Rep. David Abbott

Prohibits a county, city, or town (unit) from adopting or enforcing an ordinance that prevents a person from cultivating a vegetable garden on certain property. Allows a unit to adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that imposes the same standards and requirements as those imposed on certain property. Allows a unit to adopt ordinances and regulations regarding the keeping of livestock on property.

Prohibits an insurer that issues a policy of life insurance, disability insurance, or long term care insurance from taking certain actions with respect to the coverage of individuals who are living organ donors. Specifies that certain actions constitute an unfair and deceptive act and practice in the business of insurance when taken against a living organ donor by an insurer.

Requires a state agency to offer a state employee an opportunity to register as a donor of an anatomical gift: (1) during the state employee's onboarding process; and (2) on an annual basis, during the state agency's employee benefits enrollment period. Requires certain information to be provided to the state employee concerning the donation of an anatomical gift.

Maddy summaryHCR 26 is a ceremonial resolution designating Tuesday, March 4, 2025, as a day to honor the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is a symbolic recognition without binding effect. The resolution was introduced by Representative Clere and has been referred to committees, but it will not change how the Red Cross operates or impact any residents. This type of resolution is common for acknowledging organizations' community contributions.

Maddy summaryHCR 25 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing April 2025 as Parkinson's Awareness Month and April 11, 2025, as World Parkinson's Day. It does not create new laws or policies, but formally acknowledges these observances through a joint statement by the legislature. The resolution directly affects no specific individuals or groups, as it serves only to highlight awareness efforts. This procedural bill has advanced through initial readings but holds no binding effect on government action or funding.

Maddy summaryHCR 19 is a concurrent resolution honoring the late State Senator Jean Breaux. It formally recognizes her service and contributions to the state legislature. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals. The bill was introduced by Representative Pryor and has advanced through initial readings in both chambers. This type of resolution serves only to express legislative respect and remembrance.

Maddy summaryHCR 16 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Bruce Haines for his retirement from the Fort Wayne Public Broadcasting Service. It formally recognizes his service and contributions to the organization through a joint expression of appreciation from both legislative chambers. This resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it is purely a commemorative gesture. The bill was introduced in the House and adopted via voice vote in early February 2025.

Establishes the workforce housing assistance program (program). Establishes the workforce housing assistance revolving fund (fund) and continuously appropriates money in the fund to provide loans to eligible borrowers in connection with the purchase of residential property to be used for any combination of the following expenses: (1) Down payment assistance. (2) Payment of closing costs. (3) Payment for renovations. (4) Funding a permanent interest rate buydown. Provides that the Indiana housing and community development authority (IHCDA) shall administer the program and the fund. Defines an "eligible borrower" as a first time home buyer whose household income does not exceed 160% of the county's area median income in which the eligible borrower intends to purchase residential property. Defines a "first time home buyer" as an individual who has not, at any time during the three years preceding the date of the mortgage loan closing, had a present ownership interest in residential property. Defines "residential property" as the real property, including a single family dwelling together with any other improvements on the real property, sought to be purchased, in part, with the proceeds of a loan made from the fund by an eligible borrower for use as the eligible borrower's principal residence. Allows the IHCDA to determine the amount of the loan that may be made from the fund to an eligible borrower. Specifies the criteria that the IHCDA must use in making loans from the fund to eligible borrowers, including the term of the loan, the loan's status as a second mortgage secured by a lien in favor of the IHCDA, and the maximum rate of interest for the loan. Requires the executive director of the IHCDA to prepare an annual report on the fund's activities for the legislative council and the budget committee. Defines "community development financial institution". Provides that at least 5% of the money in the workforce housing assistance revolving fund must be set aside to be used for down payment assistance by a person accessing a first mortgage from an Indiana based community development financial institution.

Requires the department of natural resources to provide free admission to state parks to a Gold Star family member. Requires the bureau of motor vehicles to update the Gold Star family member license plate form.

Provides that, after the appointment of the initial board, members of the board of directors of a conservancy district shall be chosen by vote of the freeholders of the conservancy district in the general election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year. Establishes qualifications for candidates for conservancy district board positions and establishes a procedure by which an individual may become a candidate. Makes candidates for conservancy district board positions subject to certain requirements concerning campaign committees and contribution limits that apply to other candidates for elective office. Makes provisions for the voting for and election of conservancy district board members. Makes conforming changes.