Rep. Bob Heaton

Maddy summaryHR 37 designates March 2025 as Brain Injury Awareness Month, officially recognizing the month to promote public education about brain injuries. This procedural bill has no funding or policy changes; it solely serves to raise awareness through a congressional designation. It directly affects the public and brain injury advocacy groups by highlighting the issue during that month. The bill was introduced by Representative Errington and co-sponsored by multiple representatives on March 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryHCR 28 is a symbolic resolution designating March 21, 2025, as World Down Syndrome Day for recognition by the state legislature. It has no binding effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of the international observance. The resolution was passed with broad bipartisan co-authorship in the House. This type of concurrent resolution does not affect laws, regulations, or individuals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) as an organization supporting women entrepreneurs. It serves as a symbolic acknowledgment with no policy changes or direct effects on legislation or regulations. The bill does not impose new requirements or alter existing laws; it simply affirms the group's role through congressional recognition.

Provides that, if a county transfers or gifts any unencumbered funds to a school corporation, the county executive may establish a local board to have oversight and manage the use of the funds. Provides that the expenses of the local board shall be paid by the county.

Establishes a tax credit for newborn children, which an eligible taxpayer may claim only in the first taxable year in which a particular newborn child is eligible for the exemption allowed under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Defines "eligible taxpayer". Provides that the amount of the credit is $500 per newborn child, or $250 per eligible newborn child in the case of a married individual filing a separate return. Prorates the credit in the case of a resident taxpayer residing in Indiana for a period of less than the taxpayer's entire taxable year. Limits the total amount of credits that may be awarded in a calendar year to $10,000. Provides for the expiration of the credit.

Provides that for a supervised loan that is made under the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC) and that: (1) is entered into after June 30, 2025; (2) is not secured by an interest in land or by personal property used or expected to be used as the debtor's principal dwelling; and (3) has a principal amount that does not exceed $5,000; a lender may contract for and receive, in addition to the loan finance charge and any other permitted charges and fees, a monthly service fee that is based on the amount of principal originally contracted for, and must report the borrower's payments on the supervised loan to at least one consumer reporting agency that compiles and maintains files on consumers on a nationwide basis (as defined in 15 U.S.C. 1681a(p)) in accordance with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.). Provides that for a supervised loan that: (1) is entered into after June 30, 2025; (2) is not secured by an interest in land or by personal property used or expected to be used as the debtor's principal dwelling; (3) has a principal amount that is more than $5,000 but does not exceed $25,000; and (4) is for a term of at least six months; a lender may contract for and receive a loan finance charge not exceeding 36% per year on the unpaid balances of the principal. For a supervised loan that qualifies for the flat 36% annual finance charge (instead of the blended loan finance charge that applies to all other supervised loans), requires the lender to: (1) report the borrower's payments on the loan to at least one nationwide consumer reporting agency; and (2) offer to the borrower, at or before the consummation of the loan and at no cost to the borrower, a consumer credit education program provided by the lender or a third party provider. Provides that, based on information contained in annual composite reports filed with the department of financial institutions (department) by creditors required to be licensed under the UCCC, the department shall publish annually on the department's website a report that contains specified information concerning supervised loans made after June 30, 2025, by nondepository licensees during the reporting period covered by the composite reports. Makes conforming amendments to: (1) the UCCC; and (2) the statutes governing: (A) pawnbrokers; and (B) loansharking.

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.

Provides that the fiscal body of the town of Ellettsville (town) may, not later than December 31, 2025, adopt an ordinance to receive revenue collected from the food and beverage tax. Specifies the distribution of revenue. Provides that the ordinance must specify that the town's collection of the revenue terminates not later than July 1, 2027. Authorizes LaGrange County to impose an innkeeper's tax to replace the innkeeper's tax the county currently imposes under the uniform innkeeper's tax law. Allows a maximum tax rate of 8%. Allows the city of Shelbyville to impose a food and beverage tax. Allows Brown County to impose its innkeeper's tax at a rate that does not exceed 8% (instead of 5% under current law) under its enabling statute. Reallocates the amounts of revenue received from the Vanderburgh County innkeeper's tax to be deposited in the convention and visitor promotion fund, the tourism capital improvement fund, and the convention center operating, capital improvement, and financial incentive fund. Authorizes Delaware County to increase the county's innkeeper's tax rate from 5% to not more than 8% under the uniform innkeeper's tax statute.

Requires a petition of nomination for a school board office to state one of the following: (1) The candidate's political party affiliation. (2) If the candidate does not identify with a political party, that the candidate is an independent candidate. (3) That the candidate elects to be listed on the ballot as nonpartisan. Specifies that unless a candidate that states a political party affiliation is challenged, the candidate's statement must be indicated on the ballot.

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.