Bills & Legislation

Pro bono legal services fee.

Removes the sunset provision for pro bono legal services fees.

Alex ZimmermanRepublican

Consumer genetic testing providers.

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

Kyle PierceRepublican

Hearing aids and speech-language pathologists.

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

Lori Goss-ReavesRepublican

Excused absence from school.

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

Beau BairdRepublican

Human services matters.

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

Edward ClereRepublican

Charity gaming.

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

Ron AltingRepublican

Battery charged security devices.

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

James BuckRepublican

Pharmacy benefits.

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

Ed CharbonneauRepublican

Adult protective services.

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

Michael CriderRepublican

Electronic pull tabs in charity gaming.

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

Kyle WalkerRepublican

Various corrections matters.

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

Mike BohacekRepublican

Ground water emergencies.

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

Susan GlickRepublican

Tax exemption for eligible events.

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

Scott BaldwinRepublican

Criminal procedures.

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

Aaron FreemanRepublican

Education matters.

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

Jeff RaatzRepublican

Various education matters.

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

Jeff RaatzRepublican

Water matters.

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

Eric KochRepublican

Transfer of high risk persons from county jail.

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

Cyndi CarrascoRepublican

Small modular nuclear reactor pilot program.

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

Eric KochRepublican

Small modular nuclear reactor development costs.

Amends as follows the Indiana Code section concerning certificates of public convenience and necessity (certificates) for small modular nuclear reactors: (1) Authorizes a public utility to petition the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) for approval to incur, before obtaining a certificate, project development costs for the development of one or more small modular nuclear reactors. (2) Sets forth certain factors that the IURC must consider in reviewing a public utility's petition to incur project development costs. (3) Requires the IURC to issue a final order approving or denying the petition not later than 180 days after receiving the petition and the public utility's complete case in chief, subject to the IURC's right to extend the time for review if the public utility does not object to the extension. (4) Provides that if a public utility receives approval to incur project development costs, the public utility may petition the IURC at any time before or during the development and execution of a small modular nuclear reactor project for the approval of a rate schedule that periodically adjusts the public utility's rates and charges to provide for the timely recovery of project development costs. (5) Provides that after reviewing a public utility's proposed rate schedule, the IURC shall approve the recovery of project development costs by the public utility if the IURC finds that project development costs that have been or will be incurred are: (A) reasonable in amount; (B) necessary to support the construction, purchase, or lease of a small modular nuclear reactor; and (C) consistent with the commission's finding as to the best estimate of project development costs. (6) Provides that a public utility that is authorized to recover project development costs shall: (A) recover 80% of the approved project development costs under the approved rate schedule; and (B) defer the remaining 20% of approved project development costs for recovery as part of public utility's next general rate case before the IURC. (7) Provides that the recovery of a public utility's project development costs through an approved periodic rate adjustment mechanism must occur over a period that is equal to: (A) the period over which the approved project development costs are incurred; or (B) three years; whichever is less. (8) Provides that project development costs that: (A) are incurred by a public utility; and (B) exceed the best estimate of project development costs included in the IURC's order authorizing the public utility to incur project development costs; may not be included in the public utility's rates and charges unless found by the IURC to be reasonable, necessary, and prudent in supporting the construction, purchase, or lease of the small modular nuclear reactor for which they were incurred. (9) Provides that: (A) project development costs incurred for a project that is canceled or not completed may be recovered by the public utility if found by the IURC to be reasonable, necessary, and prudently incurred; but (B) such costs shall be recovered without a return unless the IURC makes certain additional findings. (10) Provides that if a public utility does not seek: (A) approval of; or (B) cost recovery for; project development costs under the bill's provisions, the IURC may approve the deferral and amortization of project development costs in accordance with the statutory procedures set forth for construction costs.

Eric KochRepublican

Water utilities.

Includes water utilities within the scope of the statute that subjects wastewater utilities that: (1) are not under the jurisdiction of the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) for the approval of rates and charges; and (2) have been issued one or more enforcement orders by the department of environmental management; to a series of oversight actions by the IURC for each additional enforcement order, including rate review, rate regulation, and the initiation of a receivership proceeding. Makes a conforming amendment to the statute that governs the process by which water utilities and wastewater utilities may withdraw from the jurisdiction of the IURC. Amends the statute governing the acquisition of water utilities and wastewater utilities to require the IURC to consider and authorize mechanisms to allow utility companies to integrate into their systems, invest in, and earn on acquired utility assets, subject to a finding by the IURC that the proposed mechanism is just and reasonable and in the public interest. Amends the statute governing the recovery of costs for eligible infrastructure improvements made by water or wastewater utilities to provide that, in the case of a public utility (as defined in the Indiana Code), "infrastructure improvement costs" eligible for recovery include: (1) deferred depreciation expense; and (2) post in service carrying costs; for the eligible infrastructure improvements. Adds language to the Indiana Code chapter governing public water supplies to provide that a complaint: (1) seeking damages from a water utility; and (2) arising out of an alleged exposure to drinking water supplied by the water utility; is barred if the water supplied by the water utility met applicable regulatory standards under specified federal and state law. Amends the Indiana Code section prohibiting the department of natural resources (department) from regulating certain activities within the 100 year flood level of a water supply reservoir owned and operated by a municipality or a public utility for the purpose of providing water utility service to the public to also prohibit the department from ordering the closure or removal, or the partial closure or removal, of: (1) a dam that forms such a water supply reservoir; or (2) a dam that forms or contains a body of water that is used to supply one or more private water wells; if the closure or removal, or the partial closure or removal, of the dam would impact the provision of water utility service to the public or the supply of water to one or more private water wells.

Eric KochRepublican

Carbon dioxide sequestration.

Requires an applicant for a carbon dioxide transmission pipeline certificate to comply with certain guidelines adopted by the Indiana utility regulatory commission. Exempts a carbon dioxide transmission pipeline company (company) from obtaining a certificate of authority if the company's carbon dioxide transmission pipeline project meets certain criteria. Requires an applicant or the contractor or subcontractor of the applicant to submit evidence that the contractor or subcontractor of the applicant have the requisite experience constructing, operating, and maintaining a transmission pipeline for the department to grant the applicant a carbon dioxide transmission pipeline certificate of authority. Moves fee revenue collected for a carbon dioxide transmission pipeline certificate of authority from the oil and gas environmental fund to the state general fund. Provides that the filing fee for a permit for a carbon sequestration project is deposited in the state general fund. Provides that an involuntary integration order issued by the department of natural resources (department) is effective 15 days after the petitioner is issued a UIC Class VI permit. Amends the definition of "UIC Class VI permit". Adjusts the filing fee for a carbon sequestration project permit. Requires a storage operator to pay the department a fee of $0.08 per metric ton of carbon dioxide injected into a storage facility for the previous calendar year. Provides that a storage operator shall pay to the department a fee for the carbon dioxide injected into the storage facility. Expires the carbon dioxide storage facility trust fund and provides for the transfer of money in that fund to the state general fund. Directs the department to establish and issue a permit that allows a person to: (1) drill or operate a carbon dioxide investigatory well; or (2) convert an oil and gas well for use in carbon dioxide investigations. Describes circumstances in which the department may enter property to inspect and maintain a well or storage facility. Establishes civil penalties for violations of the statutes regulating carbon sequestration. Provides that civil penalties are deposited in the state general fund.

Susan GlickRepublican

Child care matters.

Extends the availability of the employer child care expenditure tax credit through July 1, 2027. Provides that under specified circumstances, an individual who: (1) is at least 15 years of age; and (2) is a student at a school corporation that operates a child care program; may volunteer as a caregiver for the child care program before completing the statutory requirements for individuals to act as a volunteer caregiver at a child care program. Adds two representatives of out-of-school-time programs to the membership of the early learning advisory committee. Provides for purposes of regulation of licensed child care centers that the office of the secretary of family and social services (office) shall: (1) ensure that: (A) Indiana's staff to child ratio for a specified age range is not more stringent than the average of the staff to child ratios permitted for that age range under the laws of Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio; and (B) Indiana's maximum group size for a specified age range is not more stringent than the average of the maximum group sizes permitted for that age range under the laws of Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio; and (2) annually publish on the office's website the: (A) staff to child ratio; and (B) maximum group size; that a licensed child care center is required to maintain for the specified age ranges. Provides exceptions to the bill's group size provisions for: (1) an indoor or outdoor area of a child care center that provides at least 75 square feet of space per child; and (2) a child care center's cafeteria. Provides that if the office has received at least five applications from child care providers wishing to participate in the micro center pilot program (pilot program) but has selected less than five applicants for participation in the pilot program, the office shall select additional applicants for participation in the pilot program such that at least five child care providers are participating in the pilot program.

Ed CharbonneauRepublican

Midwest continental divide commission.

Allows an eligible county and city to establish by ordinance, a Midwest continental divide commission and district for the purpose of acquiring, developing, funding, constructing, equipping, and owning economic improvement projects in or serving the district. Amends an appropriation made in P.L.201-2023 to the northern Indiana regional economic development authority to allow funds to be used to support and fund the commission and the commission's projects.

David NiezgodskiDemocrat

Recreational vehicle dealers.

Sets forth requirements for recreational vehicle dealer agreements for the sale of recreational vehicles in Indiana. Makes conforming changes.

Blake DoriotRepublican

Child services.

Allows the Indiana board of pharmacy to release confidential information received by the INSPECT program to a supervisor of the department of child services (department) who is engaged in an investigation or adjudication of child abuse or neglect. Amends the definition of "emergency shelter" for purposes of statutes governing residential child care facilities. Provides that an applicant for licensure as a child caring institution or licensure as a group home must obtain a criminal history check of any contractor or individual working in the child caring institution or group home who is likely to have unsupervised contact with children. Amends provisions under which the department may waive the maximum duration for which a child may stay at a shelter care facility to remove a reference to the length of the maximum duration. Amends the educational and experiential qualifications for casework supervisors at child placing agencies. Provides that provisions requiring: (1) a residential child care facility to ensure that a child admitted to the facility has received all immunizations and booster shots required under specified statutes; and (2) a residential child care facility that administers psychotropic medication to obtain periodic written reports from the licensed professional who prescribed the psychotropic medication; do not apply to an emergency shelter.

Greg WalkerRepublican

State fiscal and contracting matters.

Allows a state agency to use artificial intelligence software to prepare information and projections for the state budget. Requires a state agency to provide a quarterly report to the budget committee that details the requests submitted by the state agency for new federal funds or to participate in a new federal program. Provides that, in addition to the quarterly reports, a state agency may not immediately accept an award of new federal funds in certain circumstances or participate in a new federal program before a report has been reviewed by the budget committee. Specifies the contents of the report that must be submitted for budget committee review. Requires a state agency to provide the state comptroller with a contract for inclusion in the Indiana transparency website not later than 30 days after the contract is fully executed. Requires that permanent full-time positions which have been vacant for 90 days or more be reviewed and either reauthorized or eliminated by the budget director. Requires the budget director to provide a quarterly report to the governor's office regarding those positions that were reauthorized or eliminated by the budget director in the preceding three months. Requires a state agency to provide quarterly reports to the budget committee regarding the state agency's active contracts. Provides for the reversion of funds appropriated to a state agency for expenses related to a contract that are unused after the end of the contract term. Requires the department of administration (department) to develop certain contract language to be included in state contracts of $500,000 or more. Requires a state agency to provide a report to the budget committee concerning amendments to a contract that: (1) increase the maximum contract amount by not less than $500,000; or (2) for a contract with an initial maximum contract amount of not less than $500,000, extend the term of the contract by not less than six months. Prohibits a state agency from entering into a nonpublic contract. Requires all contract opportunities of state agencies to be posted in the form of a request for proposals or a request for quotations on the department's website at least 30 days prior to the contract being awarded. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services and the office of Medicaid policy and planning to do the following: (1) Review monthly reports on the Medicaid program service utilization to identify trends and risks within the state Medicaid program. (2) Post publicly on the office of the secretary of family and social services's website monthly financial reports or expenditures and revenues for each state Medicaid program and commentary providing context for each monthly financial report. (3) Submit a quarterly report to the budget committee.

Scott BaldwinRepublican

Public service attorney scholarships.

Establishes the: (1) county deputy prosecuting attorney and public defender scholarship program (program); and (2) county deputy prosecuting attorney and public defender scholarship fund (fund). Provides that the commission for higher education shall administer the program and fund.

Gregory SteuerwaldRepublican

Charges for supervised loans.

Provides that for a supervised loan that is made under the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC) and that: (1) is entered into after June 30, 2025; (2) is not secured by an interest in land or by personal property used or expected to be used as the debtor's principal dwelling; and (3) has a principal amount that does not exceed $5,000; a lender may contract for and receive, in addition to the loan finance charge and any other permitted charges and fees, a monthly service fee that is based on the amount of principal originally contracted for, and must report the borrower's payments on the supervised loan to at least one consumer reporting agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis (as defined in 15 U.S.C. 1681a(p)) in accordance with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.). Provides that for a supervised loan that: (1) is entered into after June 30, 2025; (2) is not secured by an interest in land or by personal property used or expected to be used as the debtor's principal dwelling; (3) has a principal amount that is more than $5,000 but does not exceed $25,000; and (4) is for a term of at least six months; a lender may contract for and receive a loan finance charge not exceeding 36% per year on the unpaid balances of the principal. For a supervised loan that qualifies for the flat 36% annual finance charge (instead of the blended loan finance charge that applies to all other supervised loans), requires the lender to: (1) report the borrower's payments on the loan to at least one nationwide consumer reporting agency; and (2) offer to the borrower, at or before the consummation of the loan and at no cost to the borrower, a consumer credit education program provided by the lender or a third party provider. Provides that, based on information contained in annual composite reports filed with the department of financial institutions (department) by creditors required to be licensed under the UCCC, the department shall publish annually on the department's website a report that contains specified information concerning supervised loans made after June 30, 2025, by nondepository licensees during the reporting period covered by the composite reports. Makes conforming amendments to: (1) the UCCC; and (2) the statutes governing: (A) pawnbrokers; and (B) loansharking.

Jake TeshkaRepublican

Law enforcement matters.

Provides that a correctional professional is considered a public safety officer for purposes of determining eligibility for line of duty death benefits. (Current law provides that a correctional officer is considered a public safety officer for determining eligibility line of death benefits.) Provides, with certain exceptions, that a law enforcement officer, including a constable, school resource officer, special deputy, or reserve officer, who has completed a pre-basic course but who has not completed Tier I or Tier II basic training requirements may not exercise police powers outside the jurisdiction of the appointing law enforcement agency. Provides that a school resource officer who has completed Tier I or Tier II basic training has statewide jurisdiction. Provides that all deputies, excluding reserve deputies and jail deputies, employed by the Marion County sheriff's office on July 1, 2025, shall be certified by the law enforcement training board (board) as Tier II law enforcement officers. Requires the Marion County sheriff's office to submit to the board a list of deputies who have successfully completed at least the minimum basic training requirements at the Marion County Sheriff's Office Academy. Makes changes to the definition of a "law enforcement officer" for purposes of mandatory training for law enforcement officers. 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. 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. Adds a hospital police department to the definition of police departments required to provide police officers with certain rights.

Steve BartelsRepublican

Military and veteran 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. Provides that the disability ratings and educational cost exemptions apply to an individual whose parent enlisted in the armed forces after June 30, 2014 (instead of June 30, 2011). 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. Makes technical corrections.

Steve BartelsRepublican

Natural resource entrance fees.

Allows counties that meet certain criteria to adopt an ordinance to impose a surcharge of not more than $1 in addition to the fees charged by the department of natural resources (department) for entry into certain state parks and recreation areas. Provides that the surcharge may not be imposed on an annual state park pass holder. Requires the department to collect and to report and pay the surcharge to each county treasurer. Provides that the surcharge collected is to be used for certain purposes.

Dave HallRepublican

Condemnation of Hoosier homestead property.

Establishes the Hoosier homestead program administered by the Indiana state department of agriculture to commemorate and maintain a registry of farms owned by the same family for at least 100 years. Provides that if a condemnation action involves the taking of a fee simple interest in a Hoosier homestead: (1) the property owner is entitled to testify at a hearing conducted by the appropriate municipal or county legislative body; and (2) the legislative body must approve the condemnation for the condemnation to proceed. Provides that only the portion of a farm that satisfies the familial ownership and other requirements receives the Hoosier homestead designation and is subject to the provisions regarding eminent domain. Requires all property taxes to be paid up to date to be registered as a Hoosier homestead property or to renew registration as a Hoosier homestead property.

Robb GreeneRepublican

Public notices.

Requires the Indiana office of technology (office) to establish a state public notice website not later than July 1, 2026. Prohibits the office from charging a fee for publishing or viewing notices. Allows a person to satisfy any notice statute by publishing notice in any of the following forms of media: (1) Newspaper, including print edition or electronic edition. (2) Locality newspaper, including print edition or electronic edition. (3) The state public notice website. (4) Political subdivision website. Requires the Indiana archives and records administration (administration) to establish standards and guidelines and enter into memoranda of understanding with agencies for the transfer and preservation of public notices from the state public notice website to the administration to preserve public notices for historical purposes. Phases out the publication of notices on the political subdivision website. Phases in the publication of notices on the state public notice website.

Jennifer MeltzerRepublican

Scholarships.

Provides that a scholarship granting organization must include certain information in its annual public report to the department of education. Provides that applicants enrolled in a transition to teaching program after June 30, 2024, may qualify for certain scholarships if the applicant is a member of a household with an annual income of not more than 400% of the amount required for the applicant to qualify for the federal free or reduced price lunch program. (Currently, the annual income threshold is $100,000 or less.) Permits the commission for higher education to use the remaining balance allocated to certain teaching scholarships or in certain teaching scholarship funds to fund additional specified teaching scholarships.

Dave HeineRepublican

Teacher appreciation grants.

Establishes a new teacher appreciation grant program. Removes and repeals certain requirements concerning staff performance evaluations. Repeals the current teacher appreciation grant provisions. Makes conforming changes.

Robert BehningRepublican

Farm and home based food sales.

Repeals current home based vendor regulations. Provides that the Indiana department of health, a local unit of government, the health and hospital corporation of Marion County, or a local health department may not impose any rules, regulations, certifications, or licensing requirements on a small farm or home based vendor that are not required under federal law. Exempts public buildings used by small farms and home based vendors from certain public building regulations.

Hunter SmithRepublican

Assistance in obtaining veteran benefits.

Provides veteran empowerment protections. Provides that a person may not represent a veteran regarding a veterans' benefits matter unless the person meets certain requirements. Provides that a person that advises, assists, or consults with an individual regarding veterans' benefits matters for a fee: (1) may not use international call centers or data centers for processing veterans' personal information; (2) may not use a veteran's personal log-in, username, or password information to access the veteran's medical, financial, or government benefits information; (3) must ensure that before any individual may have access to veterans' medical or financial information the individual must undergo a national criminal history background check; and (4) shall comply with certain federal regulations. Provides that a violation of the act constitutes a prohibited consumer sale.

Chris JudyRepublican

Local public questions.

Provides that a local public question or referendum may be placed on the ballot only at a general election. Provides that: (1) a state public question; or (2) an election of delegates to a convention to consider ratifying an amendment to the United States Constitution; may be placed on the ballot only at a general election.

Timothy WescoRepublican

Coverage for living organ donors.

Prohibits an insurer that issues a policy of life insurance, disability insurance, or long term care insurance from taking certain actions with respect to the coverage of individuals who are living organ donors. Specifies that certain actions constitute an unfair and deceptive act and practice in the business of insurance when taken against a living organ donor by an insurer.

Ed CharbonneauRepublican

Annexation.

With certain exceptions, requires a municipality that initiates an annexation to file with the court an annexation petition approved by the signatures of: (1) at least 51% of the owners of non-tax exempt land in the annexation territory; or (2) the owners of at least 75% in assessed valuation of non-tax exempt land in the annexation territory. Requires the court to hold a hearing if the petition has enough signatures. Adds provisions for determining the validity of signatures. Eliminates the following: (1) Remonstrances and remonstrance waivers. (2) Reimbursement of remonstrator's attorney's fees and costs. (3) Adoption of a fiscal plan for voluntary annexations requested by 100% of landowners in the annexation territory. (4) Settlement agreements in lieu of annexation. (5) Provisions regarding contiguity of a public highway.

James BuckRepublican

Road intersection safety.

Provides that a person that owns or is the lessee of a parcel of land at an intersection of two county, municipal, or township roads that is not controlled by a traffic signal shall maintain a line of sight area at the intersection. Provides that the land contained within the line of sight area must not contain any: (1) grass, weeds, agricultural crops, bushes, shrubs, vines, plants, or any other vegetation; or (2) structures, signs, fences, walls, or obstructions that are owned or controlled by the property owner or a lessee of the property owner; that exceed a height of three feet. Requires a unit to provide written notice to the owner of record of the parcel of land if the unit determines there are obstructions in the line of sight area. Allows a unit to take corrective action to remove obstructions in the line of sight area.

Michael CriderRepublican

Various property matters.

Provides that the enforcement authority shall give notice with certain requirements. Provides that after a civil penalty is imposed and a hearing is held, the enforcement authority may impose an additional civil penalty. Provides that if a civil penalty is unpaid for more than 30 days after payment of the civil penalty is due, the civil penalty may be collected in the same manner as unpaid costs for unsafe premises repairs or emergency actions taken. Provides that depositing or causing or allowing the deposit of contaminants or solid waste upon the land is a Class C misdemeanor in certain circumstances. Provides that after May 14, 2025, a unit may not adopt or enforce a utility usage data ordinance. Makes it a Class C misdemeanor for a person to use public property of the state or a political subdivision for purposes of sleeping or camping, subject to certain exceptions and conditions. Requires a law enforcement officer that discovers a violation to first determine if there are reasonable grounds for an emergency detention of the person. Provides that if the law enforcement officer does not proceed with an emergency detention, the law enforcement officer must: (1) give the person a warning to move from the property within a certain period of time; (2) offer to transport the person to certain locations within five miles of where the violation occurs; and (3) call a local crisis intervention team for assistance, if: (A) the unit is served by a local crisis intervention team; and (B) a location that provides certain services does not exist or is not available to receive the person or the person refuses to be transported to the location. Provides that a person charged with a violation may be referred to a problem solving court designated by the prosecuting attorney. Allows application of a Medicaid waiver to provide long term access to home and community based services, including housing related services, under the healthy Indiana plan.

Aaron FreemanRepublican

State comptroller.

Changes certain references from "auditor of state" to: (1) "state comptroller (referred to as "auditor of state" in the Constitution of the State of Indiana)"; or (2) "state comptroller (auditor of state)". Requires "state comptroller (auditor of state)" to be listed on the 2026 general election ballot.

Cyndi CarrascoRepublican

Pension matters.

Modifies the definition of "average of the annual compensation" for a member of the public employees' retirement fund (PERF) who retires after December 31, 2026. Specifies that compensation received in contemplation of retirement is excluded from the average of the annual compensation for particular members of PERF and the Indiana state teachers' retirement fund (TRF). Repeals a provision requiring the board of trustees of the Indiana public retirement system (board) to maintain separate accounts for each unit of local government. Provides that amounts forfeited under the public employees defined contribution plan must be used as determined by the board. (Current law requires these amounts to be used to reduce the unfunded accrued liability of PERF.) Specifies a process by which a fully vested member of the public employees' defined contribution plan or the teachers' defined contribution plan may irrevocably elect to participate in PERF or TRF, as applicable. Modifies the information that must be included in a delinquency notice to a delinquent political subdivision. Specifies the circumstances under which an employer under the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund is required to pay for certain mental health care and treatment. Makes conforming amendments. (The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the interim study committee on pension management oversight.)

Brian BuchananRepublican

Boone County innkeeper's tax.

Authorizes Boone County to impose its innkeeper's tax at a rate of 8% under the uniform innkeeper's tax statute (instead of 5% under current law) and provides that the increase to the tax rate expires January 1, 2047.

Brian BuchananRepublican

Biofuel tax credits.

Provides tax credits for: (1) the sale of higher ethanol blend; and (2) the: (A) sale of blended biodiesel or renewable diesel; and (B) blending of biodiesel or renewable diesel. Specifies the amount of the tax credit for higher ethanol blend. Limits the total amount of higher ethanol blend tax credits that may be awarded in a state fiscal year to $10,000. Specifies the amount of the tax credit for blended biodiesel or renewable diesel. Limits the total amount of blended biodiesel or renewable diesel tax credits that may be awarded in a state fiscal year to $10,000.

Brian BuchananRepublican

Leaves of absence for local officeholders.

Allows a local officeholder to take a leave of absence from office when the local officeholder: (1) is caring for a child after the birth of the child or placement of the child with the local officeholder for adoption or foster care; (2) is caring for a spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition; (3) has a serious health condition and is unable to perform the duties of the office; (4) is called into active duty in the armed forces of the United States or national guard; and (5) is eligible for qualifying exigency leave arising out of the fact that the local officeholder's spouse, child, or parent is ordered into active duty in the armed forces of the United States or national guard. Sets forth notice requirements. Provides that the local officeholder's office must be filled by a temporary appointment in the same manner as a vacancy created by a resignation is filled. Makes corresponding changes.

Gary ByrneRepublican