Labor & Employment

Establishes a board to design, establish, and operate a state administered retirement program (program) that automatically enrolls specified private sector employees. Requires program compliance by certain employers that have not, in the previous two calendar years, offered a qualified retirement plan to employees. Specifies the powers and duties of the board. Specifies program requirements, including default contribution levels and program fees. Requires the board to contract with investment managers, private financial institutions, or other service providers to invest money and administer the program. Limits the liability of particular parties associated with the program. Specifies board requirements for disclosure, audits, and reports. Requires the board to adopt certain rules. Makes an appropriation.

SB 245, titled "Tip pooling," authorizes restaurants and hospitality businesses to group customer tips for distribution among eligible staff under specific, defined circumstances. The bill directly affects tipped workers (like servers and bartenders) and their employers by establishing clear rules for how tips can be shared. It passed the House unanimously (44-1) on January 22, 2026, and now moves to the next legislative stage, with no further details provided on the exact conditions for pooling.

Provides that a health condition that is caused by a PFAS chemical creates a presumption of disability in the line of duty with respect to firefighters under certain circumstances. Defines certain terms. Makes conforming changes.

Sets forth requirements for a home and community based services attendant care service Medicaid provider to meet in the use of the state fund share of Medicaid reimbursement for compensation of direct care staff. Requires the provider to submit a cost report annually to verify compliance.

Extends eligibility for supplemental pension benefits and incentive increases to employee beneficiaries of the state police 1987 benefit system. (Current law provides eligibility to employee beneficiaries under the state police pre-1987 benefit system.) Modifies the: (1) terms of eligibility for; and (2) calculation of; supplemental pension benefits and incentive increases. Provides that first time payments of and increases to supplemental pension benefits shall be paid or commence beginning in July of each year. Makes changes to the definition of a "school resource officer" for provisions relating to the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund (1977 fund). Provides that a school police department may participate in the 1977 fund. Establishes requirements for establishing a local board for school police departments. Provides that an appointing authority shall waive the age restriction for a school resource officer for purposes of the 1977 fund if certain conditions are met. Provides that a school corporation or charter school that employs a school resource officer must enter into a contract or memorandum of understanding with a local law enforcement agency for the purpose of complying with the reporting and payment requirements for purposes of the 1977 fund. Makes conforming amendments.

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.

Requires a state employee health plan, a policy of accident and sickness insurance, and a health maintenance organization contract to: (1) grant an exception to a step therapy protocol for a prescription drug prescribed for the treatment of postpartum depression that is not indicated by the federal Food and Drug Administration for postpartum depression on the prescription drug's approved labeling; (2) provide coverage for biomarker testing for preeclampsia, doula services, mental health screenings, and treatment for maternal mental health; and (3) develop a maternal mental health program. Requires Medicaid pregnancy services to include reimbursement for doula services and biomarker testing for preeclampsia. Requires the division of mental health and addiction to develop and implement a program for pregnant women and children with a substance use disorder. Requires the office of women's health to: (1) develop, maintain, and disseminate certain information concerning resources that are available to pregnant women and new mothers; and (2) provide continuing education courses concerning postpartum depression and other related mental health disorders. Requires a hospital or birthing center to, before a patient's discharge from the hospital or birthing center following birth, providethe patient with information concerning postpartum depression and other related mental health disorders. Sets forth requirements for screening for preeclampsia using biomarker testing. Establishes the Hoosier family leave insurance program and the Hoosier family leave insurance trust fund. Prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee who has a condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. Repeals a chapter regarding pregnancy and childbirth accommodation. Requires certain health care practitioners to screen caregivers for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression or other related mental health disorders and provide a referral for the caregiver if the screening is positive for a mental health disorder.

HB 1401 establishes a state-funded program pairing employers with childcare providers to offer subsidized childcare assistance to working parents. It directly affects eligible employers who partner with the program and working parents seeking affordable childcare options. The bill creates a partnership mechanism where the state provides funding (via an appropriation) to help employers cover childcare costs for their employees. The bill was recently introduced and referred to the Committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions for review.

Provides that, for each school year beginning after June 30, 2027, a school corporation shall, if the school corporation determines that the school corporation cannot establish a minimum salary of $60,000 (instead of $40,000 under current law) for each full-time teacher, comply with certain requirements.

This bill prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or protective hairstyles (like braids, locs, or twists) that are historically associated with race. It directly affects people, particularly Black individuals, who face workplace or public accommodation discrimination due to these hair characteristics. The key provision explicitly bans such discrimination in employment and public services, making it illegal to penalize someone for natural or cultural hair styles. The law aims to address systemic bias by protecting hairstyles linked to racial identity.