Rep. Ryan Lauer

Urging the Indiana General Assembly to prioritize legislation during the 2027 budget year establishing property tax credits for unemployable Hoosier veterans who are permanently and totally disabled.

Provides that on January 1, 2028, certain townships are dissolved and their powers, duties, offices, and property are transferred to a municipality or county. Requires a township to adopt a resolution not later than June 1, 2026, that designates the municipality or county (designated unit) that will reorganize with the township. Requires the appointment of a joint board consisting of representatives of the township and the designated unit to prepare a plan of reorganization. Provides that a township must reorganize with the county if: (1) the township does not adopt a resolution by June 1, 2026; or (2) the municipality that the township designated in its resolution does not adopt a reorganization plan by December 31, 2026. Provides that if: (1) the designated unit is a municipality; and (2) part of a township is located outside the municipality; the municipality must establish an urban township services district and a rural township services district. Requires the county fiscal body to approve the budget, tax rate, and tax levy imposed by the municipality within the boundaries of the rural township services district. Provides that a designated unit has all of the powers of the government modernization act in reorganizing the township. Amends the government modernization act to require a political subdivision to respond to a resolution that names the political subdivision as a participant in a proposed reorganization. Provides that a township that operates a fire department is not subject to dissolution. Provides that a township does not operate a fire department if the township is a participating unit (not a provider unit) in a fire protection territory (territory) or is within a fire protection district (district). Provides that after a reorganization: (1) the area within the boundaries of the dissolved township remains in the territory or district; and (2) the designated unit succeeds the dissolved township in its role in the territory or district.

Recognizing the Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) by the Indiana House of Representatives to commemorate the U.S. founding's 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. It encourages Indiana citizens, communities, schools, and organizations to hold events reflecting on U.S. history and founding principles like liberty and federalism. The resolution specifically urges schools to strengthen civics education about these ideals but does not create new requirements or funding. It has no legal effect beyond expressing the House's recognition of the anniversary.

Provides that the department of child services (department) shall disclose to the public certain information regarding child fatalities or near fatalities. Provides that, upon request, the department may provide additional information regarding cases of child fatalities or near fatalities subject to certain requirements. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 13) formally recognizes the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and acknowledges historical Irish ties to the founding events. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect any individuals or groups. The bill serves solely as a commemorative statement by Congress, with no implementing mechanisms or concrete policy changes. It was introduced by Rep. O'Brien and co-sponsored by multiple representatives, passing its first reading on January 27, 2026.

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.

Prohibits the bureau of motor vehicles (BMV) from selling the personal information of an individual who: (1) is less than 21 years of age; (2) is 65 years of age or older; or (3) opts out of the sale of the individual's personal information. Prohibits a person to which the BMV provides such information from selling or disclosing the information (sales prohibition). Requires the BMV to provide an easily understandable and easily accessible means by which an individual may opt out of the sale of the individual's personal information. Permits the state board of finance, upon approval by the governor, to transfer funds to the BMV to offset a shortfall in funding for the BMV that occurs in a state fiscal year beginning before July 1, 2028, as a result of the sales prohibition.

Maddy summaryHCR 6 is a symbolic resolution designating January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect individuals or organizations - its purpose is solely to raise public awareness about human trafficking through official recognition. The resolution was introduced in the Senate and referred to committee in early 2026. As a concurrent resolution, it requires no legislative action to take effect.

Defines "Social Security number search request" (search request) as a request made by a consumer to a consumer reporting agency to conduct a search of all files maintained by the consumer reporting agency to determine if the consumer's Social Security number is associated with one or more consumer credit files not associated with the consumer. Provides that after December 31, 2026, upon receiving a search request from a consumer, a consumer reporting agency shall fulfill the consumer's search request if: (1) the consumer reporting agency maintains a file on the consumer; and (2) the consumer provides proper identification and written consent for the consumer reporting agency to verify with the Social Security Administration that the consumer's Social Security number belongs to the consumer. Provides that in fulfilling a search request, a consumer reporting agency shall: (1) verify with the Social Security Administration that the Social Security number supplied by the consumer belongs to the consumer; and (2) conduct a search of all files maintained by the consumer reporting agency to determine if the consumer's Social Security number is associated with one or more files not associated with the consumer. Provides that if the search indicates that the consumer's Social Security number is associated with any files not associated with the consumer, the consumer reporting agency must provide information as to: (1) the number of such files; and (2) each person that procured a consumer report in connection with those files during the one year period immediately preceding the date of the consumer's search request. Prohibits a consumer reporting agency from charging or increasing certain fees in connection with a search request.