Rep. Michelle Davis

Allows a principal or superintendent of a public school, including a charter school, to employ, or approve as a volunteer, a school chaplain if certain requirements are met. Allows a school chaplain to provide: (1) secular advice, guidance, and support services; and (2) nonsecular advice, guidance, and support services if certain conditions are met. Provides that, with exceptions, communications made by a student to a school chaplain are privileged and confidential.

Specifies that a person who owns or operates a private camping facility funded under the bill's provisions is immune from civil liability. Prohibits an individual from camping, sleeping, or using for long term shelter land owned by the state or a political subdivision, unless the land has been authorized for that use under law. Provides, if certain elements are met, that a person who knowingly or intentionally uses land owned by the state or a political subdivision for unauthorized camping, sleeping, or long term shelter commits a Class C misdemeanor. Establishes an affirmative defense to such a prosecution. Prohibits a political subdivision from adopting or enforcing any policy that prohibits or discourages the enforcement of any order or ordinance prohibiting public camping, sleeping, or other obstruction of a sidewalk. Authorizes a resident of the political subdivision, an owner of a business located in the political subdivision, or the attorney general to bring a civil action to enjoin a political subdivision that adopts or enforces such a policy. Makes conforming changes.

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.

Authorizes the governor to suspend a prosecuting attorney from office for malfeasance, misfeasance, neglect of duty, incompetence, permanent inability to perform official duties, or commission of a felony, and allows the governor to fill the office by appointment for the period of suspension.

Maddy summaryHR 11 is a commemorative resolution celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, rights, or regulations. The resolution simply recognizes the union's history and contributions through a formal statement by the Indiana House of Representatives. It was introduced and coauthored by multiple representatives on January 30, 2025, and passed its first reading.

Maddy summaryHR 7 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the Indiana Non-Public Education Association (INPEA) for its 50th anniversary. Introduced by Representative Behning and multiple co-authors, the bill formally honors INPEA's work supporting non-public schools in Indiana. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding policy impact or direct effect on legislation, funding, or regulations. The bill was adopted during its first reading on January 28, 2025, as a gesture of appreciation for the association's service.

Maddy summaryHB 1492 removes a current rule that prohibits students from transferring to a new school district primarily to join sports teams or participate in athletic programs. This change directly affects students who wish to move school districts specifically for athletic opportunities, such as joining a competitive team in another district. The bill's key provision eliminates the existing restriction, allowing such transfers without requiring an alternative educational reason. It was introduced by Representative Criswell and referred to the Education Committee for review. (3 sentences)

Provides that as a condition of receiving temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), an individual who is at least 18 years of age must submit to and pass: (1) a drug test at the time the individual applies to receive TANF; and (2) routine, randomly scheduled drug tests while the individual is receiving TANF (required drug tests). Provides that the testing requirement does not apply to an individual who receives TANF benefits on behalf of a child and does not receive TANF benefits on the individual's own behalf. Requires county offices of the office of the secretary of family and social services (FSSA) to inform TANF applicants of the drug testing requirement. Provides that an individual who fails a required drug test is ineligible to receive TANF benefits until the individual: (1) provides to FSSA evidence that the individual is participating in, or on a waiting list to participate in, a drug abuse treatment program; and (2) passes two consecutive drug tests. Provides for appointment of a representative payee to receive TANF on behalf of a child if the individual who would otherwise receive TANF on behalf of the child is ineligible for TANF as a result of failing a required drug test. Provides that if an individual fails a required drug test, FSSA shall withhold the amount of the cost of: (1) the drug test; and (2) any subsequent required drug test; from future TANF benefits the individual receives. Requires a county office of FSSA to provide a list of drug abuse treatment programs to an individual who fails a required drug test. Specifies requirements for a facility that administers a required drug test. Requires FSSA to provide to: (1) the Indiana housing and community development authority; and (2) any division of FSSA that implements the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the name of an individual who fails a required drug test. Provides that FSSA's records concerning the results of an individual's required drug test may not be admitted against the individual in a criminal proceeding. Provides for administrative remedies and an appeals process with regard to the drug testing requirement. Requires FSSA to collect data to assess and prevent discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or sex with regard to the administration of the drug testing requirement. Consolidates overlapping definitions of "TANF" and "TANF program".

Defines "adult oriented performance". Provides that a governmental entity may not organize or host an adult oriented performance or fund an adult oriented performance using public funds. Requires an adult oriented performance operator to check identification at the entrance to an adult oriented performance to prevent a minor from attending. Allows the attorney general to issue civil investigative demands or bring an action if certain measures are not taken to prevent a minor from attending the adult oriented performance. Establishes a criminal penalty if an individual knowingly and intentionally does the following: (1) Engages or participates in an adult orientated performance on public property or with public funds. (2) Fails to prevent a minor from attending an adult oriented performance.

Maddy summaryHB 1678 proposes to grant elected state officers (such as legislators, governors, or county officials) qualified immunity from civil lawsuits related to their official duties. This means state officials would be shielded from being sued for actions taken in their official roles, unless they violated "clearly established" rights. The bill directly affects state officials who could face legal claims while performing their elected responsibilities. It is a procedural measure that would change the legal standard for holding these officials accountable in court, rather than altering substantive policy. The bill was introduced on January 21, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.