Big I Indiana: Weekly Legislative Update - February 17, 2026

Last Week in Review
We have now completed the second week of the second half of the 2026 legislative session. Deadlines are looming, with the committee report deadline rapidly approaching on Thursday. Due to the rapid pace, last week was a busy one at the Statehouse, with packed committee hearings and numerous bills moving through the legislative process.

This is the last full week of committee hearings for the 2026 legislative session. The committee report deadline is Thursday, the second reading deadline follows on Monday, Feb. 23, and the third reading deadline is the next day on Feb. 24. Legislators then have just three short days to finalize bills before the legislature’s anticipated adjournment on Friday, Feb. 27.

Indiana Senate
Last Tuesday, House Bill 1343, Public safety matters, sponsored by Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville), was heard in the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee. The bill makes changes across several areas of public safety and veteran programs. It also allows the Adjutant General to create a military police force made up of National Guard members who, when called to state active duty and properly trained, can exercise law enforcement powers. The bill passed out of committee 6 to 3 and has been recommitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Also on Tuesday, the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 1210, Department of local government finance, sponsored by Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle). This bill makes broad updates on how local government finance and taxes are administered. The bill requires a competitive process for hiring municipal advisers, increases transparency in local financial reporting, and makes numerous technical changes to property tax procedures, credits, and exemptions.

During Tuesday’s Senate Session, Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) presented the Indiana University Hoosier football team with Senate Resolution 37, Congratulating the IU Hoosiers football team. IU President Pamela Whitten accepted the resolution on behalf of the program.

Later in session, the Senate unanimously passed House Bill 1035, Permissible unsupervised activity, sponsored by Sen. Cyndi Carrasco (R-Indianapolis), by a vote of 48 to 0. This bill shields Hoosier parents from child welfare investigations solely for allowing their children to have age-appropriate independence. The bill was returned to the House without amendments.

On Wednesday, the Senate Public Policy Committee considered House Bill 1038, Relocation of gaming operations, sponsored by Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne). The bill establishes a process and framework for relocating an Ohio County casino license to an inland casino located in Allen, DeKalb, Steuben, or Wayne County. The committee heard testimony and discussed various amendments but ultimately did not make any changes to the bill. The bill passed out of committee by a vote of 7 to 3 and now heads to Senate Appropriations where substantial changes are expected.

On the same day, the Senate Education and Career Development Committee heard and voted on several bills, including all legislation authored this session by Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis). Notably, House Bill 1004, Various education matters, sponsored by Sen. Tyler Johnson (R-Leo), was amended in committee with amendments #26 and #29 and passed on with a 8 to 4 vote. This House Republican agenda bill updates the Indiana K-12 education laws by streamlining administrative requirements and repealing outdated provisions. The bill makes changes to school corporation accounting requirements, recodifies provisions related to the state board of education, excused absences, and instructional provisions. It also expands flexibility for teacher contracts, charter school public-private agreements, and school safety grant programs.

On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously passed 9 to 0 House Republican agenda bill, House Bill 1002, Electric utility affordability, sponsored by Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford). HB 1002 was recommitted to Appropriations after passing out of the Senate Utilities Committee 8-0. This bill shifts utilities to a multi-year rate plan framework aimed at improving electric utility affordability and strengthening customer protections in Indiana. The bill also requires certain low-income residential customers enrolled in energy assistance programs to be placed on levelized billing plans with penalty-free opt-outs, restricts service disconnections during extreme heat, and expands low-income assistance programs.  

House Bill 1417, Causes of action and damages, which passed the House by a vote of 61 to 34, will be heard in the Senate committee on Judiciary tomorrow. A reminder that it was amended to cut its scope down to two issues: tightening Indiana’s public nuisance laws to ensure the cause of action is used properly and not as a vehicle for policymaking and increasing the limit on qualified settlements from the current $5,000 to $100,000.

Indiana House of Representatives
On Tuesday, the House Public Policy Committee heard Senate Bill 185, Alcohol and tobacco matters, sponsored by Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo), and the bill was amended and passed with a vote of 10 to 0. The bill provides that a person may not sell a tobacco product or electronic cigarette wholesale without a certificate from the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, and it also bans the sale of e-liquids of foreign adversaries. The bill will be up for second reading Monday.

On Wednesday morning, Senate Bill 199, Various education matters, sponsored by Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), brought back for a vote in the House Education Committee. The original form of the bill provided many regulations and restrictions for social media platforms interacting with students but was amended before it left the Senate to remove much of the social media language. A new amendment was proposed in House Education on Monday that would add some similar social media language back in, and Wednesday the amendment was taken. The bill passed to the floor with a vote of 7to 4 and will be eligible for second and third reading consideration this week.

On Wednesday afternoon, Senate Bill 250, Regulation of hemp, sponsored by Rep. Garrett Bascom (R-Lawrenceburg), was heard as testimony only in the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee. The bill defines “THC” for purposes of Indiana alcohol and tobacco law. It also asks for additional requirements and restrictions from the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.

On Thursday, Senate Bill 76, Immigration matters, sponsored by Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City), was passed 61 to 28 on third reading after being amended multiple times on second reading. The bill provides that the Attorney General can defend a law enforcement officer, governing body, or collegiate institution if one of them gets involved in an immigration case. The bill also, among other things, provides penalties for governing bodies or collegiate institutions limiting or restricting the enforcement of federal immigration law.

2026 Primary Election
The field is set for the 2026 Primary Election, which will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Multiple legislators have decided that they will not be running for their seat again, including:

• Sen. Eric Bassler (R-Washington)
• Sen. J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis)
• Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis)
• Sen. Kyle Walker (R-Indianapolis)
• Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond)
• Rep. Ed Clere (I-New Albany)
• Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland)
• Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown)
• Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie)
• Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville)
• Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo)
• Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper)

There are also numerous incumbents that have primary challengers, many because of voting against redistricting efforts in December. The full list of Senate candidate filings can be found here, and House candidate filings can be found here.

The Week Ahead
As stated earlier, this will be the final week for committees to hear bills that passed their houses of origin. The full House Committee schedule can be found here, and the Senate Committee schedule can be found here. Both are live links and will be updated as more committees are scheduled. Between working to get bills through committee, legislators will be working feverishly to ensure that legislation that is still alive makes it way to second and third reading calendars before next Tuesday’s third reading deadline.

Live Bill Report

2026 Big I Indiana Legislative Bill Track

You can stay up to date on all issues concerning the Big I and insurance industry during the 2026 Indiana General Assembly through the above link. This link is live and will be updated in real-time as the session progresses to include any changes that are made to our followed bills. Our team at Catalyst has created this report uniquely for the Big I Indiana to include the bills that are relevant to you. Each bill's status will automatically update when any new action occurs, including when it becomes scheduled to be heard in a committee. By equipping you with this live and continuously updating report, we will keep you in the loop about every action that impacts our interests.

 In-Depth Legislative Update
The bills listed below are those that have been identified as the top priorities for the association for the 2026 Indiana General Assembly. This list will be shorter and differ somewhat from the Bill Track above because these are what we consider bills of most importance to you and your clients. The bills that have the most direct impact on our membership will have more detailed explanations and will list the activity on the bill. The others contain a link that will send you to the Indiana General Assembly website, where you can find more detail on the bill. Finally, when a priority bill changes status, that change will be noted in red type as we move forward through the session.

If you or your staff have any questions about anything in this update, or at any time throughout the 2026 legislative session, please do not hesitate to reach out to Steve Duff at [email protected]. 

2026 Followed Senate Bills

SB 8: Library budgets (Sen. Gary Byrne)
Requires the county, city, or town fiscal body (as applicable) to review the proposed budget and property tax levy of a public library that is not comprised of a majority of officials who are elected to serve on the public library's governing body and adopt a final budget and property tax levy for the public library. Repeals separate provisions that apply if particular conditions are satisfied as each pertains to county, city, or town fiscal body review and adoption of the final budget and property tax levy of a public library that is not comprised of a majority of officials who are elected to serve on the public library's governing body. SB 8 passed the committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy on Jan. 21 by a vote of 9 to 1 and was engrossed on second reading on Jan. 22. It passed the Senate buy a vote of 31 to 13 on Jan. 26. It awaits hearing in the House committee on Ways and Means.

SB 13: Motor vehicle equipment requirements (Sen. Blake Doriot)
Adds an exception to certain motor vehicle equipment requirements for vehicle chassis that are a part of a vehicle manufacturer's work in process and are towed for a distance of less than 40 miles. Referred to the committee on Homeland Security and Transportation. SB 13 passed the committee by a vote of 7 to 0 on December 9, 2025 and passed the full Senate by a vote of 49 to 0 on January 6. SB 13 passed the House committee on Roads and Transportation on Feb. 2 and moved through second reading without amendment on Feb 5. The bill passed the full house by a vote of 93 to 0 on Feb. 9. Because it was not amended in the second house, SB 13 will proceed directly to the Governor for his consideration. 

SB 21: State sandwich (Sen. Andy Zay)
Designates the breaded tenderloin sandwich as the official state sandwich of Indiana. Referred to the committee on Commerce and Technology. SB 21 passed the committee by a vote of 11 to 0 on Jan. 8. Because he is leaving the Senate to join the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, Andy Zay resigned his Senate seat and was replaced as author by Sen. Blake Doriot. It passed the full Senate by a vote of 37 to 11 on Jan. 13. The bill awaits a hearing in the House committee on Government and Regulatory Reform.

SB 27: Stadium authority (Sen. Ryan Mishler, Sen. Chris Garten)
Establishes the northwest Indiana stadium authority (stadium authority) for the purpose of acquiring and financing certain facilities. Sets forth the powers and duties of the stadium authority. The bill passed the committee on Appropriations on Jan. 22 by a vote of 12 to 0. The bill was engrossed on second reading on Jan. 27 and was then voted out of the Senate by a vote of 46 to 2 on Jan 28. In a very unusual move that signifies the importance of this legislation, the sponsor of SB 27 will be Indiana Speaker of the House Rep. Todd Huston. It has been assigned to the House committee on Ways and Means and awaits a committee hearing.

SB 78: Wireless communication device policy (Sen. Jeff Raatz)
Amends the definition of "wireless communication device". Requires each school corporation and charter school to adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy that: (1) prohibits a student from using a wireless communication device during the school day; (2) requires teacher directed use of a wireless communication device for educational purposes during the school day to occur only on school supplied wireless communication devices; and (3) mandates the use of a no device policy or a secure storage policy. Creates certain exceptions to a wireless communication device policy. Requires the department of education to publish model policy language and implementation guidance. Provides that a school corporation, a school maintained by a school corporation, and a charter school (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, with exceptions. Referred to the committee on Education and Career Development. SB 78 passed the committee by a vote of 12 to 1 on Jan. 7 and was amended on second reading on second reading on Jan. 13 and now awaits a vote on the Senate floor. The bill was passed by the full Senate on Jan. 20 by a vote of 28 to 19. SB 78 was amended and passed out of the House committee on Education by a vote of 12 to 0 on Feb. 12. Because of its potential financial impact to the state, it has been recommitted to the House committee on Ways and Means.

SB 89: Three-way permits for Schererville (Sen. Dan Dernulc)
Provides the alcohol and tobacco commission may issue not more than: (1) three new three-way permits to the town of Schererville; (2) three new three-way permits to the city of Lafayette; (3) two new three-way permits to the city of West Lafayette; (4) eight new three-way permits to restaurants located within a transit development district located in the city of Michigan City; (5) two new three-way permits to the city of Delphi; and (6) two new three-way permits to the city of Bloomington. The committee on Public Policy passed SB 89 by a vote of 10 to 0 on Jan. 21. It was amended and ordered engrossed on the Senate floor on Jan. 26 and then passed the full Senate by a vote of 39 to 6 on Jan. 27. SB 89 passed the House committee on Public Policy on Feb. 10 by a vote of 10 to 0 without amendment and was then engrossed on second reading on Feb. 12. It awaits third reading consideration this week.

SB 169: Reorganization of consumer lending laws (Sen. Scott Baldwin)
This bill passed the committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions by a vote of 6 to 1 on Jan. 14 and now moves to potential second reading consideration on the Senate floor this week. SB 169 was engrossed on second reading on Jan 20 and then voted out of the Senate by a vote of 43 to 1 on Jan. 22. It has been assigned to the House committee on Financial Institutions and awaits a hearing date. 

SB 189: Nonparticipating providers (Sen. Scott Baldwin)
Prohibits a health carrier from assessing a health provider facility or a provider an administrative fee related to the provision of care to an individual that involves an out of network provider. Provides that if a health carrier assesses a health provider facility or a provider an administrative fee related to the provision of care to an individual that involves an out of network provider, the insurance commissioner shall impose on the health carrier a civil penalty that is equal to double the amount of the administrative fee assessed by the health carrier. SB 189 passed the committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions on Jan 21 by a vote of 6 to 1 after being amended. SB 189 is being heard in the House committee on Insurance later today.

SB 220: Health care shopping and decision support program (Sen. Ed Charbonneau)
Requires, beginning January 1, 2028, a health carrier to: (1) implement a shopping and decision support program; and (2) provide incentives for covered individuals in a health plan who elect to receive a comparable health care service from a network provider that is paid less than the average allowed amount paid by the health carrier to network providers for the comparable health care service. Requires, beginning December 1, 2027, a health carrier to make available an interactive member portal that enables a covered individual to request and obtain certain information. Allows a health carrier to make the information available through a toll free telephone number. Sets forth reporting requirements for health carriers and the department of insurance concerning incentive payments made to covered individuals. The committee on Health and Provider Services passed SB 220 by a vote of 11 to 0 on Jan. 21. The bill was amended on second reading on Jan. 26 and then passed the Senate by a vote of 42 to 2 on Jan. 27. It awaits a hearing and vote in the House committee on Insurance. 

SB 270: Township mergers (Sen. Rick Niemeyer) 
Requires the department of local government finance (department) not later than December 31, 2026, to compile data on each township (excluding townships in Marion County) and assign points based upon the township government's performance. Requires a township government that is assigned at least four points (designated township) to merge. Requires a merger to satisfy the following requirements: (1) A designated township must merge with at least one township that has less than four points (recipient township). (2) The merger must satisfy contiguity requirements under the township merger law. Provides that if all townships in a county have at least four points, the county executive must designate a township to act as the recipient township. Requires the county executive to designate which townships will merge: (1) taking into consideration the wishes of the designated townships and recipient townships; and (2) the contiguity requirements under the township merger law. Provides that all mergers in a county are effective not later than January 1, 2028. Establishes provisions for an interim township government for the new merged township government until a new township trustee and township legislative body are elected during the 2030 general election. Provides that a township merger does not affect the office of township assessor of a township participating in the merger. SB 270 passed the committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy on Jan. 20 by a vote of 12 to 0 and then was engrossed on second reading without amendment on Jan. 22. The bill awaits a committee hearing in the House committee on Local Government.

2026 Followed House Bills

HB 1003: Boards and commissions (Rep. Steve Bartels; Sen. Randy Maxwell) 
Makes changes to requirements for the readoption of administrative rules. Repeals, merges, consolidates, or otherwise modifies various boards, commissions, and other governmental bodies. Modifies or establishes various funds. Makes changes to the membership, duties, and operations of various boards, commissions, and other governmental bodies. Provides that the professional licensing agency may adopt and enforce procedural rules for the administration of a board if the rule: (1) will affect multiple boards; and (2) is not inconsistent with any rule adopted by the affected board. Repeals the fire prevention and building safety commission (commission). Transfers the commission's responsibilities and administrative rules to the department of homeland security (department). Makes certain changes to the administration of building and safety statutes and building and safety codes. Provides for the codification of administrative rules setting forth building and safety codes into statute. Also eliminates the Indiana Continuing Education Council, which approves or disapproves class filings for CE credit and gives approval authority to the Commissioner. HB 1003 passed the House by a vote of 67 to 29 on February 3. It was assigned to the Senate committee on Rules and Legislative Procedure and it is currently awaiting a hearing. 

HB 1044: Insurance coverage for public safety employees (Rep. Jim Pressel)
Provides that a public safety employee who: (1) becomes disabled on or after January 1, 2020; (2) receives a Class 1 or a Class 2 impairment benefit; and (3) is eligible for group health insurance coverage for the public safety employee and the public safety employee's spouse or dependents; must pay the same amount that the public safety employee would have been required to pay if still serving as a current active public safety employee employed by the local unit public employer. Specifies that the public safety employee must file a written request for insurance coverage with the employer before June 1, 2026, or within 90 days after the public safety employee begins receiving disability benefits, whichever is later. Provides that a surviving spouse or dependent of a public safety employee who dies in the line of duty must pay the same amount that the public safety employee would have been required to pay if still serving as a current active public safety employee employed by the local unit public employer for coverage selected by the surviving spouse or dependent under the group health insurance program. Referred to the committee on Insurance. It passed the committee on Jan. 13 by a vote of 13 to 0 and moved through second reading without amendment on Jan. 15. HB 1044 passed the House by a vote of 92 to 0 on Jan 20. It has been assigned to the Senate committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions and awaits a hearing. 

HB 1065: Ban on gratuities for public officials (Rep. Harold Slager)
Makes it a Class A misdemeanor for: (1) a person to offer a payment to a public servant as a reward for an official act performed by the public servant for the person; or (2) a public servant to solicit or accept a payment as a reward for an official act performed by the public servant for the person. Increases the penalty to a Level 6 felony if the fair market value of the reward is at least $750. Exempts: (1) a good or service that is subject to a reporting requirement or otherwise authorized by an applicable rule or code of ethics; (2) a good or service with a value of less than $100; (3) commemorative or ceremonial items, such as plaques, trophies, or framed photos; (4) lawful political contributions; (5) wages and other forms of work related compensation from the governmental entity employing the public servant that the public servant is legally permitted to receive; or (6) an offer of employment that is not offered as a reward for an official act performed by a public servant. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally violates a specified provision by commingling the funds of a committee with the personal funds of an officer, a member, or an associate of the committee commits a Class A misdemeanor. Enhances the penalty to a Level 6 felony if a person commingles at least $50,000 of committee funds. This bill passed the committee on Courts and Criminal Code as amended on Jan. 22 by a vote of 13 to 0 and was amended and engrossed on second reading on Jan. 28. HB 1065 passed by a vote of 85 to 0. The bill passed the Senate committee on Corrections and Criminal Law on Feb. 12 by a vote of 9 to 0 and is now eligible fort second and possible third reading consideration on the Senate floor this week. 

HB 1098: Work based learning liability (Rep. Matt Commons)
Requires an intermediary and an employer to enter into an agreement that sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the intermediary and the employer when participating in a work based learning program. Repeals provisions relating to the federal School to Work Opportunities Act under the worker's compensation and worker's occupational diseases compensation laws. Provides that, subject to certain limitations, a student who performs services for an employer as part of a work based learning program is entitled to benefits under the worker's compensation and worker's occupational diseases compensation laws. Provides that any underwriting decision made by an insurer or rating factor applied to a participant must be based on objective risk based criteria that are applied uniformly and without regard to the age of the student to be covered under the policy. This bill passed the committee on Insurance on Jan. 20 by a vote of 12 to 0 after being amended and was engrossed on second reading without amendment on Jan. 22. HB 1098 passed out of the House on Jan. 28 by a vote of 89 to 0. It passed the committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions on Feb. 12 by a vote of 7 to 0 on Feb. 12.

HB 1114: Coverage for certain cancer prescriptions (Rep. Cherrish Pryor)
Prohibits a state employee health plan, a policy of accident and sickness insurance, and a health maintenance organization that provides coverage for advanced, metastatic cancer and associated conditions from requiring that, before providing coverage for a prescription drug, the insured fail to successfully respond to a different prescription drug or prove a history of failure of a different prescription drug. HB 1114 passed the committee on Insurance as amended on Jan. 20 by a vote of 10 to 0. It was amended and engrossed on Jan. 27 and then passed the full House by a vote of 3 to 0 on Jan. 28. HB 1114 passed the Senate committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions by a vote of 6 to 2 on Feb. 12. It has been reassigned to and awaits a hearing in the Senate committee on Appropriations because of its potential financial impact.

HB 1122: License plates for former state legislators (Rep. John Bartlett)
Provides that a special license plate may be issued to former members of the general assembly who served: (1) for a former member of the house of representatives, not less than five terms; (2) for a former member of the senate, not less than three terms; and (3) for an individual who served in both the house of representatives and the senate, for a total of not less than 12 years. This bill passed the committee on Roads and Transportation on Jan. 27 by a vote of 11 to 1. It was amended on second reading  on Jan. 29 and then passed the full House as amended by a vote of 63 to 15. HB 1122 awaits a hearing in the Senate committee on Homeland Security and Transportation.

HB 1147: Licensure of certified public accountants (Rep. Heath VanNatter)
The committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions passed the bill without amendment on Jan. 15 by a vote of 13 to 0. HB 1147 was engrossed on second reading on Jan. 20 and passed the full House by a vote of 89 to 0 on Jan 22. It passed the committee on Commerce and Technology on Feb. 12 by a vote of 11 to 0 and now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration.

HB 1200: Bureau of motor vehicles (Rep. Jim Pressel)
Allows additional license plates issued by the bureau to be designed as a personalized license plate. Provides that a motor vehicle may be equipped with an appropriate, functioning rear view camera that provides the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle instead of a mirror. Amends the information required to be provided by an applicant for a driver's license or permit. Amends the required age an individual must be to obtain a driver's license from 16 years and 90 days of age to 16 years of age. Requires an individual to demonstrate sufficient proficiency of the English language to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Allows an applicant for a driver's license or permit to take an examination of the individual's ability to read and understand highway signs and the individual's knowledge of Indiana traffic laws by satisfactorily completing an online examination approved by the bureau. Amends the time that an expired driver's license of an individual temporarily residing outside Indiana because of service in the armed forces remains valid. Changes the time for an individual who is 75 years of age or older and renewing a physical credential to provide proof to the bureau that the individual passed an eyesight examination from 30 days to 60 days. Removes the limitation that a renewal identification card cannot be issued by electronic service if the card expired more than 180 days prior to the date of the application for renewal. Provides that an advertisement that violates the prohibition on advertising certain illegal products must be removed from public circulation not later than July 1, 2026. This legislation passed the committee on Roads and Transportation after being amended by a vote of 13 to 0 on Jan 27. It was again amended on second reading on Jan. 29 and passed the House by a vote of 90 to 0 on Feb. 2. HB 1200 sits in the Senate committee on Homeland Security and Transportation awaiting further action. 

HB 1260: Various insurance matters (Rep. Matt Lehman)
Specifies that, for personal automobile or homeowner's policies: (1) an insured has 30 days to submit a request for an explanation of a material change; and (2) an insurer has 30 days to respond to an insured's request for an explanation of a material change. Requires an insurer of automobile insurance policies and residential policies to mail a notice of nonrenewal to an insured at least 60 days before the expiration of the policy. Allows co-owners of a condominium that meets certain conditions to obtain property and casualty insurance coverage for the condominium units by purchasing a master policy for property and casualty insurance or by allowing each co-owner to purchase property and casualty insurance on an individual basis. Provides that the insurance commissioner has the authority to take certain actions relating to the creation, implementation, or operation of a health benefit exchange. HB 1260 passed the committee on Insurance as amended by a vote of 12 to 0 on Jan 20 and was engrossed on second reading on Jan. 22. It passed the House by a vote of 92 to 1 on Jan. 28. HB 1260 passed the Senate committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions as amended by a vote of 8 to 0 on Feb. 12. Because of its potential financial impact, it was reassigned to the committee on Appropriations.

HB 1274: Insurance mandated gun free zone notices (Rep. Matt Commons)
Provides that an insurer may not require an insured or prospective insured to post or display a gun free zone notice. Prohibits an insurer from taking certain actions based on the failure or refusal by an insured or prospective insured to post or display a gun free zone notice. This legislation passed the committee on Insurance as amended on Jan. 20 by a vote of 9 to 3. It was not amended on second reading and was engrossed on Jan. 22. It passed the House on Jan. 28 by a vote of 69 to 25. HB 1274 passed the committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions on Feb. 12 by a vote of 5 to 2. It now moves to the Senate floor.  

HB 1315: Township reorganization (Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler)
Provides that on January 1, 2028, certain townships are dissolved and their powers, duties, offices, and property are transferred to a municipality or county. Requires a township to adopt a resolution not later than June 1, 2026, that designates the municipality or county (designated unit) that will reorganize with the township. Requires the appointment of a joint board consisting of representatives of the township and the designated unit to prepare a plan of reorganization. Provides that a township must reorganize with the county if: (1) the township does not adopt a resolution by June 1, 2026; or (2) the municipality that the township designated in its resolution does not adopt a reorganization plan by December 31, 2026. Provides that if: (1) the designated unit is a municipality; and (2) part of a township is located outside the municipality; the municipality must establish an urban township services district and a rural township services district. Requires the county fiscal body to approve the budget, tax rate, and tax levy imposed by the municipality within the boundaries of the rural township services district. Provides that a designated unit has all of the powers of the government modernization act in reorganizing the township. Amends the government modernization act to require a political subdivision to respond to a resolution that names the political subdivision as a participant in a proposed reorganization. Provides that a township that operates a fire department is not subject to dissolution. Provides that a township does not operate a fire department if the township is a participating unit (not a provider unit) in a fire protection territory (territory) or is within a fire protection district (district). Provides that after a reorganization: (1) the area within the boundaries of the dissolved township remains in the territory or district; and (2) the designated unit succeeds the dissolved township in its role in the territory or district. HB 1315 was amended and then passed the committee on Local Government on Jan. 13 by a vote of 9 to 3. This legislation passed the committee on Ways and Means by a vote of 15 to 9 on Jan. 27 and was further amended on second reading on Jan 29. It passed the House by a vote of 55 to 44 on Feb. 2. HB 1315 now moves to the Senate committee on Local Government. 

HB 1336: Securities and investment adviser representatives (Rep. Martin Carbaugh)
Exempts a merger and acquisition broker from registering as a broker-dealer under certain circumstances. Requires an applicant seeking to register as an agent of a broker-dealer in Indiana to pass financial industry regulatory authority (FINRA) examinations unless certain exceptions apply. Requires an applicant seeking to register as an investment adviser representative in Indiana to pass FINRA examinations unless certain exceptions apply. Provides that under certain circumstances an agent of a broker-dealer or an investment adviser representative may have the validity of the individual's FINRA qualifying examinations extended. Requires an investment adviser representative to participate in a continuing education program. This bill passed the committee on Financial Institutions on Jan. 20 by a vote of 10 to 0 and moved through second reading on Jan. 22 without amendment. HB 1336 passed the House by a vote of 89 to 0 on Jan 29. It passed the committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions on Feb. 12 by a vote of 7 to 0 and now moves to the Senate floor for possible second and third reading consideration this week.

HB 1417: Causes of action and damages (Rep. Matt Lehman)
Limits a civil cause of action concerning a public nuisance. Provides that the limitations shall not affect a local administrative code or ordinance, unless the local administrative code or ordinance provides for a civil cause of action and is in conflict with certain provisions. Provides that the award of attorney's fees, costs, and expenses may not total more than $100,000 (rather than $5,000) if a recipient does not accept a qualified settlement offer and the final judgment is less favorable to the recipient than the terms of the qualified settlement offer. The Big I supported tort reform legislation passed the committee on Judiciary by a vote of 9 to 4 on Jan 27 after being amended (see above in the Indiana House of Representatives section for more information). It was engrossed on second reading without amendment on Jan. 29 and passed the House by a vote of 61 to 34. HB 1417 will be heard in the Senate committee on Judiciary tomorrow afternoon.