Rep. Garrett Bascom

Requires certain state agencies to give hiring preference to an individual who is a citizen or national of the United States over another individual who is an alien if the two individuals are equally qualified. Provides that the state agencies may not sponsor an individual for a new H-1B visa after July 1, 2026, unless certain information is submitted to the attorney general and the attorney general approves the state agency sponsoring the individual. Requires the state agencies to prepare and submit a report that includes certain information regarding each employee the state agency sponsored for a new H-1B visa during the immediately preceding state fiscal year. Requires the attorney general to post the reports on its website. Prohibits the state or a political subdivision from directly or indirectly funding services related to an immigration proceeding to an individual with unlawful status or to an entity that is a party to a legal action for the purpose of challenging, obstructing, or delaying the enforcement of certain federal immigration laws. Provides a private right of action for a violation of this prohibition.

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.

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.

Requires each postsecondary educational institution in Indiana and state educational institution to: (1) establish and implement a procedure whereby a student may designate a medical emergency contact for medical emergencies that occur on campus; and (2) if the institution has knowledge of the medical emergency, notify the student's medical emergency contact after the student experiences a medical emergency on campus.

Defines "hemp" as a cannabis plant that contains not more than 0.3% total THC. Defines "low THC hemp extract" as a substance that: (1) is derived from hemp; (2) does not contain more than 0.3% total THC; (3) does not contain synthetic or synthesized cannabinoids; (4) contains no other controlled substances; and (5) is not sold in a container that contains more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC. Provides that a person that manufactured low THC hemp extract before January 1, 2026, may continue to manufacture the product solely for out of state export. Prohibits the sale of products containing THC to minors, and the purchase, possession, or transport of products containing THC by minors. Makes conforming amendments.

Establishes the administrative rules review committee. Requires an agency to submit a rule, including an executive order, and the latest version of the regulatory analysis with any supporting documents to the office of fiscal management and analysis of the legislative services agency to estimate the fiscal impact on state and local government. Provides that if the fiscal impact is estimated to be greater than $300,000 in any two year period, the rule and supporting documents shall be provided to the administrative rules review committee for review. Provides that the rule described may not take effect unless authorized by a bill enacted by the general assembly, unless the governor certifies that an emergency exists and the rule is necessary to address the emergency. Specifies that a rule enacted to address an emergency expires after one year.

Maddy summaryHB 1221 exempts antique firearms from standard handgun sale, rental, trade, and transfer requirements. It directly affects antique firearm sellers, buyers, and dealers by removing background check and licensing obligations that apply to modern handguns. The bill defines "antique firearm" and ensures these items are not subject to typical handgun regulations under state law.

Provides that a person selling certain hemp products may not permit an individual less than 21 years of age to enter the retail premises, and makes a violation a Class C infraction.

Provides that, subject to available funding, the division of mental health and addiction may develop an application to provide funds to a school corporation or school maintained by a school corporation to obtain a federal Food and Drug Administration approved opioid overdose reversal medication. Provides that the state health commissioner shall issue a statewide standing order, prescription, or protocol for a federal Food and Drug Administration approved opioid overdose reversal medication for each public school or school corporation.

Provides for an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for participants of the prosecuting attorneys retirement fund based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index.