Rep. Tim Wesco

Maddy summaryHR 40 is a symbolic resolution that reaffirms Indiana's existing sister-state relationship with Taiwan. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations, but formally expresses the Indiana General Assembly's continued commitment to this partnership. The bill was introduced and coauthored by multiple state representatives and passed its first reading on April 3, 2025. This type of resolution typically supports cultural or economic ties without altering policy or providing resources.

Provides that two or more candidates of a political party may sign a written statement indicating their desire to name a watcher to be present at a county primary election. (Current law requires that 26% or more of all candidates of a political party must sign a written statement to indicate a desire to name a watcher.) Allows a county chairman of a political party to appoint a watcher to each precinct in which the political party has a candidate on the ballot if two or more candidates do not sign a written statement to request a watcher.

Maddy summaryHR 39 designates April as World Autism Month and April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day through a symbolic congressional resolution. This bill does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a recognition measure to highlight these observances. The resolution has no direct impact on individuals, services, or funding but aims to raise public awareness about autism. It was introduced and coauthored by multiple representatives with no substantive policy changes.

Provides that a local public question or referendum may be placed on the ballot only at a general election. Provides that: (1) a state public question; or (2) an election of delegates to a convention to consider ratifying an amendment to the United States Constitution; may be placed on the ballot only at a general election.

Moves, as a general rule, elections of town officers to even-numbered years. Allows a town that has a population of more than 10,000 to pass a resolution to opt out of the general rule. Allows a city to pass a resolution to opt in to the general rule. Increases the amount of time that a voter may remain in the voting booth at a primary, general, municipal, or special election, from four minutes to seven minutes. Makes conforming amendments.

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 summaryHR 12 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating Indiana's cultural and economic connections with Ireland. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or affect any specific policies or groups. The bill formally recognizes these ties through a congressional resolution, as is standard for such commemorative measures. It was introduced on February 10, 2025, by Representative O'Brien and multiple co-authors, and passed its first reading. This is a procedural measure with no concrete policy impact.

Creates the Indiana adoption services authority (authority) and establishes the board of directors of the authority. Sets forth the duties and powers of the authority and the board. Establishes the zero cost adoption fund (fund) to provide financial assistance, benefits, services, or other assistance for specified purposes pertaining to foster care, adoption, and postadoption assistance, including assistance with college savings and arrangements for reduced college tuition for an adopted child. Provides that money in the fund may not be used to pay the general operating, administrative, and capital expenses and establishes a separate, general operating fund for the authority to pay those expenses. Specifies that assistance provided from the fund is supplemental to adoption assistance payments or an adoption subsidy. Provides a tax credit for contributions made to the fund in an amount equal to 50% of the contribution. Specifies that the total amount of tax credits allowed may not exceed $18,500,000 for each state fiscal year. Makes conforming changes. Makes an appropriation.

Establishes the cosmetology licensure compact (compact). Provides the requirements states must follow in order to participate in the compact. Provides that a cosmetologist may practice in member states so long as the cosmetologist meets certain criteria. Establishes a governing commission and sets out its powers, duties, financing, and liability. Provides various mechanisms for the member states and the governing commission to regulate the interstate practice of cosmetology. Provides for various contingencies, including the process to effect, amend, enforce, withdraw from, or terminate the compact.

Provides that if the parties to a petition for dissolution of marriage are the parents of one or more minor children for whom the parties have legal and physical custody, and the sole ground for dissolution of the marriage asserted in the petition is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, a court may enter a dissolution decree only if: (1) at least one party to the petition presents a witness at the final hearing on the petition who testifies to affirm the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage; or (2) the parties can show cause as to why the petition should be granted. Specifies the individuals who may provide testimony as to the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, and provides that an individual other than a licensed counselor may not have received any form of compensation for acting as a witness.