Defines "independent activity". Provides that a child is not a child in need of services solely because a parent, guardian, or custodian allows the child to engage in an independent activity unless the parent, guardian, or custodian is so reckless in allowing the child to engage in the independent activity that it endangers the child's health or safety given the child's maturity, condition, and ability. Provides a defense for neglect of a dependent that the accused person reasonably believed that an independent activity was not dangerous.
SB 25, despite its misleading "Vehicle Bill" title, is actually a school board election procedure bill. It requires that when multiple candidates run for a school board position within specific designated candidate groups, they must be listed in a defined order: first by their group designation, then alphabetically by last name. This rule directly affects school board candidates and election administrators in districts where this candidate grouping applies. The bill focuses solely on standardizing candidate ordering for ballot presentation, with no other policy changes or financial impacts described. (Note: The title "Vehicle Bill" appears to be an error based on the bill's actual content.)
Creates the pork market development program (pork program) and the soybean market development program (soybean program). Specifies that the pork program and soybean program apply only if assessments are not levied and collected under federal law. Requires the Indiana Pork Producers Association, Inc., to administer the pork program and the Indiana Soybean Alliance to administer the soybean program. Establishes various procedures and requirements for operating the pork program and the soybean program. Makes technical corrections.~
Allows the alcohol and tobacco commission to issue a permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages on the grounds of a county fair conducted by a local board, subject to certain limitations and requirements. Adds participation in an event sponsored by a local board to the activities permissible within the scope of a permit held by a farm winery, a small brewer, an artisan distiller, a beer retailer, a liquor retailer, and a wine retailer. Adds the state fair and a county fair that is issued a permit to the exceptions to the minor loitering statute.
HB 1019 specifies the exact wording that will appear on ballots for a proposed constitutional amendment about residency requirements for city or town court judges. It directly affects voters who will see this precise language when casting ballots on the amendment. The bill does not change the actual residency rules for judges but sets the official ballot question text for public consideration. This procedural step ensures consistent voter information ahead of a potential referendum.
Requires a municipality to mail notice of the date, time, and location of annexation outreach meetings to: (1) the county executive of each county; (2) the township executive of each township; and (3) any plan commission; in which the annexation territory is located.
SB 12 prohibits local governments from using ranked choice voting in municipal or school board elections. It directly affects communities that had adopted or planned to adopt this voting method. The bill's key provision bans the implementation of ranked choice voting systems by local election authorities. The bill passed the House on January 20, 2026, with 38 votes in favor and 9 against. This legislation prevents any future use of ranked choice voting for local elections in the state.
Provides that the board of veterinary medicine may issue a license or registration to a qualified applicant without an examination if the qualified applicant: (1) satisfies the requirements for reciprocity of health care professionals; and (2) otherwise meets the requirements to become a licensed veterinarian or a registered veterinary technician.
SB 89 authorizes the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to issue new three-way permits in specific locations. It allows up to three new permits for Schererville, three for Lafayette, two for West Lafayette, and eight for restaurants within transit development districts. These permits typically allow alcohol service in multiple settings (like dining, retail, and entertainment) under one license. The bill directly affects businesses in those designated areas by expanding their alcohol service options through new permit authorizations.
Provides that annexation territory that is divided by railroad tracks satisfies contiguity requirements, if the territory on at least one side of the railroad tracks is contiguous to the municipality.
HB 1048 increases the clothing and automobile expense reimbursement for active volunteer fire department (VFD) members from $100 to $250 per year. This change directly affects volunteer firefighters who incur personal costs for uniforms, work-related clothing, and vehicle use while serving. The bill provides a concrete financial adjustment to cover these out-of-pocket expenses, simplifying reimbursement for VFD members. It does not alter eligibility requirements or create new administrative processes. The bill passed committee with a "do pass" recommendation in early 2026.
Provides that when an individual files a notice of withdrawal listing an address different from the address on the individual's voter registration record, the individual's signature on the notice of withdrawal constitutes a request to the county voter registration office that the address on the individual's voter registration record be the same as the address on the notice of withdrawal.
