Rep. Ryan Lauer

Specifies that a party to a protective order proceeding has a duty to inform the court of any military protective orders issued by a military commander in effect between the parties. Allows the court to consider evidence of a military protective order in effect against a respondent for the protection of the petitioner. Amends provisions concerning facially valid foreign protection orders to include certain protection orders issued by a Canadian court.

Provides that the state police department is the statewide coordinating agency for counter-UAS activities authorized under federal law. Provides that the bill's provisions apply: (1) if a federal law is enacted that authorizes state or local law enforcement personnel to detect, track, identify, or mitigate a UAS under federal approval, certification, or oversight; and (2) after the governor publishes a notice in the Indiana Register that includes a description of the authorization and identifies the federal statute or program that provides the authorization. Provides that the state police department may designate a law enforcement agency of a political subdivision as a participating agency if the agency satisfies federal requirements for personnel training and operational readiness. Provides that the state police department may designate Indianapolis as a pilot project location due to the concentration of high-risk sites and special event assessment rating events. Provides that mitigation activities may not be performed unless expressly authorized under federal law.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the 70th anniversary of The Arc of Indiana and honoring its enduring leadership and advocacy for Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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.

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.

Maddy summaryHR 45 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Trinity Lutheran High School girls volleyball team on their achievements. Authored by Representatives Lucas and Lauer, it passed its first reading on February 23, 2026. This bill does not create any new laws, policies, or funding; it is purely symbolic recognition of the team's accomplishments. No specific individuals or groups are directly affected beyond the team itself.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution (HR 50) is a symbolic statement reaffirming Indiana's longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan, established in 1979. It formally supports the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act and encourages Indiana officials and businesses to deepen economic and cultural ties with Taiwan, referencing recent trade agreements and investments (like Taiwan's $6.4 billion agricultural commitment to Indiana). The resolution does not create new laws or funding but urges continued engagement based on shared values and existing trade data (e.g., Taiwan being Indiana's ninth-largest Asian export market in 2024). It also opposes distortions of UN Resolution 2758 regarding Taiwan's international participation.

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.

Makes the following changes to the Indiana Code chapter concerning the issuance of permits for nuclear powered generating facilities and nuclear fuel reprocessing plants (facilities) by the department of environmental management (department): (1) Repeals a provision that prohibits a person from constructing or operating, or increasing the capacity of, a facility without a permit from the department. (2) Repeals a provision authorizing the environmental rules board (board) to adopt rules establishing: (A) conditions for the issuance of a permit for; and (B) requirements for the operation of; a facility. (3) Requires a person proposing to construct a facility to file with the department (instead of the board, under current law) an environmental feasibility report concurrently with the filing of documents (instead of the preliminary safety analysis, under current law) required to be filed with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (instead of the United States Atomic Energy Commission, under current law). (4) Repeals a provision authorizing the commissioner of the department to conduct a public hearing on the environmental effects of the proposed operation of a facility. (5) Repeals a provision: (A) requiring the board to adopt rules and standards to protect Indiana citizens from radiation hazards; and (B) setting forth requirements for required permits with respect to radioactive discharge.