Indiana

Nondisclosure agreements in economic development. Provides that the Indiana economic development corporation, the state, any instrumentality of the state, or any other public authority, or any party negotiating on behalf of any of those entities, may not, after June 30, 2026, enter into an economic development agreement or contract that contains any provision, clause, or language that provides that the agreement or contract, or any of its terms, is confidential, or that the parties to the agreement or contract are prohibited from disclosing, discussing, describing, or commenting upon the terms of the agreement or contract.

Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Surrender of firearms for domestic violence crimes. Provides that a person who: (1) has been convicted of a crime of domestic violence; and (2) knowingly or intentionally possesses a firearm; commits a Class A misdemeanor. Specifies defenses. Requires a court to issue an order, upon entry of a judgment of conviction for domestic battery or a crime of domestic violence, that: (1) prohibits ownership or possession of a firearm; (2) requires the defendant to surrender: (A) any firearm owned or possessed by the defendant; and (B) any license or permit to carry a handgun (license) owned or possessed by the defendant; and (3) requires confiscation, within 72 hours, of any firearm or license owned or possessed by the defendant. Provides that a domestic batterer who knowingly or intentionally fails to surrender a certain firearm or license commits a Class A misdemeanor, enhanced to a Level 6 felony in specific instances. Provides defenses. Specifies how a confiscated firearm or license shall be returned or disposed of if a person's right to possess a firearm is restored.

Involuntary treatment of substance use disorder. Allows an individual's spouse, legal guardian, friend, relative, or medical service provider to petition a court for involuntary substance use disorder treatment. Requires a petition to include certain information and allows a court to dismiss a petition, without prejudice, if it does not contain the required information. Requires the court to appoint a public defender if the individual subject to a petition seeking involuntary substance use disorder treatment is not represented by an attorney. Requires a court to order the individual to be evaluated by a medical provider if the court finds that: (1) the individual has a substance use disorder; (2) because of the individual's substance use disorder, the individual is experiencing impaired judgment and is unable to independently maintain the individual's activities of daily living or is a danger to self or others; and (3) the individual refuses to voluntarily participate in substance use disorder treatment. Allows a court to order a local law enforcement agency to consider whether an individual meets the criteria for emergency detention under certain circumstances. Requires a medical provider who completes an evaluation concerning an individual's need for substance use disorder treatment to submit the evaluation to the court. Specifies that after receiving an evaluation from a medical provider, the court may dismiss the petition or set a hearing for further evidence to be presented about the individual's need for substance use disorder treatment. Requires a court to order involuntary outpatient substance use disorder treatment for a period, not to exceed 90 days, if medical evidence supports that the individual requires immediate treatment for a substance use disorder and the individual has refused treatment.

Sex with a minor. Adds the criminal offense of sex with a minor, which is committed when a person who is at least: (1) 24 years of age and who engages in sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct, fondling, or touching with a child who is 16 years of age; or (2) 25 years of age and who engages in sexual intercourse or other sexual conduct, fondling, or touching with a child who is 16 or 17 years of age. Makes conforming amendments.

Anatomical gifts. Provides that a violation of certain provisions of the uniform anatomical gift act constitutes a deceptive consumer act. Bans a procurement organization from obtaining certain licenses or registrations. Provides that a procurement organization may not select or recommend a specific licensed funeral provider to a potential donor's family. Alters who may make an anatomical gift with respect to the body of a decedent. Provides that a person may, under certain circumstances, invalidate an anatomical gift. Requires a procurement organization to: (1) notify certain licensed funeral providers before removing human remains; (2) provide certain disclosures when seeking consent from a person to make an anatomical gift; and (3) publish an annual transparency report. Prohibits a procurement organization from transporting human remains outside Indiana unless the organization has notified certain people of the organization's intent.

Various crimes and child protection. Adds family case managers to the list of individuals who are designated as Indiana first responders. Clarifies that a court order concerning certain sex offender registration requirements may only be granted if a petition is filed under the provision governing certain retroactive application of law. Specifies that, if a petition to determine if a person should be considered a sexually violent predator or an offender against children has been filed, notice must be sent to certain parties. Separates the offenses of voyeurism, public voyeurism, and aerial voyeurism into two sections of the Indiana Code. Removes, from the crime of public voyeurism, the required element that the individual has the intent to peep at the person being recorded, and changes the name of the crime to "digital voyeurism". Provides that a serious sex offender who knowingly or intentionally approaches or communicates with a child in a public park commits a Level 6 felony.

Parking at Lake Michigan beaches. Prohibits a municipality from charging parking fees at a municipally owned parking lot at a municipal park beach on Lake Michigan, unless the municipality has: (1) a lifeguard on duty at the beach during the hours that swimming is allowed; and (2) public rescue equipment installed on any pier or public access site of the municipality. Allows a municipality to charge parking fees without satisfying the lifeguard requirement while notes, bonds, leases, or other obligations are outstanding that the municipality: (1) issued, incurred, or entered into before July 1, 2026; and (2) pays or pledged to pay from parking fee revenues. Prohibits a municipality from pledging or using parking fees to pay bonds, leases, or other debt obligations issued, incurred, or entered into after June 30, 2026.

Schools, funding, and religion. 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.

Loans from the common school fund. Reinstates retroactively provisions that apply with regard to an extension of the term of loans or advances from the common school fund for the Gary Community School Corporation, which expired January 1, 2025. Extends the expiration date to January 1, 2028.

Advanced practice registered nurses. Removes the requirement that an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) have a practice agreement with a collaborating physician. Removes a provision requiring an APRN to operate under a collaborative practice agreement or the privileges granted by a hospital governing board. Removes certain provisions concerning the audit of practice agreements. Allows an APRN with prescriptive authority to prescribe a schedule II controlled substance for weight reduction or to control obesity. Makes conforming changes.

Crimes relating to bodily fluids and bodily waste. Removes certain sentencing enhancements for battery and malicious mischief that relate to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Amends the sentencing enhancement for battery against a public safety officer that relates to HIV.

Homeless veterans initiative shelter program. Establishes the Hoosier homeless veteran initiative for the purpose of providing a means for homeless veterans to have access to temporary shelter during the veteran's rehabilitation. Provides that the initiative shall be coordinated and administered by the Indiana department of veterans' affairs (department) in consultation with the Indiana department of health. Requires each homeless shelter with at least 25 beds to reserve at least one bed out of every 25 beds for a homeless veteran. Provides that a homeless shelter or other entity may apply to the department to become a participating shelter. Provides that a participating shelter shall receive grants from the department. Provides that a participating shelter shall provide food and housing and other services prescribed by the department for a participating veteran for a period consisting of the lesser of: (1) two years; or (2) the period necessary for the veteran to complete the requirements necessary for the participating veteran to receive a housing voucher in accordance with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) HUD-VASH program. Provides that a homeless veteran who is not married may request to become a participating veteran in a manner prescribed by the department. Provides that the homeless veteran shall not be required to test negative on a drug or alcohol test to obtain initial placement in a participating shelter. Requires that a participating veteran receive services and meet certain requirements to remain eligible for placement in a participating facility.

Sale and resale of event tickets. Provides that certain actions taken by a ticket issuer or ticket reseller with respect to tickets sold or resold for entertainment events constitute deceptive acts. Establishes requirements for the advertising and offer for sale, sale, and resale of tickets. Requires a ticket reseller to issue a refund to a consumer for a ticket if the entertainment event is canceled or if, for certain reasons, the ticket is not accepted by the venue.

Commercial advertising on a school bus. Provides that a school corporation may display commercial advertising on a school bus owned by the school corporation if the governing body of the school corporation adopts a policy that meets certain requirements.

Thirteenth check. 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.

School police pension matters. Makes changes to the definition of a "school resource officer" for provisions relating to the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund (1977 fund). Provides that a school police department may participate in the 1977 fund. Establishes requirements for establishing a local board for school police departments. Provides that an appointing authority shall waive the age restriction for a school resource officer for purposes of the 1977 fund if: (1) on the date the individual applies to be appointed and hired, the individual is a veteran who has completed at least 20 years of military service; (2) the individual received or is eligible to receive a discharge from the armed forces of the United States under conditions other than certain specified conditions; and (3) the individual meets all other requirements for appointment and hiring. Provides that a school corporation or charter school that employs a school resource officer must enter into a contract or memorandum of understanding with a local law enforcement agency for the purpose of complying with the reporting and payment requirements for purposes of the 1977 fund. Makes conforming amendments.

Bullying oversight committees and ombudsman. Establishes a state bullying ombudsman (ombudsman) position within the department of education (department). Establishes the duties of the ombudsman. Requires the department to: (1) provide staff and administrative support for the ombudsman; and (2) post the ombudsman's contact information on the department's website. Requires each school corporation to provide the ombudsman's contact information in certain rules, policies, and notices. Requires, with an exception, each school corporation to establish a bullying oversight committee (committee). Establishes the membership, authority, and duties of a committee. Provides that a parent of a targeted student may submit a complaint to the committee if the parent believes that: (1) the school administration failed to investigate a bullying or physical assault incident involving the targeted student; or (2) the resolution of an incident was insufficient or ineffective. Requires the department to adopt and post on the department's website guidelines and model training materials for committee members. Provides that a parent may, under certain circumstances, request a hearing before the governing body of the school corporation regarding a complaint. Establishes requirements for a governing body of a school corporation that receives a request for a hearing. Provides that a parent of a targeted student or parent of an alleged perpetrator may view any video evidence related to a bullying incident or physical assault involving the student for which a complaint or request for a hearing has been submitted.

IURC and utility audits. Provides that every three years, beginning in 2026, the state board of accounts shall conduct an audit of the funds, accounts, financial affairs, and all compliance related matters of the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) for the state fiscal year ending in the year in which the audit is conducted. Provides that a report of an audit conducted under these provisions must be submitted to the executive director of the legislative services agency for distribution to members of the general assembly. Provides that the IURC: (1) may, with good cause, as part of an examination, inquiry, or investigation authorized by specified statutes conduct a forensic audit of a public utility; and (2) shall as part of a base rate case that is filed with or pending before the IURC after December 31, 2025, for a change in a public utility's basic rates and charges, conduct a forensic audit of the public utility. Authorizes the IURC to appoint: (1) an independent accounting firm; or (2) another qualified agent; with experience or expertise in conducting forensic audits to conduct a forensic audit under these provisions. Specifies the scope of a forensic audit under these provisions. Provides that upon the completion of a forensic audit, the IURC may do the following: (1) Issue an order directing the public utility to take actions to correct or cure certain acts or practices examined as part of the audit. (2) Refer any suspected criminal activities uncovered during the audit to an appropriate law enforcement agency or prosecutorial agency or official. Specifies how expenses incurred by the IURC or the IURC's agent in conducting a forensic audit under this section shall be charged and paid.

Pre-kindergarten care SGO tax credit. Establishes an early childhood scholarship tax credit for contributions made to a scholarship granting organization that conducts a program to provide scholarships for children who attend a qualified early child care provider. Provides that the amount of the credit is equal to 50% of the amount of the contribution. Limits the total amount of tax credits awarded in a state fiscal year to not more than $100,000,000. Requires the department of education (department) to certify early childhood scholarship granting organizations that meet certain criteria. Requires qualified early childhood scholarship granting organizations to enter into an agreement with the department. Specifies conditions that must be included in the agreement. Provides that a school corporation that operates an early childhood education program may not limit consideration for participation in the program solely to those residing within the school district.

Regional development tax credit. Amends and adds provisions regarding the regional development tax credit. Specifies the award of certain credits under the aggregate tax credit cap that the Indiana economic development corporation may certify each state fiscal year. Authorizes a county or city that is currently participating in a regional development authority to change its membership and instead participate in a new or different regional development authority.

Organ donation. Provides that an employee who has worked for an employer for at least a year is entitled to take an unpaid leave of absence for organ donation. Provides that a leave of absence may not exceed 30 working days per calendar year. Requires an eligible employee to provide notice to the employee's employer before taking a leave of absence. Provides that an employer may require an eligible employee to take other leave before using the leave of absence.

Food labeling requirements. Requires a food manufacturer that offers certain food products for sale in Indiana to ensure that each food product includes a warning label disclosing specified ingredients in the food product. Sets forth labeling requirements. Allows the attorney general to bring an action for a violation of these provisions.

Base rate cases for electricity suppliers. Provides that in a base rate proceeding that is filed with or pending before the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) after December 31, 2025, for an increase in an electricity supplier's basic rates and charges, the IURC shall do the following: (1) Consider whether the requested increase would result, upon full implementation, in an average monthly residential bill that would represent more than 6% of a representative low income customer's monthly income. (2) Consider and compare the following: (A) The total amount of the electricity supplier's actual return that was distributed to shareholders in the form of dividends, or reinvested by the electricity supplier in its own stock, during the period extending back to the IURC's last order approving the electricity supplier's basic rates and charges (relevant period). (B) The sum of the total amount of the electricity supplier's actual return for the relevant period that was invested in infrastructure or improvements to the electricity supplier's system, plus the amount of capital investments that are associated with a set of discrete and identifiable capital spending projects that will be placed in service within a reasonable time after the end of the electricity supplier's 12 month test period in the proceeding. (3) Hold at least two public hearings in the electricity supplier's service area. Provides that in the IURC's final order in the proceeding, the IURC shall include: (1) the IURC's findings with respect to the considerations required under the bill; and (2) a discussion of how the IURC took those findings into account in reaching the decisions set forth in the order.

Self-service storage facilities. Requires an owner of a self-service storage facility to implement adequate security measures to prevent the theft of a renter's personal property that is stored in a rented space at the owner's self-service storage facility. Provides that an owner of a self-service storage facility who engages in false, deceptive, or misleading advertising relating to security measures implemented or not implemented at the owner's self-service storage facility, commits a deceptive act.