Rep. Steve Bartels

Maddy summaryHB 1016 requires that each county school safety commission include a fire chief or their designated representative as a voting member. This procedural bill directly affects county-level school safety commissions by mandating fire department representation on their boards. It does not change school safety policies but ensures fire safety expertise is formally integrated into commission decision-making. The bill became law on April 3, 2025, after gubernatorial approval.

Provides that an eligible entity with a population of less than 38,000 is not subject to the political party membership requirements for a board of aviation commissioners or an airport authority.

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.

Provides that the Indiana finance authority is required to provide staff support for the Indiana stadium and convention building authority board. (Current law provides that the Indiana stadium and convention building authority is required to provide staff support.)

Maddy summaryHR 39 designates April as World Autism Month and April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day through a symbolic congressional resolution. This bill does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a recognition measure to highlight these observances. The resolution has no direct impact on individuals, services, or funding but aims to raise public awareness about autism. It was introduced and coauthored by multiple representatives with no substantive policy changes.

Expands the eligibility requirements for admission to the Indiana Veterans' Home. Provides that the department of natural resources shall provide staff support for the Indiana semiquincentennial commission (commission). (Current law provides that the Indiana department of veterans' affairs provides staff support for the commission.) Adds a definition of an "eligible person" for purposes of administering grants for veteran services (GVS). Provides that a qualified entity may receive a GVS to provide certain services to support an eligible person. Makes changes to the qualifications to receive a veteran's burial allowance. Establishes the Medal of Honor license plate. Restores a provision of current law concerning certain disability ratings, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and educational cost exemptions. Provides that the disability ratings and educational cost exemptions apply to an individual whose parent enlisted in the armed forces after June 30, 2014 (instead of June 30, 2011). Updates references throughout the Indiana Code relating to the armed forces of the United States or uniformed services to include the United States Space Force. Changes references relating to military discharges. Makes technical changes to various references relating to the components of the armed forces of the United States. Makes technical corrections.

Authorizes a law enforcement officer to order a person to stop approaching the law enforcement officer if the officer reasonably believes that the person's presence within 25 feet of the officer will interfere with the performance of the officer's duties. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally approaches within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer after being ordered to stop approaching commits unlawful encroachment on a law enforcement officer, a Class C misdemeanor.

Increases the basic monthly pension benefit payable to a member of the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund who retires after June 30, 2025, with 20 years of service. Increases the contribution rate of fund members. Provides that a municipality, a unit, an airport authority, a school corporation, or a charter school may require certain members of the public employees retirement fund to continue as members of that fund instead of the 1977 police officers' and firefighters' pension and disability fund.

Establishes the 287(g) agreement grant program. Provides that a "287(g) agreement" refers to an agreement entered into under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Allows the department of homeland security to provide grants to assist certain local law enforcement authorities in entering into and carrying out law enforcement under a 287(g) agreement.

Makes possession of low THC hemp extract or a cannabinoid by a minor a Class B misdemeanor. Makes the sale of low THC hemp extract or a cannabinoid to a minor a Class A misdemeanor, and increases the penalty under certain circumstances. Prohibits the sale of a vapor product to a minor and the possession of a vapor product by a minor. Increases the penalty for certain infractions involving minors and tobacco or e-liquids containing nicotine.