Rep. Becky Cash

Provides that the office of the department of child services ombudsman (ombudsman office) shall (rather than may, under current law): (1) employ technical experts and other employees to carry out the purposes of the ombudsman office; (2) receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints alleging that the department of child services failed to protect the physical or mental health or safety of a child or failed to follow specific laws, rules, or written policies; (3) issue recommendations if: (A) the ombudsman office determines that a complaint has merit; or (B) an investigation by the ombudsman office reveals a problem with an agency, facility, or program; and (4) take other specified actions and undertake other specified initiatives. Provides that if a local child protection team is involved in the initial investigation of a matter, a different local child protection team shall (rather than may, under current law) assist the ombudsman office in the ombudsman office's investigation of the matter.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding House resolution (HR 28) that formally recognizes the U.S. national debt as a threat to national security. It does not propose new laws or policies, but serves as a symbolic statement acknowledging the concern. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the House (91-0) on February 18, 2026, with multiple representatives added as co-authors. It directly affects congressional discourse but has no legal effect on debt management or security policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HR 33) is a symbolic resolution recognizing March as Brain Injury Awareness Month in Indiana. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about brain injuries. The resolution was introduced by Representative Errington and coauthored by multiple state representatives, and it passed its first reading on February 10, 2026. It directly affects Indiana's legislative record by designating a specific month for public awareness efforts.

Maddy summaryHR 36 designates March 17, 2026, as "Profound Autism Day" and recognizes April as "National Autism Month" through a symbolic congressional resolution. The bill does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect individuals or organizations - it serves solely as a formal recognition of autism awareness. It was introduced by Rep. Olthoff with 25 co-sponsors and passed its first reading on February 10, 2026. This type of resolution is common for ceremonial observances and has no binding policy impact.

Provides that a public school that participates in a federally funded or assisted meal program: (1) may not serve, sell, or allow a third party vendor to serve or sell a food or beverage that contains certain ingredients on school property on a school day; and (2) shall post any breakfast or lunch menu and ingredients on the school's website. Establishes exceptions.

Prohibits the use of an artificial intelligence system to impersonate or act as a substitute for a licensed mental health professional. Requires the department of insurance to contract with an objective third party to verify that health carriers are in compliance with network adequacy standards. Sets forth notice requirements for an amendment to a health provider contract. Prohibits the use of downcoding in a specified manner. Requires an insurer and a health maintenance organization to reimburse providers of mental illness or substance abuse services at rates that are at least as favorable relative to Medicare rates as reimbursement rates are for providers of medical or surgical services relative to Medicare rates. Prohibits an insurer and a health maintenance organization from retroactively auditing a paid claim or seeking recoupment or a refund of a paid claim after a certain time frame. Sets forth a limitation on the amount that an insured or enrollee may be charged for receiving mental and behavioral care services from an out of network provider under certain circumstances.

Provides additional considerations that a local public works board may consider in determining the lowest responsible and responsive bidder for a public work project costing at least $300,000.

Maddy summaryHR 9 is a non-binding resolution that states the U.S. national debt poses a threat to national security. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect any individuals or groups. The bill simply makes a formal statement recognizing this concern, as reflected in its title and abstract. It was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means after being introduced on January 22, 2026.

Renames the private investigator and security guard licensing board as the private investigator, security guard, and collateral recovery agency licensing board, and adds two additional members to the board. Establishes licensure for a collateral recovery agency. Requires a person to be licensed as a collateral recovery agency to repossess collateral, attempt to repossess collateral, hold one's self out as being in the business of repossessing collateral, or use license plate recognition. Provides certain requirements: (1) for an applicant seeking licensure as a collateral recovery agency; (2) for a licensee to maintain licensure; and (3) for a legal owner when personal effects are in or on the collateral at the time of repossession. Requires equipment used to repossess collateral to meet certain criteria. Makes conforming changes.

Maddy summaryHB 1376 prohibits the use of specific food additives in Indiana. The bill directly affects food manufacturers and retailers who sell products containing these additives within the state. It would require compliance with the new prohibition for all food items sold in Indiana, though the abstract does not specify which additives are included. The bill was referred to the Committee on Public Health after its introduction on January 8, 2026.