

Local income tax.

Requires state agencies and political subdivisions to cooperate with the state GIS officer in preparing a statewide base map. Requires a county auditor to submit certain information to the state GIS officer concerning an annexation or disannexation. Specifies procedures for the imposition of local income taxes and distribution of local income tax revenue. Provides that, for counties or municipalities that fail to adopt an ordinance to renew an existing expenditure tax rate, the expenditure tax rate for the county or municipality shall be the minimum tax rate necessary for existing debt service. Allows an adopting body to adopt a tax rate to provide distributions to school corporations as a component of the tax rate for general purpose revenue. Provides that a county's total expenditure tax rate expires on December 31, 2029, and on December 31 of every fourth calendar year thereafter. Provides that the county may determine an allocation method for revenue raised from a tax rate for fire protection or emergency medical services. Provides that the county and certain township fire departments must receive an allocation of revenue raised from a tax rate for fire protection or emergency medical services. Authorizes cities and towns with a population of at least 3,500 that have adopted a 1.2% municipal local income tax rate to impose an additional local income tax rate that does not exceed the county's unused rate capacity for general purpose revenue, if any. Provides a formula for the distribution of revenue from the local income tax rate imposed by a county for certain small cities and towns. Specifies procedures for determining population for purposes of a municipal local income tax rate. Requires each county and municipality to report to the department of local government finance the total amount of the county's or municipality's debt service obligations payable from local income tax revenues that will be due in the ensuing year.

Jeffrey ThompsonRepublican

Various insurance matters.

Requires a person or entity to furnish information relating to a fraudulent insurance act to the department of insurance or the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Provides that a person or entity is not subject to civil or criminal liability for filing a report or furnishing other information concerning a fraudulent insurance act under certain circumstances. Sets forth a fee schedule for providing unrestricted data to certain entities from the all payer claims data base. Makes various changes to: (1) provisions relating to notice of material change; and (2) the property and casualty insurance and guaranty association law. Allows the insurance commissioner to waive the requirements for a merger or consolidation of a farm mutual insurance company with any other company if an emergency event occurs. Provides that a policy of insurance that provides coverage in excess of any liability relating to a self-insured retention amount shall be considered a commercial umbrella or excess liability policy under the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provision. Requires an insurer of automobile insurance policies to mail a notice of nonrenewal at least 30 days before the expiration of the policy. Requires an insurer of residential policies to: (1) mail a notice of nonrenewal at least 60 days before the expiration of the policy; and (2) take certain actions when the insurer utilizes aerial images as part of the insurer's coverage determinations. Allows co-owners of a condominium that meets certain conditions to obtain property and casualty insurance coverage for the condominium units by purchasing a master policy or by allowing each co-owner to purchase insurance on an individual basis. Requires an insurer and a health maintenance organization to provide an insurance producer with access to a complete list of providers who have entered into a reimbursement agreement with the insurer or health maintenance organization. Provides that the prohibition on denying, conditioning, or discriminating in the pricing of Medicare supplement policies for certain applicants applies to an applicant who submits an application during the period beginning one month before the applicant's birthday and ending one month after the applicant's birthday. Provides that the insurance commissioner has the authority to take certain actions relating to the creation, implementation, or operation of a health benefit exchange. Requires the department of insurance to annually report information to the budget committee regarding the fee schedule for providing unrestricted data that is being added in the bill.

Matt LehmanRepublican

Use of aerial photography.

Requires an insurer that provides property insurance coverage to a named insured to take certain actions when the insurer uses aerial images to aid in its determination to not renew property insurance coverage for a named insured.

Matt LehmanRepublican

Report on civics education.

Requires, not later than October 1, 2026, the department of education to: (1) prepare a report that includes information and recommendations, as applicable, regarding certain civics curriculum, initiatives, and assessments and certain longitudinal methodologies; and (2) submit the report to the general assembly. Establishes requirements regarding the preparation of the report.

Chris JeterRepublican

Use of SNAP benefits.

Prohibits Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits recipients from using SNAP benefits to purchase accessory foods, including: (1) energy drinks; (2) sweetened beverages; (3) soft drinks; (4) corn or potato chips; and (5) prepared desserts, including cookies, candy, ice cream, cakes, and pies. Allows SNAP recipients to purchase hot prepared chicken that is not fried or breaded using SNAP benefits. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to apply for a waiver or authorization to implement the prohibition and allowance if a waiver or authorization from a federal agency is required, and allows a delay in implementation until the waiver or authorization is received. Requires the Indiana department of health (department) to include promotion of healthy eating as part of the department's promotion of health and wellness activities, including by developing and making available materials that provide guidance on purchasing and preparing healthy foods on a limited budget.

Ryan LauerRepublican

Child fatality information.

Provides that the department of child services (department) shall disclose to the public certain information regarding child fatalities or near fatalities. Provides that, upon request, the department may provide additional information regarding cases of child fatalities or near fatalities subject to certain requirements. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Ryan LauerRepublican

Natural resource entrance fees.

Allows counties to adopt an ordinance to impose a surcharge of not more than $2 in addition to the fees charged by the department of natural resources (department) for entry into state parks and state recreation areas. Requires the department to collect the surcharge and to report and pay the surcharge to each county treasurer. Provides that the revenue collected is to be used for purposes related to first responders and infrastructure improvements. Provides that the surcharge may not be imposed on a person who holds an annual pass.

Tim YocumRepublican

Department of education and education matters.

Makes various changes to education provisions concerning the following: (1) Creating a teaching and learning framework for the implementation of mathematics academic standards. (2) Development of a data science math pathway. (3) Submission of a report to the general assembly concerning recommendations on strategies to support academically and fiscally underperforming schools, and interventions as necessary. (4) Evaluating, approving, and publishing high quality curricular materials time lines. (5) Local board membership for a local centralized school facilities board and local student transportation board. (6) Salary differentiation regarding teachers who possess a literacy endorsement. (7) Amounts expended in participating in an interlocal agreement included in determining amounts school corporations expend on full-time teacher salaries for purposes of teacher salary minimum funding requirements. (8) Summer school program and reimbursement administration. (9) Criteria required for eligibility of a waiver for conducting four day school weeks. (10) Oversight of career and technical education program designation. (11) Uses of teacher appreciation grants. (12) The calculation of operating referendum distributions and school safety referendum distributions to charter schools with regard to virtual instruction. (13) Petitions regarding reconsidering payments of choice scholarships. (14) Membership of the board for proprietary education. (15) The effective date regarding the changes to the definition of "eligible choice scholarship student". (16) Career specialist permit eligibility. Provides that an emergency permit may be renewed up to two times to an individual enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program if the program provides documentation verifying the individual's good standing in the program to the department of education. Creates a new qualification option for a transition to teaching program participant who seeks to obtain a license to teach in grades 5 through 12. Removes a provision that provides that the department may not release less than 10 items per subject matter level per grade level regarding the statewide summative assessment. Removes a requirement that for a parent or student to use a career scholarship account (CSA) annual grant amount for costs related to transportation a CSA participating entity must pay a matching amount for the transportation costs. Requires each state educational institution that offers a two year graduate degree program in mental or behavioral health to evaluate the graduate degree program to determine the feasibility of providing the program in a specifically structured manner to allow full-time students to complete the program within: (1) one year; or (2) five years if the program is combined with a baccalaureate degree program. Requires the Indiana department of education to elect to participate as a covered state in the federal tax credit scholarship program for elementary and secondary education under Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code (enacted in Public Law 119-21, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025). Makes conforming changes to the school scholarship tax credit in current law. Requires the governor and the department of workforce development, in consultation with the commission for higher education, to: (1) establish a process to identify eligible workforce training programs; (2) establish a process for institutions and programs to apply for recognition as an eligible workforce training program; (3) coordinate certain workforce training matters; and (4) require eligible workforce training programs to provide certain datasets to the department. Provides that the department of workforce development must maintain alignment with federal rules governing workforce Pell grants. Repeals certain provisions concerning postsecondary career and technical education.

Robert BehningRepublican

State board of accounts.

Provides that the state board of accounts is subject to applicable professional auditing standards. Requires the governor to appoint two deputy examiners, one of whom must be a certified public accountant, and the other of whom must be either a certified public accountant or an attorney licensed in Indiana.

Matt LehmanRepublican

Indiana defense matters.

Adds one voting member to the Indiana defense task force (task force) appointed by the president pro tempore of the senate and one voting member to the task force appointed by the speaker of the house. Adds the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard or the adjutant general's designee as a nonvoting member of the task force. Provides that, on or before May 1, 2026, and each May 1 thereafter, the task force shall submit a report to the Indiana economic development corporation's office of defense development and the budget committee. Provides that the report shall identify the task force's identified priorities for expenditures for the following state fiscal year. Provides that on or before August 1, 2027, and each August 1 thereafter, the corporation's office of defense development shall submit a report to the task force and the budget committee that details expenditures from amounts appropriated to the corporation's office of defense development for priorities identified by the task force for the previous state fiscal year. Provides that, beginning with the 2026-2027 state fiscal year, and each state fiscal year thereafter, the corporation's office of defense development shall consider and incorporate, to the extent practicable, the task force's identified priorities for expenditures when the corporation's office of defense development formulates its annual budget. Provides that the IEDC and an operating partner shall administer the federal Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site program Indiana.

Steve BartelsRepublican

Unlawful proposition penalties.

Provides that at the time of sentencing for a person convicted of making an unlawful proposition the court may require the person to complete a prostitution offender program approved by the court. Requires a person ordered to complete a prostitution offender program to pay a fee.

Maureen BauerDemocrat

Department of child services employees.

Provides that salary and wage adjustments or personal service payments for the department of child services (department) that are within established salary classifications and schedules become effective when approved by the director of the department (instead of the budget agency). Specifies that the director of the department is responsible for certain duties related to individuals who are employed in the state public employee civil service in a position with the department (instead of the state personnel department).

Dale DeVonRepublican

Payment of health claims.

Requires a hospital to: (1) disclose information concerning payment assistance programs; (2) post signs concerning the programs in specified locations of the hospital; and (3) make information concerning the programs available to individuals through the hospital's patient portal. Requires a hospital to make a reasonable effort to notify individuals of available payment assistance programs before beginning a collection action against the individual. Prohibits the use of downcoding in a specified manner. Prohibits a provider from using an automated process, system, or tool to submit a health benefits claim without the review of a provider or other person involved in the development of the claim for submission. Prohibits an insurer that issues a policy of accident and sickness insurance (insurer) and a health maintenance organization from retroactively reducing the reimbursement rate for any CPT code. Sets forth limitations on the time frame in which an insurer and a health maintenance organization: (1) may request repayment of an overpayment, adjust a subsequent claim, recoup a paid claim, or retroactively audit a paid claim; and (2) is required to correct a payment error to a provider. Provides that if an insurer or a health maintenance organization recoups payment from a provider due to an error in coordination of benefits, the provider may submit a claim for the same services to the appropriate insurer or health maintenance organization.

Julie McGuireRepublican

Collateral recovery services.

Renames the private investigator and security guard licensing board as the private investigator, security guard, and collateral recovery agency licensing board, and adds two additional members to the board. Establishes licensure for a collateral recovery agency. Requires a person to be licensed as a collateral recovery agency to repossess collateral, attempt to repossess collateral, hold one's self out as being in the business of repossessing collateral, or use license plate recognition. Provides certain requirements: (1) for an applicant seeking licensure as a collateral recovery agency; (2) for a licensee to maintain licensure; and (3) for a legal owner when personal effects are in or on the collateral at the time of repossession. Requires equipment used to repossess collateral to meet certain criteria. Makes conforming changes.

Alaina ShonkwilerRepublican