Budget & Taxes

Provides that the horse racing commission may issue three satellite facility licenses (instead of four per permit holder under current law). Requires Allen County, DeKalb County, and Steuben County to place a public question on the 2026 general election ballot that seeks approval from the voters to permit inland casino gambling. Authorizes the Indiana gaming commission (commission) to award a new riverboat license for an inland casino in Allen County, DeKalb County, or Steuben County. Prohibits the commission from awarding an owner's license to operate a casino in Allen County, DeKalb County, or Steuben County if the voters of the county do not approve casino gaming in the county. Specifies application requirements, including local government support and the applicant's commitment and plan to invest at least $500,000,000 for the development of a casino and nongaming amenities. Requires an approved applicant to pay $150,000,000 to the commission to be deposited by the commission as follows: (1) $100,000,000 to the state general fund; and (2) $50,000,000 to the shuttered riverboat fund to be used for local units that are affected by a shuttered riverboat or inland casino closure. Provides that if a licensed owner ceases operations or goes out of business, the license issued under this section is terminated effective on that date.

Requires the Indiana economic development corporation (IEDC) to commit $35,000,000 in redevelopment tax credits each state fiscal year among development authorities, qualified nonprofit organizations, and certain local economic development organizations that may be granted to taxpayers for qualified investments. Provides that the IEDC and an operating partner shall administer the federal Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site program in Indiana. Requires that $15,000,000 of the $300,000,000 of the IEDC's annual certifiable tax credit amount must be allocated to the small town opportunity initiative (initiative). Establishes the initiative. Provides that initiative projects are not subject to any statutory or administrative repayment obligation. Amends the venture capital investment tax credit (tax credit) to specify: (1) that certain investment policies of funds that qualify as a "qualified Indiana investment fund" apply only to investable capital, excluding management fees, legal fees, and other expenses incurred in the operation of the fund; (2) that a taxpayer is not prevented from combining individual tax credits of less than $10,000 for assignment; and (3) qualified business eligibility. Provides that if a Level 2 certified technology park (park): (1) has reached the limit of deposits for a Level 2 park; (2) maintains its certification; and (3) is located within a qualified military base enhancement area; the park shall become a Level 3 park and may receive an additional annual incremental income tax deposit of up to $250,000 until July 1, 2029.

Provides an income tax deduction for theft losses that result from certain financial transactions induced by third parties and that cause the individual to incur federal gross income as a result of the theft. Requires the department of state revenue to first certify the theft loss deduction before a taxpayer may claim the deduction in a taxable year.