Rep. Matt Commons

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: (1) on the date the individual applies to be appointed and hired, the individual is a veteran who has completed at least 20 years of military service; (2) the individual received or is eligible to receive a discharge from the armed forces of the United States under conditions other than certain specified conditions; and (3) the individual meets all other requirements for appointment and hiring. 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 the Indiana economic development corporation, the state, any instrumentality of the state, or any other public authority, or any party negotiating on behalf of any of those entities, may not, after June 30, 2026, enter into an economic development agreement or contract that contains any provision, clause, or language that provides that the agreement or contract, or any of its terms, is confidential, or that the parties to the agreement or contract are prohibited from disclosing, discussing, describing, or commenting upon the terms of the agreement or contract.

Requires the bureau of motor vehicles to apply a unique background color to a driver's license, a learner's permit, or an identification card issued after December 31, 2026, to an individual who: (1) is an alien with lawful status; or (2) is not registered to vote at the time of issuance.

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.

Defines "data center". Prohibits a person from operating a data center in Indiana without obtaining a consumption permit from the department of natural resources (department). Sets forth information that must be included in a consumption permit application. Establishes procedures for the department to approve or deny a consumption permit application. Provides that a consumption permit may be transferred under certain circumstances. Provides that a person may consult with the department to assess the viability of a proposed data center with respect to water consumption. Allows the natural resources commission to adopt rules to implement this bill.

Defines "hemp" as a cannabis plant that contains not more than 0.3% total THC. Defines "low THC hemp extract" as a substance that: (1) is derived from hemp; (2) does not contain more than 0.3% total THC; (3) does not contain synthetic or synthesized cannabinoids; (4) contains no other controlled substances; and (5) is not sold in a container that contains more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC. Provides that a person that manufactured low THC hemp extract before January 1, 2026, may continue to manufacture the product solely for out of state export. Prohibits the sale of products containing THC to minors, and the purchase, possession, or transport of products containing THC by minors. Makes conforming amendments.

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.

Provides that a person selling certain hemp products may not permit an individual less than 21 years of age to enter the retail premises, and makes a violation a Class C infraction.

Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, requires administration of the naturalization examination provided by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (exam) in grade 8. Beginning in the 2030-2031 school year, requires administration of the exam in high school, and requires a student to complete the exam with a score of not less than 70% in order to graduate high school. Allows a student to retake the exam. Allows certain students to obtain an academic waiver for the exam. Makes conforming changes.

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.