Rep. Carey Hamilton

Maddy summaryHB 1042 would remove sales tax from feminine hygiene products and adult diapers, making these items tax-free for consumers. The bill directly affects people who purchase these essential hygiene products, particularly those with limited budgets who pay sales tax on everyday necessities. Its key mechanism is a specific exemption listed in the state tax code, eliminating the tax at the point of sale. This policy change aims to reduce the financial burden on buyers of these items without altering broader tax structures.

Requires the circuit court clerk of each county to place a copy of each campaign finance report, notice, or other instrument filed with the county election board on the circuit court clerk's or county election board's website in portable document format.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HCR 11) is a ceremonial concurrent resolution honoring Dr. Nikki Woodson for her service as Superintendent of Washington Township Schools upon her retirement. It does not create new laws or affect policies; it solely expresses legislative recognition through a formal resolution approved by both chambers. The resolution was coauthored by multiple representatives and passed first readings in both the House and Senate in early January 2025. It directly affects no individuals or entities beyond acknowledging Dr. Woodson's retirement.

Amends the definition of "eligible child" for purposes of the prekindergarten program (program). Removes provisions regarding the program that require: (1) the office of the secretary of family and social services to determine the number of eligible children who will participate in the program; and (2) a percentage of matching funds from other sources. Establishes the prekindergarten expansion grant fund to provide grants to potential eligible providers and existing eligible providers. Makes a continuous appropriation to the prekindergarten program fund from the state general fund in an amount sufficient to carry out the purposes of the fund. Makes an appropriation to the prekindergarten expansion grant fund from the state general fund. Repeals certain provisions regarding the definitions of "eligible child", "extended enrollment period", "limited eligibility child", "priority enrollment period", "child care employee", and "child of a child care employee". Repeals or removes provision regarding prekindergarten vouchers for limited eligibility children and children of child care employees. Makes conforming changes.

Requires an elected county, city, town, or township officer (officer) to complete a two hour ethics training course (training course) every two years. Specifies training course requirements. Requires the office of the attorney general, in coordination with the state board of accounts (SBOA) and the public access counselor, to develop an online training course not later than February 1, 2026. Requires the training course to be made available for viewing on the SBOA website. Allows a third party to provide a training course, if the course is approved by the office of the attorney general. Requires an officer to certify to the SBOA that the officer has completed a training course. Requires the SBOA to publish on its website: (1) a list of all officers who have submitted a training certification; and (2) lists of all training certifications submitted for previous years.

Provides that the department of natural resources may not charge an individual traveling on foot, a bicycle, or horseback an admission fee for a state park or recreation area.

Removes a voter's option to vote for all candidates of a political party or an independent ticket at one time (straight ticket voting) in a general or municipal election. Repeals superseded statutes relating to straight ticket voting.

Changes the current incremental finance charge limits that apply to a small loan to a maximum annual rate. Prohibits certain acts with respect to financing of a small loan and makes a violation a deceptive act and subject to penalties.

Requires the Indiana utility regulatory commission (commission) to adopt rules governing community solar facilities not later than July 1, 2026. Provides that, not later than 180 days after adoption of the rules, an electricity provider shall begin: (1) allowing interconnection of the electricity provider's facilities with community solar facilities in which at least three of the electricity provider's customers have entered into a subscription; and (2) crediting the electricity provider's subscribing customers for the amount of electricity from the community solar facility for which the customer subscribes. Requires the commission to: (1) establish an interconnection working group composed of representatives of electricity suppliers and other stakeholders with respect to electric utility service; and (2) implement the working group's recommendations regarding creation, revision, or elimination of policies, processes, tariffs, rules, or standards relating to the interconnection of community solar facilities and electricity suppliers as necessary for transparent, accurate, and efficient implementation of community solar facilities.

Establishes a task force to study the impact of climate change in Indiana and annually report findings to the general assembly and the governor from December 1, 2025, to December 1, 2028.