Specifies the sex offender reporting requirements for persons who are sex offenders or required to register in other jurisdictions. Adds "high risk missing person" to the definition of "missing child". Specifies that the silver alert program applies to missing children. Removes provisions concerning possession of child sex abuse material (CSAM) from the statute containing the offense of child exploitation, and makes a new section for CSAM offenses. Creates a new crime for distribution of CSAM, and generally conforms the sentencing enhancements for possession of CSAM, distribution of CSAM, and child exploitation. Specifies that certain restrictions on CSAM in discovery also apply in civil proceedings (under current law, they only apply in criminal proceedings). Provides a defense in specified circumstances. Removes certain duplicative provisions and makes conforming amendments and technical corrections.
Sponsored bills
Allows a participant in the state excise police, gaming agent, gaming control officer, and conservation enforcement officers' retirement plan to elect a joint and survivor option for the payment of the participant's retirement allowance. Provides for a thirteenth check in calendar year 2026 for certain members, participants, or beneficiaries of the: (1) Indiana state teachers' retirement fund; (2) Indiana public employees' retirement fund; (3) state excise police, gaming agent, gaming control officer, and conservation enforcement officers' retirement plan; (4) state police pre-1987 benefit system; and (5) state police 1987 benefit system.
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 51 is a commemorative resolution honoring Officer Brian Elliott, authored by Representative McGuire and coauthored by numerous representatives. It formally recognizes Officer Elliott's service and contributions, though it does not create any new laws or alter existing policies. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact or effect on specific groups beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment of the officer. The bill was adopted during its first reading on February 25, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding House resolution (HR 28) that formally recognizes the U.S. national debt as a threat to national security. It does not propose new laws or policies, but serves as a symbolic statement acknowledging the concern. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the House (91-0) on February 18, 2026, with multiple representatives added as co-authors. It directly affects congressional discourse but has no legal effect on debt management or security policies.
Maddy summaryHR 37 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Vincente Lorenz, a Kokomo High School educator, for his teaching service and earned accolades. It does not create new policy or affect any laws, regulations, or specific groups. The resolution formally recognizes Lorenz's contributions through a symbolic gesture by the legislature. This is a non-binding honor, consistent with similar commemorative measures.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing Wednesday, February 4, 2026, as a day to honor the work and mission of the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross.
Provides that a public agency may not enter into or renew a contract for a public works project with a contractor unless, among other requirements, the contractor signs a notarized affidavit affirming that the contractor does not knowingly employ an unauthorized alien. Provides that a contractor for a public works project must take certain actions with respect to the immigration status of employees. Provides that a contractor may not employ an individual for a public works project if the person has no E-verification number, except under certain circumstances. Provides civil immunity for a contractor that in good faith misidentifies the immigration status of a worker to comply with certain provisions of this bill. Makes conforming changes.
Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) by the Indiana House of Representatives to commemorate the U.S. founding's 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. It encourages Indiana citizens, communities, schools, and organizations to hold events reflecting on U.S. history and founding principles like liberty and federalism. The resolution specifically urges schools to strengthen civics education about these ideals but does not create new requirements or funding. It has no legal effect beyond expressing the House's recognition of the anniversary.
Requires the department of natural resources (department) to establish recreational fees for the access and use of state forest land. Provides that the department shall ensure that at all times: (1) 10% of state forest land consists of forests that are 100 years or older; and (2) 10% of state forest land consists of forests that are 20 years or younger. Provides that money in the state forestry fund does not revert to the state general fund. Establishes various restrictions on landowner liability to recreational users.