Rep. Heath VanNatter

Amends the definitions of "discharge for just cause", "employment", and "gross misconduct" for purposes of unemployment insurance. Provides that an unemployment claimant: (1) is required to verify the claimant's identity before a claim can be filed, and as a condition for continued eligibility; and (2) has the right to request a wage investigation and to appeal the results of the investigation to a liability administrative law judge. Allows an unemployment claimant or employing unit to appeal regarding the claimant's status as an insured worker. Requires that all hearings before an administrative law judge or the unemployment insurance review board concerning disputed unemployment claims be set as telephone hearings, unless an objection is made. Allows a disputed unemployment claim to be directly filed with a liability administrative law judge. Provides that administrative records of the department of workforce development (department) are self-authenticating and admissible in an administrative hearing. Provides that the department may release certain confidential records to the extent permitted by federal law. Makes certain changes regarding the reemployment service and eligibility assessment program. Makes various changes regarding extended unemployment benefits. Provides that repayment of a benefits overpayment may be waived if certain conditions are met. Alters certain fee and payment provisions. Removes or alters notice and delivery requirements and extends certain deadlines. Requires the department to issue a written notice of violation to a person who fails to comply with certain authorization requirements. Provides that the department may assess a civil penalty against a person under certain circumstances. Requires civil penalties collected by the department to be deposited in the proprietary educational institution authorization fund. Establishes the unemployment insurance modernization fund (fund). Requires the department to annually submit a report to the budget committee detailing the expenditures made from the fund during the previous state fiscal year. Requires the department to annually submit a report to the budget committee concerning the status of the department's unemployment insurance program. Provides that the department may establish a reemployment pilot program. Makes conforming changes.

Requires certain media entities operating in Indiana to disclose: (1) foreign ownership; (2) foreign funding; and (3) the use of foreign sourced or influenced content. Authorizes the secretary of state to impose a civil penalty of not more than $50,000 for a knowing or intentional violation of the disclosure requirements. Provides that the secretary of state shall publish a list of Indiana media entities that have complied with certain requirements. Requires certain media entities to obtain special accreditation from the department of administration to attend state media events, and allows the department of administration to revoke the special accreditation under certain circumstances.

Provides that if a governmental entity contracts with a private entity to manage or lease an asset owned by the governmental entity, the governmental entity may not require or consider, as a provision of the contract or as a condition of entering into the contract, that the employees of the private entity are members or nonmembers of a labor organization.

Maddy summaryHouse Concurrent Resolution 38 (HCR 38) is a resolution designed to formally honor individuals who were part of the B-58 Hustler program. This resolution serves as a commemorative act to recognize their contributions.

Provides the following with regard to certain annexations that include property within a fire protection district (district) for which the annexation ordinance was adopted on October 7, 2024, the annexed territory does not exceed 50 acres, and the annexed territory consists of vacant land and not more than one (1) residential property: (1) The annexation is effective at least 30 days after the annexation ordinance is adopted, published, and filed with state and county officials. (Under current law, with certain exceptions, an annexation of property within a district takes effect the second January 1 after the ordinance is adopted and filed with state and county officials.) (2) Exempts the municipality from provisions requiring the municipality to: (A) commence fire protection service to the annexed territory on the ordinance's effective date; and (B) notify the district within 10 days of commencing fire protection service to the annexed territory.

Provides that when a public agency chooses to employ a construction manager as constructor (CMc) on a public works project, the applicable contract award standard for the project is "lowest and best". Increases the maximum amount of work a CMc may perform on a project from 20% of the total value of a project to 30% of the total value of a project.

Revises the education and experience requirements for licensure as a certified public accountant. Repeals language allowing various substitutions for licensure requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (HR 53), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes "the importance of repentance" without creating new laws, funding, or regulations. The resolution was introduced by Rep. King and 20 co-sponsors, and referred to the Committee on Courts and Criminal Code for review. It does not directly affect any specific group or alter existing legal mechanisms.

Maddy summaryHCR 41 is a symbolic concurrent resolution expressing support for shifting education policy authority from the federal U.S. Department of Education to individual states. It does not change existing laws or create new requirements; instead, it formally advocates for states to have greater control over education decisions. The resolution was coauthored by multiple state representatives and referred to the Education Committee for consideration. As a non-binding resolution, it directly affects only the legislative record, not actual education policy implementation.

Maddy summarySCR 8 is a non-binding concurrent resolution expressing strong disapproval of religious persecution globally. It does not create new laws or affect any specific groups, as resolutions like this serve only to state legislative sentiment. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate (90-0) and was adopted by committee, but it has no legal effect. This type of resolution is symbolic and intended to publicly condemn violations of religious freedom worldwide.