Rep. Dale DeVon

Amends good citizenship instruction requirements. Includes the Classic Learning Test in certain references to nationally recognized college entrance examinations. Requires a state educational institution (SEI) to accept the Classic Learning Test examination to the same extent the SEI accepts the ACT or SAT examination with respect to admission criteria. Requires the department of education to identify schools that allow students who are not enrolled in the school to take certain examinations at the school and present the information in a manner that can be conveniently and easily accessed from the department's website.

Requires a sports wagering certificate holder and vendor to withhold funds from a person who requests a certain type of withdrawal from the person's mobile sports wagering account if the person is delinquent in the person's child support payments. Requires an order establishing paternity to be obtained without further proceedings if certain conditions are met. Allows the state to approve additional payment facilities for purposes of accepting child support payments. Provides that if a child who is the subject of an adoption petition is also the subject of an open or pending child in need of services (CHINS) or delinquency proceeding, the adoption petition must identify: (1) the court in which the CHINS or delinquency proceeding is open or pending and the cause number; and (2) the case number of the CHINS or delinquency proceeding; if known to the petitioner. Requires a volunteer of an applicant for licensure as a child caring institution to undergo a criminal background check if the volunteer is likely to have unsupervised contact with children in the child caring institution or will have access to a child's medical records. Provides that the department may deny an application for licensure as a child caring institution, group home, or child placing agency if the applicant was previously licensed as a residential child care provider and the license was revoked within one year of the application. Provides that a department caseworker who wishes to interview a child at the child's school must provide the caseworker's department issued credential in order to interview the child alone.

Prohibits a governmental entity from discriminating against a person in adoption and foster care matters based on the person's sincerely held religious belief, unless the discriminatory act as applied to the person is required to advance a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive means of advancing the interest. Specifies that a governmental entity may consider whether a person involved in adoption or foster care matters shares the same religion or faith tradition as a child or the child's parent when considering placement of a child. Allows a person to bring a cause of action against a governmental entity for discriminating against the person, or raise a violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, and allows for certain remedies. Provides that there is a two year statute of limitation for a discrimination claim.

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.

Removes certain transportation requirements in the approval criteria for the school age child care project fund. Requires the division of family resources to adopt rules specifying cost and expense standards for transporting a child to a facility where the child does not attend school.

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.

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.

Requires a public school, including a charter school, to teach the Bible as literature. Prohibits a governmental entity from denying benefits to any person on the basis of: (1) Article 1, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana; (2) separation of church and state; or (3) the establishment clause; and establishes certain exceptions. Permits a person adversely affected by a violation to file a civil action against the governmental entity. Authorizes a: (1) prevailing plaintiff in a suit brought against a governmental entity; and (2) prevailing party, in a suit brought by a governmental entity; to obtain court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

Allows a qualified taxpayer to claim a credit against the taxpayer's state tax liability for designated contributions to qualified nonprofit organizations that provide: (1) comprehensive case management services for at risk families; (2) family support services; (3) in-school programs, community based events, or online resources to assist fathers in learning and improving parenting skills; or (4) programs that provide mutual support systems among mothers in raising children or information for mothers to enhance child development.