HB 1248 Indiana House · 2026 Regular Session

Advanced DNA testing for cold cases.

This bill creates a standardized process to determine eligibility for advanced DNA testing in unsolved cold cases. It directly affects law enforcement agencies handling unresolved crimes and potentially individuals wrongfully convicted in long-pending cases. The key provision establishes clear criteria for when DNA evidence can be retested using modern technology, replacing inconsistent past practices. This changes how cold case investigations are conducted by requiring law enforcement to follow specific, defined steps to request testing.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

House Passage

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

Signed into Law

Mar 2026

Introduced Jan 5, 2026 Signed Mar 3, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

House Bill (S) → House Bill (H) · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was updated from a House version to an Engrossed version, reflecting its passage by both the House and Senate. Key substantive changes include the addition of Senate sponsors and the inclusion of new dates tracking the bill's legislative journey through the Senate. The text also incorporates new sections defining 'testing laboratory' and 'victim,' establishing rules for Memorandums of Understanding between law enforcement and private entities, and outlining eligibility criteria for advanced DNA testing in cold cases.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include formal provisions for private entities to fund cold case DNA testing through Memorandums of Understanding, provided they meet specific criteria regarding case age and lack of pending charges.

TIMELINE

Added dates and status updates reflecting the bill's progression through the Senate, including its final passage and engrossment.

ENFORCEMENT

Added provisions allowing law enforcement agencies to enter into Memorandums of Understanding with private entities to fund DNA testing, including a mechanism to cancel these agreements if the entity no longer meets requirements.

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'testing laboratory' (must conduct advanced DNA testing and adhere to specific state standards) and 'victim' (includes high-risk missing persons).

ELIGIBILITY

Added specific eligibility criteria for entities to receive funding, such as cases being open for over five years and the entity having no pending charges.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirements for entities to cover all costs associated with advanced DNA testing without using state funding.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 19, 2026 · House Jan 22, 2026

How they voted

45–0

Passed · 4 other

Total votes 49

Feb 19, 2026

D Democratic9

8 Yea 1

88% Yea

R Republican40

37 Yea 3

92% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 3, 2026

Signed into law

Signed by the Governor

executive

Feb 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

Signed by the President of the Senate

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Upper · Passed

Signed by the President Pro Tempore

upper

Feb 25, 2026

Lower · Passed

Signed by the Speaker

lower

Feb 25, 2026

Lower · Passed

House concurred with Senate amendments; Roll Call 365: yeas 86, nays 0

lower

Feb 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third reading: passed; Roll Call 206: yeas 46, nays 0

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Upper · Passed

Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

upper

Jan 22, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third reading: passed; Roll Call 75: yeas 92, nays 0

lower

Jan 14, 2026

Lower · Passed

Committee report: amend do pass, adopted

lower

3 primary · 8 co-sponsors