Rep. Steve Bartels

Maddy summaryHCR 20 is a concurrent resolution honoring Sergeant Terry Frye, a military service member. It does not create new laws or affect policies; instead, it formally recognizes Sergeant Frye's service through a legislative resolution. Both the House and Senate must approve this resolution for it to be adopted. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having been referred to the Senate and receiving its first reading.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding House resolution (HR 28) that formally recognizes the U.S. national debt as a threat to national security. It does not propose new laws or policies, but serves as a symbolic statement acknowledging the concern. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the House (91-0) on February 18, 2026, with multiple representatives added as co-authors. It directly affects congressional discourse but has no legal effect on debt management or security policies.

Allows counties that meet certain criteria to adopt an ordinance to impose a surcharge of not more than $1 in addition to the fees charged by the department of natural resources (department) for entry into certain state parks and recreation areas. Provides that the surcharge may not be imposed on an annual state park pass holder. Requires the department to collect and to report and pay the surcharge to each county treasurer. Provides that the surcharge collected is to be used for certain purposes.

Specifies that emergency medical services, including emergency ambulance services, are essential services in Indiana. Specifies that the provision of emergency medical services is an essential purpose of political subdivisions. Requires the county commissioners of each county to: (1) identify areas that are unserved by emergency ambulance services; and (2) provide emergency ambulance services to those areas by establishing a county emergency ambulance service, contracting with a public, private, or nonprofit provider of emergency ambulance services, or by any other available means. Allows a governing body to opt out of the requirement to provide emergency ambulance services to unserved areas in certain cases. Provides that a county governing body that opts out of the provision of emergency ambulance services is immune from civil liability for personal injury or death resulting from a lack of emergency ambulance services in an area of the county.

Maddy summaryHR 36 designates March 17, 2026, as "Profound Autism Day" and recognizes April as "National Autism Month" through a symbolic congressional resolution. The bill does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect individuals or organizations - it serves solely as a formal recognition of autism awareness. It was introduced by Rep. Olthoff with 25 co-sponsors and passed its first reading on February 10, 2026. This type of resolution is common for ceremonial observances and has no binding policy impact.

Maddy summarySCR 8 is a concurrent resolution recognizing the importance of Indiana's horse racing industry to the state's economy and cultural heritage. It formally acknowledges the industry's contributions but does not create new laws, regulations, or funding. As a symbolic gesture, it has no direct effect on businesses, workers, or policy changes within the industry. This procedural resolution was referred to committees in early 2026 and remains pending.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 16) is a formal acknowledgment by the state legislature of volunteer firefighters who have served for 50 years or more. It does not create new benefits or change laws but proposes a concurrent resolution - requiring approval from both the House and Senate - to honor these individuals publicly. The resolution would recognize their long-term service through a ceremonial gesture, directly affecting eligible volunteer firefighters statewide. As a symbolic measure, it has no financial or regulatory impact and is currently moving through the legislative process.

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename a portion of State Road 237 near Perry County Memorial Hospital the “Sergeant Heather J. Glenn Memorial Highway”.

Provides a price preference to a business that is not an Indiana business but offers to provide supplies manufactured, assembled, or produced in Indiana. Provides that an Indiana business that offers to provide supplies manufactured, assembled, or produced in Indiana is eligible for an additional price preference for a contract awarded by a state agency. (Under current law, the additional price preference applies only when two or more equal bids are submitted.) Provides a 25% price preference for the purchase of flags that are manufactured in the United States.

Provides that the owner of a self-storage facility may tow or remove a motor vehicle, trailer, or watercraft if the renter is in default for at least 60 days. Specifies that a rental agreement is considered accepted if a person does not return the signed rental agreement but continues to use the storage space for at least 30 days. Provides that an owner of a self-service storage facility may terminate or choose not to renew a contract with a renter if certain conditions are met. Allows an owner of a self-service storage facility to dispose of a former renter's personal property not less than 30 days after terminating the rental agreement. Provides that a rental agreement may be delivered and executed electronically.