Establishes the ballot tracking commission to review data concerning technology to track an absentee ballot using real-time tracking information. Provides that the commission expires June 30, 2026.
Abolishes the offices of county assessor and township assessor, effective July 1, 2025. Transfers the duties of the assessor to the county auditor. Requires the department of local government finance (DLGF) to develop an automated valuation model system (AVM system) to be used by the DLGF to conduct the assessment of all tangible property statewide, except for agricultural land. Requires the DLGF to conduct all assessments for tangible property, excluding agricultural land, using the AVM system beginning with the first assessment date that an AVM system is operational for use, but not later than 2036. Eliminates the payment of property taxes in arrears beginning with the first assessment date for which the AVM system is applied. Requires the DLGF to present a plan of implementation for an AVM system to the interim study committee on fiscal policy before November 1, 2025, and present an update on the AVM system before November 1 in subsequent years until the AVM system is operational for use. Except for agricultural land, provides that tangible property shall not be subject to assessment beginning with assessments in 2026 through the first assessment date for which the AVM system is applied. Freezes the assessed value of all taxable property, except agricultural land, during this time period at the assessed value determined for the property for the 2025 assessment date. Caps the property tax liability for all taxable property for taxes first due and payable in 2027 through the first date that taxes are first due and payable based on assessments under the AVM system to not more than: (1) for taxes first due and payable in 2027, the property tax liability imposed on the taxpayer's property for taxes first due and payable in 2021; and (2) for taxes first due and payable in 2028 and thereafter, the property tax liability for the calendar year not to exceed a 3% increase from the taxpayer's property tax liability from the previous year. Requires the legislative services agency to prepare legislation for introduction in the 2026 regular session of the general assembly to make appropriate required changes in statutes. Makes corresponding changes.
Provides that a person at least 18 years of age commits sexual grooming, a Class A misdemeanor, if the person, with the intent to prepare or condition the child for future sexual activity, communicates with a child less than 14 years of age concerning sexual activity. Increases the penalty to a Level 6 felony if the grooming is committed by using a computer network, and to a Level 5 felony if the person has a prior conviction for a sex offense. Renames the offense of inappropriate communication with a child "sexual grooming", and increases the penalty to: (1) a Class A misdemeanor for the base offense; (2) a Level 6 felony if the offense is committed by using a computer network; and (3) a Level 5 felony if the person has a prior conviction for a sex offense.
SB 536 modifies eligibility rules for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), specifically changing how "expanded categorical eligibility" is applied. This provision would allow certain low-income households - such as those receiving other assistance programs like Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - to automatically qualify for SNAP without additional income verification. The bill directly affects individuals and families currently enrolled in or seeking benefits through these connected programs. It is a policy change focused on streamlining access to food assistance, not altering benefit amounts or income thresholds. The bill is currently in committee review after its initial introduction.
Provides that 13 specified areas within certain state forests are "designated wild areas". Specifies certain activities that are prohibited or allowed within a designated wild area. Establishes responsibilities for the department of natural resources and divisions that manage designated wild areas.
Makes certain changes to the qualification requirements and credit amount for the over 65 circuit breaker credit. Makes certain changes to the qualification requirements and deduction amount for the property tax deduction for disabled veterans who are either totally disabled or at least 62 years of age with a partial disability.
Amends, beginning with property taxes first due and payable in 2027, the calculation to determine the maximum levy growth quotient (MLGQ) used in determining a civil taxing unit's maximum permissible ad valorem property tax levy and specifies that the MLGQ calculation is determined for the county and each civil taxing unit within the county. Provides, beginning with property taxes first due and payable in 2027, that the term "civil taxing unit" includes a school corporation. (Under current law, a school corporation: (1) is excluded from the definition of a "civil taxing unit"; and (2) has a separate MLGQ calculation.) Beginning with property taxes first due and payable in 2027, requires the budget agency to: (1) provide the MLGQ for each county to civil taxing units and the department of local government finance; and (2) calculate, using each county's MLGQ, the statewide minimum, statewide maximum, statewide median, and statewide average. Provides, beginning with property taxes first due and payable in 2027, for the calculation of the MLGQ for civil taxing units with territory in more than one county.
SB 7 amends the capitalization rate used to determine property taxes for agricultural land statewide. This change directly affects farmers and ranchers who own land assessed under the agricultural land base rate. The bill modifies the specific percentage calculation method used to value agricultural land for tax purposes. It does not create new programs or change land use rules, only adjusting the tax assessment formula.
Provides certain procedural protections for victims of sexual assault, including the rights guaranteed to a victim as they relate to: (1) a victim's ability to have a support person present during a forensic medical exam or an interview with a law enforcement officer, prosecuting attorney, or defense attorney; (2) a victim's right to be interviewed by a law enforcement officer of the gender of the victim's choosing; (3) the collection and analysis of sexual assault forensic evidence from the victim; (4) a victim's ability to obtain a copy of a law enforcement report concerning the sexual assault; (5) notice to victims; and (6) legal procedures provided to protect a victim during a legal proceeding. Creates a civil cause of action for a violation of a victim's rights. Establishes the rights of victims of sexual assault commission.
Requires the state health commissioner or the commissioner's designated public health authority to issue a standing order, prescription, or protocol (standing order) that allows a pharmacist to treat or screen, test, administer, or dispense for certain health conditions. Allows a pharmacist to order tests that are waived under the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) or established under a standing order. Allows a pharmacy intern or a pharmacy technician to perform a test that is: (1) delegated by a supervising pharmacist; and (2) a waived test under CLIA. Allows a pharmacy technician who is certified to perform any activity delegated by a supervising pharmacist or pharmacist owner if the activities: (1) do not require the clinical judgment of a pharmacist; (2) are not prohibited by a rule adopted by the Indiana board of pharmacy; or (3) are not an activity required by law to be performed only by a pharmacist. Provides civil and criminal immunity for a pharmacist related to filling a prescription for a drug, medicine, or other prescribed substance. Establishes exceptions.
Provides that the behavioral health and human services licensing board may not impose disciplinary sanctions against a practitioner if the basis of the licensing complaint is retaliatory against the practitioner for testifying in a child custody proceeding, a child in need of services proceeding, or a termination of parent-child relationship proceeding.
Prohibits the state from discriminating against adoption agencies, foster parents, or adoptive parents on the basis of religious beliefs. Defines certain terms. Waives sovereign immunity for purposes of the prohibition, except that state courts retain immunity. Allows suit under these provisions without exhausting administrative remedies. Provides for a private right of action and civil remedies.
