Big I Indiana: Weekly Legislative Update - January 27, 2026


Last Week in Review
Last week was the final full week for committees for the first half of the 2026 legislative session. Yesterday was supposed to be the deadline for first half committees to meet. However, the weather threw this abbreviated session another curveball, as all committees were cancelled. The first half committee deadline has been moved to today – meaning that any bill that does not pass a committee by the end of the day today is dead for the session. As of this morning, the second reading deadline (tomorrow) and the third reading deadline (Thursday) have not been changed, meaning that the upcoming three days will be extremely lengthy, with legislators scrambling to get their bills out of the House and Senate. If a bill does not pass its house of origin by the end of the third reading deadline, it is dead for the session.

Indiana Senate
Last Tuesday the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee amended and passed Senate Bill 161, Education matters, authored by Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) in a 9 to 1 vote. The bill would align the state with the federal government’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025” by requiring the Indiana Department of Education to participate in the federal tax credit scholarship program. The bill was amended and engrossed on the Senate floor on Thursday.

On the same day, the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee heard Senate Bill 243, Various tax matters, authored by Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle). The bill, passed to the floor 11 to 1, will eliminate tax on tips, overtime, and loan interest for American-made vehicles. In a statement, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) said “these state income tax cuts are a concrete way we can help hardworking Hoosiers keep more of their hard-earned money."

In Tuesday’s Senate session, Senate Bill 12, Prohibition of ranked choice voting authored by Sen. Blake Doriot was passed through to the House 38 to 9. The House sponsor is Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola).

On Wednesday, the Senate Education and Career Development Committee heard Senate Bill 88, Various education matters, authored by Sen. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville). The bill was amended and passed out of committee 7 to 3. The bill requires public schools to incorporate the importance of a high school diploma, securing full-time employment, and waiting for marriage to begin having children.

On Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee heard Senate Bill 4, Various fiscal matters authored by Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka). The bill was amended (#2 and #5) and passed 8 to 5. Among other things, the bill provides that counties would be given the option, rather than being required, to use property tax funding to operate community mental health centers.

Also on Thursday, the Senate Appropriations Committee heard Senate Bill 27, Stadium authority authored by Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka). The bill was amended and passed 12 to 0. The bill would create a Northwest Indiana stadium authority for the purpose of acquiring, financing, and leasing land.

In the Senate session Thursday, Senate Bill 1, Human services matters authored by Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) moved on to the House after passing 38 to 8 on third reading. The House sponsors will be Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond), Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), and Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw). The bill tightens the verification for SNAP benefits in an effort to cut waste, fraud, and abuse.

Indiana House of Representatives
On Tuesday, the House Local Government Committee voted to pass House Bill 1001, Housing matters, as amended. HB 1001 made it to the House floor on Thursday for further amendments (see below). Additionally, the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee unanimously passed an amended House Bill 1002, Electric utility affordability, authored by Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville), with a vote of 13-0.

On the same day, in the House Insurance Committee, House Bill 1271, Payment of health claims, authored by Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) was amended and passed with a 11 to 1 vote. The bill requires hospitals to clearly inform patients about available payment assistance programs, including posting visible signage within hospital facilities and making this information accessible through the hospital’s patient portal. It also requires hospitals to notify patients of available payment assistance before initiating defined collection actions, directs the Department of Insurance to adopt rules on out-of-pocket expense credits by July 1, 2026, and limits insurer practices such as downcoding and retroactive reimbursement reductions. The newly amended bill clarifies the collection actions and removes the multilingual signage requirements for hospital assistance notices.

On Wednesday, Senate Bill 212, State income tax conformity, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), advanced from the Senate to the House. The House Ways and Means Committee passed the bill with a vote of 20 to 3 and sent it to the House floor for consideration. SB 212 makes targeted updates to Indiana’s Internal Revenue Code reference to conform with a limited set of federal provisions enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, effective retroactively to January 1, 2025.

On Thursday, the House Public Policy Committee amended and passed House Bill 1038, Riverboat gaming licenses, authored by Rep. Craig Snow (R-Winona Lake), by 9 to 1 vote. Amendment #9 allows the Ohio County riverboat license to relocate inland to one of four Indiana counties (Allen, DeKalb, Steuben, or Wayne). This will be subject to local government support and a minimum $500 million investment in the casino and nongaming amenities. The amended bill also establishes transfer fees and a new statutory framework for the Indiana Gaming Commission to review, approve, or deny relocation applications. The House recommitted HB 1038 to House Ways and Means Committee, where it is scheduled for a vote later today.

House Bill 1315, Township reorganization, authored by Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville), was recommitted to the House Ways and Means Committee due to its fiscal impact and passed by a 15-9 vote. The bill requires certain townships to reorganize by dissolving and transferring their powers, duties, and assets to a county or municipality beginning January 1, 2028. The bill was amended in committee by amendment #3 to clarify how township reorganization interacts with fire protection services.

During Thursday’s House session, House Bill 1001, Housing matters, authored by Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) was amended with two amendments (#1 and #2) on second reading. The amendments update the bill’s housing progress reporting requirements by requiring annual reporting on home prices, rents, housing production, and approval timelines. Amendment #2 also requires a public hearing and additional transparency before a local unit adopts an impact fee.

A bill that is being heavily supported by the Big I Indiana, as part of the Indiana Alliance for Legal Reform, HB 1417: Causes of action and damages, will be heard this morning in the House committee on Judiciary. It will be amended heavily and we should have a better picture of what issues are and are not in the legislation after the committee meeting. This tort reform measure will be fast tracked, as there are literally three days to get it from committee through hopeful passage. Next week’s Update will have much more information on what HB 1417 looks like and its prospects for passage 

The Week Ahead
The Committee Report Deadline is today, meaning that all committee meetings for the first half of session must be completed. Any bills not voted out of committee by the end of the day are considered dead. The following committees are scheduled to meet this morning:

With the deadlines to get a bill engrossed tomorrow and pass it out of its house of origin on Thursday, this week will be incredibly busy. As hard as it is to believe, the first half of the session will be complete by the end of this week.

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 awaits a floor vote later this week.

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. It now moves to the House for further consideration. SB 13 currently awaits a committee assignment in the House. 

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’s House sponsor is Rep. Doug Miller and it has been assigned to the House committee on Roads and Transportation.

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 and awaits second and third reading consideration on the Senate floor this week.

SB 72: Coverage of orthotic and prosthetic devices (Sen. Andrea Hunley)
Sets forth requirements for coverage of orthotic devices and prosthetic devices by a state employee health plan, a policy of accident and sickness insurance, and a health maintenance organization contract. Requires, not later than October 1, 2027, the state personnel department, an insurer that issues a policy of accident and sickness insurance, and a health maintenance organization to submit a report to the insurance commissioner regarding the total number of claims and the total amount of claims paid for orthotic devices and prosthetic devices during the preceding plan year. Referred to the committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions. 

SB 75: Drive-through safety lanes (Sen. J.D. Ford)
Referred to the committee on Homeland Security and Transportation.

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 or possessing 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. 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. The bill’s House sponsor will be Rep. Jake Teshka. It awaits a House committee assignment.

SB 89: Three-way permits for Schererville (Sen. Dan Dernulc)
Provides the alcohol and tobacco commission may issue not more than three new three-way permits to the town of Schererville. The committee on Public Policy passed SB 89 by a vote of 10 to 0 on Jan. 21. It awaits second and third reading consideration on the Senate floor this week.

SB 115: Driver instructions of law enforcement procedures (Sen. Lonnie Randolph) 
Referred to the committee on Corrections and Criminal Law.

SB 129: Age verification for access to social media (Sen. Mike Bohacek, Sen. Liz Brown)
Requires a social media operator to restrict a minor user's viewing of social media without first obtaining verifiable parental consent for the minor user. Defines a "minor user" as an individual who is less than 16 years of age. Allows the attorney general to: (1) bring an action against a social media operator that fails to implement a verifiable parental consent method; and (2) issue a civil investigative demand if the attorney general has reasonable cause to believe that any person is engaged in a violation. Referred to the committee on Judiciary.

SB 131: Psychiatric care ombudsman (Sen. Andrea Hunley)
Referred to the committee on Health and Provider Services.

SB 132: Restriction on noncompete agreements (Sen. Lonnie Randolph)
Prohibits an employer and an employee from entering into a noncompete agreement if the employee's annual compensation is less than $150,000. Referred to the committee on Judiciary.

SB 134: Speed control in school zones (Sen. Andrea Hunley)
Authorizes a county or municipality to adopt and enforce an ordinance that regulates the use of a school zone speed control system (system) to detect certain violations. Provides a civil penalty for a violation. Referred to the committee on Homeland Security and Transportation.

SB 141: Administration of do not call list (Sen. Vaneta Becker)
Requires a monthly listing of telephone numbers of Indiana consumers who request not to be solicited by telephone to be established, maintained, and published (current law requires a quarterly listing). Provides that certain actions may not be brought more than five years after the occurrence of the deceptive act. Referred to the committee on Judiciary.

SB 149: Tolling transponders (Sen. Rodney Pol)
Referred to the committee on Homeland Security and Transportation.

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 referred to the House, where its sponsor will be Rep. Jake Teshka.

SB 175: Dangerous excessive speeding (Sen. James Buck, Sen. Michael Crider)
Creates the crime of excessive speeding, a Class C misdemeanor. Provides that the offense is a Class B misdemeanor if the person has a prior unrelated conviction and provides that two convictions within five years shall result in the court's recommendation for immediate suspension of driving privileges. Referred to the committee on Corrections and Criminal Law.

SB 178: Payment of insurance claims (Sen. La Keisha Jackson)
Provides that an insurer may not adjust a subsequent claim filed by a provider as a method of obtaining reimbursement of an overpayment made by the insurer on a prior claim by the provider. Provides that a health maintenance organization may not adjust a subsequent claim filed by a provider as a method of obtaining reimbursement of an overpayment made by the health maintenance organization on a prior claim by the provider. Provides that an insurer may not, more than one year after the date on which an overpayment on a provider claim was made to the provider by the insurer, request that the provider repay the overpayment (current law is two years). Provides that a health maintenance organization may not, more than one year after the date on which an overpayment on a provider claim was made to the provider by the health maintenance organization, request that the provider repay the overpayment (current law is two years). Referred to the committee on Insurance and Financial Institutions. 

SB 183: Income tax deduction for health insurance premiums (Sen. Michael Young)
Provides that a taxpayer who is covered by a health insurance plan may deduct from the taxpayer's adjusted gross income an amount equal to the total amount of premiums on the health insurance plan the taxpayer paid for coverage during the taxable year. Referred to the committee on Appropriations.

SB 186: Hoosier family leave insurance program (Sen. Shelli Yoder)
Establishes the Hoosier family leave insurance program (program) to provide wage replacement benefits to covered individuals during periods of qualified family leave. Establishes the Hoosier family leave insurance trust fund. Requires the department of workforce development to administer the program. Referred to the committee on Pensions and Labor.

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. It awaits consideration on the Senate floor this week.

SB 193: Governmental entity limited liability (Sen. Greg Walker)
Provides that a governmental entity operating an activity on land leased by the governmental entity from the federal government is entitled to certain immunities from a tort claim. Expands the definition of "extreme sport area" to include an obstacle course. Referred to the committee on Judiciary.

SB 194: Redistricting standards (Sen. Greg Walker)
Referred to the committee on Elections. 

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. It will be considered on second and third reading in the Senate this week.

SB 235: Intelligent speed assistance device (Sen. Vaneta Becker)
Defines an "intelligent speed assistance device" as an aftermarket device that uses technology to limit the speed of a motor vehicle to not more than the speed limit of the area being traveled. Allows a court to require a person who has been convicted of a crime for which the operation of a motor vehicle is an element of the offense to use an intelligent speed assistance device. Requires the court to notify the bureau of motor vehicles (bureau) if an order is issued requiring the use of an intelligent speed assistance device and for the bureau to send a notice to the individual subject to the court order. Makes it a Class B misdemeanor to tamper with, or solicit another person to tamper with, an intelligent speed assistance device. Permits the bureau to establish rules related to the use of intelligent speed assistance devices and to approve vendors of intelligent speed assistance devices. Referred to the committee on Homeland Security and Transportation.

SB 265: Various employment matters (Sen. Rodney Pol)
Provides that, under certain circumstances, an employer who takes an adverse action against an employee commits an infraction. Specifies that, under certain circumstances, an adverse employment action is prima facie evidence of an unlawful retaliation. Provides that, under certain circumstances, an employer who knowingly or intentionally fails to pay an employee or former employee commits an infraction. Increases the amount of worker's compensation and worker's occupational diseases compensation benefits available for injuries and disablements: (1) in fiscal year 2027; (2) in fiscal year 2028; (3) in fiscal year 2029; (4) in fiscal year 2030; (5) in fiscal year 2031; and (6) in fiscal year 2032 and thereafter. Amends the definition of "wage credits". Specifies the rate for unemployment insurance benefits for initial claims filed by an individual who is totally unemployed for any week beginning after June 30, 2026. Specifies, for initial claims filed for any week beginning after June 30, 2026: (1) the maximum weekly benefit amount; and (2) an additional weekly benefit for eligible and qualified individuals with dependents. Referred to the committee on Pensions and Labor.

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. It now awaits a third reading vote this week.

SB 286: Cannabis regulation (Sen. Rodney Pol)
Permits the use of cannabis by: (1) a person at least 21 years of age; and (2) a person with a serious medical condition as determined by the person's physician. Establishes the adult use cannabis excise tax, and requires a retailer to transfer the tax to the department of state revenue for deposit in the state general fund. Exempts veterans from payment of the sales tax on medical or adult use cannabis. Establishes a cannabis program (program) to permit the cultivation, processing, testing, transportation, and sale of cannabis by holders of a valid permit. Establishes the Indiana cannabis commission (ICC) as a state agency to oversee, implement, and enforce the program, and establishes the ICC advisory committee to review the effectiveness of the program. Requires that permit holders take steps to prevent diversion of cannabis to unauthorized persons. Requires that cannabis and cannabis products be properly labeled, placed in child resistant packaging, and tested by an independent testing laboratory before being made available for purchase. Prohibits packaging cannabis in a manner that is appealing to children. Authorizes research on cannabis in accordance with rules set forth by the ICC. Establishes a procedure for the expungement of a cannabis related conviction if the act constituting the conviction becomes legal. Referred to the committee on Commerce and Technology.


2026 Followed House Bills


HB 1011: End of life options (Rep. Matt Pierce)
Allows individuals with a terminal illness who meet certain requirements to make a request to an attending provider for medication that the individual may self-administer to bring about death. Specifies requirements a provider must meet in order to prescribe the medication to a patient. Prohibits an insurer from denying payment of benefits under a life insurance policy based upon a suicide clause in the life insurance policy if the death of the insured individual is the result of medical aid in dying. Establishes a Level 1 felony if a person: (1) without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals, or destroys a request for medication or a rescission of a request for medication with the intent or effect of causing the individual's death; or (2) knowingly or intentionally coerces or exerts undue influence on an individual to request medication to bring about death or to destroy a rescission of a request for medication to bring about death. Establishes a Class A misdemeanor if a person, without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals, or destroys a request for medication or a rescission of a request for medication in order to affect a health care decision by the individual. Establishes certain criminal and civil immunity for health care providers. Referred to the committee on Public Health. 

HB 1013: Exemption from certain health care mandates (Rep. Jim Lucas)
Prohibits an individual from being required to inject, receive an injection of, ingest, inhale, or otherwise incorporate a qualified substance into the individual's body. Referred to the committee on Public Health.

HB 1016: Selection of primary care provider (Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn)
Provides that a policy of accident and sickness insurance and health maintenance organization that require an insured to select a primary care provider to receive coverage may permit an insured to select a participating provider who is a physical therapist to provide physical therapy services or an occupational therapist to provide occupational therapy services. Referred to the committee on Insurance.

HB 1027: Sale of bureau of motor vehicles information (Rep. Gregory Porter)
Referred to the committee on Roads and Transportation.

HB 1034: Student cellular telephone use (Rep. Jake Teshka)
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 or possessing 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. Referred to the committee on Education.

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. 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 and now moves to the Senate where its sponsor will be Sen. Kyle Walker. 

HB 1047: Regulation of payroll service providers (Rep. Jake Teshka)
Referred to the committee on Financial Institutions.

HB 1049: Coverage for doula services (Rep. Vanessa Summers)
Referred to the committee on Insurance.

HB 1050: Prohibition on lien for medical debt (Rep. Vanessa Summers)
Referred to the committee on Judiciary.

HB 1051: Exclusion of medical debt from credit scoring (Rep. Vanessa Summers)
Referred to the committee on Financial Institutions.

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 taken by the public servant; or (2) a public servant to solicit or accept a payment as a reward for an official act performed by the public servant. 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; or (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. This bill passed the committee on Courts and Criminal Code as amended on Jan. 22 by a vote of 13 to 0. It will be considered on the House floor this week. 

HB 1069: Choice of physician for worker injury or disease (Rep. Chuck Moseley)
Permits an employee to choose the attending physician who will provide services and goods resulting from an employment injury or occupational disease for purposes of the worker's compensation law. Referred to the committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions.

HB 1076: Liability connected with off-road vehicle use (Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves)
Provides that an owner, a spectator, and a promoter are immune from civil liability arising from a claim brought by a participant or the participant's personal representative concerning the damage to or the loss of the participant's property or the participant's injury or death that results from the inherent risks of off-road vehicle use. Referred to the committee on Judiciary.

HB 1085: Civil liability for child sexual abuse material (Rep. Joanna King)
Permits an individual depicted in child sexual abuse material or obscene material on the Internet, or exposed to obscene material on the Internet, to bring a civil action against a person who knowingly or intentionally: (1) allows or facilitates access to the material on the Internet; (2) disseminates the material on the Internet; or (3) is a content provider of prohibited material. Allows the attorney general to seek injunctive relief. Creates a safe harbor provision for certain persons under certain conditions. Provides that: (1) comparative fault; and (2) tort claims immunities; do not apply to a civil action based on prohibited material. Referred to the committee on Judiciary.

HB 1086: Display of Ten Commandments (Rep. Michelle Davis)
Requires each school corporation to place a durable poster or framed picture representing the text of the Ten Commandments in each school library and classroom. Referred to the committee on Education.

HB 1098: Work based learning liability (Rep. Matt Commons)
Sets forth the responsibilities of an intermediary and an employer if an intermediary connects a student with an employer to obtain work experience as part of a work based learning course. Requires an intermediary to assume liability for any legal or administrative claims arising from the student's employment as part of a work based learning course. Prohibits an insurer from taking certain actions relating to a policy of employer's liability insurance, worker's compensation insurance, or any other class of insurance to provide coverage for a participant of a work based learning course solely on the basis that a student to be covered under the policy is less than 18 years of age or is enrolled in a work based learning course. 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. It was engrossed on second reading without amendment on Jan. 22 and awaits a third reading vote this week. 

HB 1100: Health insurance coverage for adoptive children (Rep. Alex Burton)
Referred to the committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs.

HB 1112: Coverage for cancer screening (Rep. Cherrish Pryor)
Requires a state employee health plan to cover supplemental breast examinations. Requires a policy of accident and sickness insurance and a health maintenance organization to cover diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations. Provides that the coverage for diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental breast examinations may not be subject to any cost sharing requirements. Referred to the committee on Insurance.

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 and now awaits consideration on the House floor this week.

HB 1122: License plates for former state legislators (Rep. John Bartlett)
Referred to the committee on Roads and Transportation. 

HB 1130: Craft hemp (Rep. Steve Bartels)
Establishes a regulatory framework for hemp and craft hemp. Prohibits the sale of specified products to a person less than 21 years of age. Makes conforming changes. Referred to the committee on Public Policy.

HB 1134: Insurance for mental health and substance use (Rep. Mike Andrade)
Amends the definition of "treatment of a mental illness or substance abuse" for certain provisions of the Indiana Code. Referred to the committee on Insurance.

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 has been referred to the Senate, where it awaits a committee assignment and its sponsor will be Sen. Linda Rogers.

HB 1151: Time observance in Indiana (Rep. Lindsay Patterson)
Exempts Indiana from daylight saving time. Referred to the committee on Public Policy.

HB 1171: Epilepsy foundation trust license plate (Rep. Sheila Klinker)
Referred to the committee on Roads and Transportation.

HB 1178: Minor access to social media (Rep. Joanna King)
Provides that a social media provider that meets specified conditions (provider) may not create an account for an individual who is less than 14 years of age (minor) unless the provider receives verifiable parental consent to creation of the account from a parent of the minor. Referred to the committee on Judiciary.

HB 1179: Term limits (Rep. Robin Shackleford)
Provides that an individual elected or appointed as a state senator or state representative after November 3, 2026, may serve until the earlier of the following: (1) The date on which the individual completes 20 total combined years of service as a state senator or state representative. (2) The individual's seventieth birthday. Referred to the committee on Elections and Apportionment.

HB 1191: Decriminalization of marijuana (Rep. Mitch Gore)
Decriminalizes possession of two ounces or less of marijuana. Referred to the committee on Courts and Criminal Code.

HB 1196: Employment and vaccinations (Rep. Bruce Borders)
Referred to the committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions.

HB 1200: Bureau of motor vehicles (Rep. Jim Pressel)
Referred to the committee on Roads and Transportation.

HB 1201: Various mental health and insurance matters (Rep. Elizabeth Rowray)
Prohibits the use of an artificial intelligence system to impersonate or act as a substitute for a licensed mental health professional. Requires the department of insurance to contract with an objective third party to verify that health carriers are in compliance with network adequacy standards. Sets forth notice requirements for an amendment to a health provider contract. Prohibits the use of downcoding in a specified manner. Requires an insurer and a health maintenance organization to reimburse providers of mental illness or substance abuse services at rates that are at least as favorable relative to Medicare rates as reimbursement rates are for providers of medical or surgical services relative to Medicare rates. Prohibits an insurer and a health maintenance organization from retroactively auditing a paid claim or seeking recoupment or a refund of a paid claim after a certain time frame. Referred to the committee on Insurance.

HB 1207: Tests of a motor vehicle operator (Rep. Julie Olthoff)
Referred to the committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety.

HB 1211: Aggravated speeding (Rep. Chuck Moseley)
Referred to the committee on Courts and Criminal Code.

HB 1236: Fire prevention and suppression equipment (Rep. Chris Judy)
Referred to the committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety.

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. It was engrossed on second reading on Jan. 22 and awaits a third reading vote this week. 

HB 1261: Use of aerial photography (Rep. Matt Lehman)
Requires an insurer that provides property insurance coverage to a named insured to take certain actions when the insurer uses aerial images to aid in its determination to not renew property insurance coverage for a named insured. Referred to the committee on Insurance.

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 and currently awaits a third reading vote this week. 

HB 1281: Restrictions on lobbying for a foreign adversary (Rep. Chris Judy)
Provides that a lobbyist may not: (1) register as a lobbyist for a foreign adversary client; and (2) contract as a lobbyist to represent a foreign adversary. Referred to the committee on Rules and Legislative Procedures.

HB 1290: Wage matters (Rep. Andrew Ireland)
Updates or amends certain portions of the definition of "employee". Provides that an employer who knowingly sells merchandise or supplies to an employee for higher than the market price commits a Class C infraction. Provides that an employer must pay each employee at least semimonthly or biweekly the amount due the employee. (Current law gives the employee the choice.) Provides that a wage assignment: (1) is not required to have a revocation provision on or after July 1, 2026; and (2) may benefit the employer under certain circumstances. Specifies that an employee may bring an action under certain wage provisions if an employer makes an improper wage deduction. Reorganizes certain minimum wage and wage claim provisions. Changes the statute of limitations with respect to certain minimum wage and wage claim provisions. Makes technical and conforming changes. Referred to the committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions.

HB 1298: Classification of marijuana and THC (Rep. Jim Lucas)
Moves marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from classification as schedule I controlled substances to schedule III. Referred to the committee on Courts and Criminal Code.

HB 1304: Titles for vintage vehicles (Rep. Lorissa Sweet)
Referred to the committee on Roads and Transportation.

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 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 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. HB 1315 amended and then passed the committee on Local Government on Jan. 13 by a vote of 9 to 3. Due to its potential financial impact, it was reassigned to the committee on Ways and Means, where it awaits a hearing.

HB 1334: Directory of in network providers (Rep. Martin Carbaugh)
Requires, upon issuance and renewal of a policy, an insurer to provide a directory of providers with which the insurer has entered into a reimbursement agreement to an insured or prospective insured. (Under current law, an insurer may provide a directory of providers to an insured.) Provides that: (1) a directory of providers provided by an insurer must include every provider that has entered into a reimbursement agreement with the insurer; and (2) a list of providers provided by a health maintenance organization must include every provider who provides health care services through the health maintenance organization. Referred to the committee on Insurance.

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. It moved through second reading on Jan. 22 without amendment and awaits third reading consideration this week.

HB 1370: Payment of claims for emergency services (Rep. Tony Isa)
Prohibits a utilization review entity from requiring prior authorization for ambulance services provided: (1) to a covered individual; (2) by a nonparticipating ambulance service provider; and (3) within 12 hours after the ambulance services are requested. Prohibits a utilization review entity from requiring prior authorization for emergent response services or urgent response services that are provided: (1) to a covered individual; (2) in good faith; and (3) within 24 hours after the emergent response services or urgent response services are requested. Provides that a policy of accident and sickness insurance that provides coverage for emergency medical services must provide reimbursement for emergency medical services that are, among other things, performed or provided during a response initiated through the 911 system or an equivalent telephone number, a texting system, or any other method of summoning emergency medical services. Provides that a policy of accident and sickness insurance that provides coverage for emergency medical services must provide reimbursement for emergency medical services that are, among other things, performed or provided when an individual is determined to require emergency medical services by a physician. Provides that an individual contract and a group contract that provide coverage for emergency medical services must provide reimbursement for emergency medical services that are, among other things, performed or provided during a response initiated through the 911 system or an equivalent telephone number, a texting system, or any other method of summoning emergency medical services. Provides that an individual contract and a group contract that provide coverage for emergency medical services must provide reimbursement for emergency medical services that are, among other things, performed or provided when an individual is determined to require emergency medical services by a physician. Repeals certain code provisions addressing advanced life support services. Referred to the committee on Insurance.

HB 1371: Background colors for licenses and permits (Rep. Tony Isa)
Referred to the committee on Roads and Transportation.

HB 1373: Breast reconstruction coverage (Rep. Joanna King)
Repeals provisions requiring a state employee health plan, policy of accident and sickness insurance, and health maintenance organization contract to provide certain post-mastectomy coverage. Requires a state employee health plan, policy of accident and sickness insurance, and health maintenance organization contract to: (1) provide coverage for breast reconstruction surgery and all modalities, types, and techniques of a health care service provided for the breast reconstruction surgery; and (2) provide access to an adequate breast reconstruction surgeon network. Prohibits a utilization review entity from denying a claim for breast reconstruction surgery for which prior authorization was granted unless the utilization review entity provides a formal declaration of compelling evidence of health care provider fraud in the prior authorization or claim submission process. Referred to the committee on Insurance.

HB 1386: Massage establishment liability insurance (Rep. Robert Heaton)
Makes it a Class A misdemeanor if a person operates a massage establishment and knowingly or intentionally employs an individual who: (1) is providing massages; and (2) does not have certain professional liability insurance. Referred to the committee on Courts and Criminal Code.

HB 1391: Use of telecommunications device while driving (Rep. Chris Jeter)
Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally violates the statute prohibiting use of a telecommunications device while operating a moving motor vehicle commits a Level 5 felony if the violation is the proximate cause of serious bodily injury to another person. Referred to the committee on Courts and Criminal Code.

HB 1400: MEWA for child care facilities (Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser)
Allows a group or association of child care facilities to establish a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA). Requires the department of insurance to: (1) create a survey requesting certain information from child care facilities; (2) facilitate communication between child care facilities that express an interest in establishing a MEWA; and (3) advise the child care facilities on best practices for lowering insurance costs. Requires the office of the secretary of family and social services to send a direct link to the survey by electronic mail to each child care facility. Referred to the committee on Insurance.

HB 1412: Coverage for cognitive rehabilitation services (Rep. Sue Errington)
Requires a policy of accident and sickness insurance and a health maintenance organization to provide coverage for medically necessary acquired brain injury treatment provided to certain individuals. Referred to the committee on Insurance.

HB 1417: Causes of action and damages (Rep. Matt Lehman)
Prohibits a cause of action against a transportation network company (TNC) on a claim that arises from a TNC rider being injured by a TNC driver or during a TNC ride. Limits a civil cause of action concerning a public nuisance. Prohibits certain causes of action against a property owner, a business owner, or a third party business operator for a criminal act committed by another person: (1) on the property; (2) at the business; or (3) on a premises; owned by another person. Provides that noneconomic damages awarded in a civil suit may not be more than $1,000,000. The committee on Judiciary is hearing this bill later this morning. 

HB 1421: Ban on employer use of automated decision systems (Rep. Earl Harris)
Prohibits an employer from: (1) relying exclusively on an automated decision system in making an employment related decision with respect to a covered individual; (2) using an automated decision system output in making an employment related decision with respect to a covered individual unless certain conditions are met; and (3) discriminating or retaliating against a covered individual for exercising rights under these provisions. Sets forth disclosure requirements for an employer that uses or intends to use an automated decision system output in making an employment related decision. Allows the department of labor to take certain enforcement actions. Allows a covered individual or labor organization to bring a civil action for a violation. Referred to the committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions.