Rep. Vernon Smith

Maddy summaryThis Indiana House resolution formally recognizes Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's contributions to the state and nation. It acknowledges the fraternity's founding at Howard University in 1911, its guiding principles, and its community programs like voter registration and scholarship initiatives. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it simply directs the House Clerk to send a copy to Omega Psi Phi's 10th District representative. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not affect any laws or directly impact constituents.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (not a law), formally recognizing the historical significance of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Indianapolis. It acknowledges the church's founding in 1836, rebuilding after a 1862 fire, its National Register listing, and its recent relocation to a new building. The resolution directs the House Clerk to send copies to the church and its pastor, Reverend Carlos W. Perkins, as a formal gesture of acknowledgment. It has no policy impact or effect on laws.

Amends definitions, requirements, restrictions, and exceptions regarding wireless communication device policies adopted and implemented by school corporations and charter schools. Requires the department of education to publish model policy language and implementation guidance. Provides that, with exceptions, a school corporation, a school maintained by a school corporation, and a charter school, including school personnel, are immune from civil liability for any actions taken in good faith to comply with the school's wireless communication device policy.

Allows the city of Gary to hire an appraiser to conduct appraisals of residential and commercial properties to assist the city with disposing of the city's real property. Prohibits an employee or appointed or elected official of the city from purchasing property that is appraised by the appraiser.

Maddy summarySB 27, titled "Vehicle Bill" (though the bill's actual content relates to stadiums, not vehicles), establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. This authority is created to acquire, build, and finance stadiums and related facilities in northwest Indiana. The bill outlines the authority's specific powers, including funding mechanisms and operational duties for managing these projects. The bill directly affects northwest Indiana communities by creating a dedicated entity to handle stadium development and financing.

Maddy summaryHR 49 is a symbolic House resolution honoring Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.'s life and legacy. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies or people. The resolution serves as a formal commemoration by the House of Representatives, expressing recognition of his contributions. This procedural bill has no direct impact beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHR 41, introduced by Representative Pryor and co-authored by several colleagues, is a symbolic resolution recognizing May 2026 as Lupus Awareness Month. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, but aims to raise public awareness about lupus, an autoimmune disease. The resolution was formally introduced and adopted on February 16, 2026, with no further substantive actions required. This is purely a recognition measure with no direct policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 32) is a symbolic recognition measure. It formally acknowledges the 15th Annual Bill Johnson Black Film Festival, a cultural event celebrating Black cinema. The bill does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any policies or individuals. It is a procedural resolution introduced by Representative Smith V to honor the festival's ongoing contribution to film and community engagement.

Maddy summaryHR 30 is a ceremonial bill designating February 16, 2026, as "Jack and Jill Day" at the Indiana State Capitol. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, but formally recognizes this date for a symbolic event at the state capitol. The bill was introduced by Representative Harris and co-sponsored by multiple colleagues, passing its first reading on February 10, 2026. This is a procedural resolution with no direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 33) is a symbolic resolution recognizing March as Brain Injury Awareness Month in Indiana. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about brain injuries. The resolution was introduced by Representative Errington and coauthored by multiple state representatives, and it passed its first reading on February 10, 2026. It directly affects Indiana's legislative record by designating a specific month for public awareness efforts.