Rep. Earl Harris

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution (not a law), formally recognizing the historical significance of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Indianapolis. It acknowledges the church's founding in 1836, rebuilding after a 1862 fire, its National Register listing, and its recent relocation to a new building. The resolution directs the House Clerk to send copies to the church and its pastor, Reverend Carlos W. Perkins, as a formal gesture of acknowledgment. It has no policy impact or effect on laws.

Requires the department of agriculture (department) to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of establishing community or urban microfarm zones statewide. Requires the department to submit a report to the general assembly containing certain findings and recommendations not later than December 1, 2027.

Allows the city of Gary to hire an appraiser to conduct appraisals of residential and commercial properties to assist the city with disposing of the city's real property. Prohibits an employee or appointed or elected official of the city from purchasing property that is appraised by the appraiser.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the 70th anniversary of The Arc of Indiana and honoring its enduring leadership and advocacy for Hoosiers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Maddy summarySB 27, titled "Vehicle Bill" (though the bill's actual content relates to stadiums, not vehicles), establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. This authority is created to acquire, build, and finance stadiums and related facilities in northwest Indiana. The bill outlines the authority's specific powers, including funding mechanisms and operational duties for managing these projects. The bill directly affects northwest Indiana communities by creating a dedicated entity to handle stadium development and financing.

Requires a dealer to collect and retain certain identifying information from a potential purchaser. Beginning July 1, 2026, requires a transport operator to either: (1) have an established place of business with a physical Indiana address; or (2) provide the secretary of state (secretary) with proof of the transport operator's valid registration from the United States Department of Transportation authorizing the transport operator to operate within Indiana; to apply for a registration number. Provides that a dealership that operates without a license from the secretary commits a Class A infraction.

Maddy summaryHR 51 is a commemorative resolution honoring Officer Brian Elliott, authored by Representative McGuire and coauthored by numerous representatives. It formally recognizes Officer Elliott's service and contributions, though it does not create any new laws or alter existing policies. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact or effect on specific groups beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment of the officer. The bill was adopted during its first reading on February 25, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 47 designates a week to recognize farmworkers and farmers, specifically honoring the efforts of Proteus, Inc., a nonprofit supporting agricultural communities. The bill is purely symbolic, calling for the House to recognize "Farmworker and Farmer Awareness Week" and acknowledge Proteus, Inc.'s work. It contains no policy changes or funding mechanisms - it serves only as a formal acknowledgment. As a recognition resolution, it does not affect laws, regulations, or direct beneficiaries. The bill was introduced and adopted in its first reading on February 23, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 49 is a symbolic House resolution honoring Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.'s life and legacy. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any policies or people. The resolution serves as a formal commemoration by the House of Representatives, expressing recognition of his contributions. This procedural bill has no direct impact beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryHR 41, introduced by Representative Pryor and co-authored by several colleagues, is a symbolic resolution recognizing May 2026 as Lupus Awareness Month. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group, but aims to raise public awareness about lupus, an autoimmune disease. The resolution was formally introduced and adopted on February 16, 2026, with no further substantive actions required. This is purely a recognition measure with no direct policy impact.