Rep. Andrew Ireland

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.

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 1314 establishes a new procedural framework for individuals convicted of crimes to seek legal relief after their conviction. It creates specific steps for filing requests and court review, directly affecting people challenging their convictions or sentences. The bill does not change criminal laws but outlines how postconviction cases will be processed. This procedural change was introduced by Representative Ireland and referred to the Courts and Criminal Code committee.

Defines "aggravated child molesting". Provides that the state may seek either a death sentence or a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for a person convicted of aggravated child molesting. Provides requirements for a jury or court to impose either a death sentence or a sentence of life imprisonment without parole. Makes conforming changes.

Prohibits a school corporation, public school, governing body of a school corporation, or state educational institution from spending public funds to: (1) hire or contract with, for the purpose of lobbying a member of the general assembly, a person required to register as a lobbyist; or (2) pay a nonprofit association or organization that: (A) primarily represents school corporations, public schools, governing bodies, or state educational institutions; and (B) hires or contracts with a person required to register as a lobbyist. Provides that a taxpayer or resident of Indiana may bring a civil action for a violation of the prohibited conduct. Provides that a school corporation may not convert a scheduled instructional day to virtual instruction because of the planned or coordinated absence of teachers or other personnel for the purpose of participating in a protest, demonstration, or political advocacy event. Provides that a school corporation that violates this provision is subject to a reduction in state tuition support for each day of violation. Provides that a school employer may not deduct any dues, fee, assessment, or other sum of money from the wages or other earnings of an employee to hold for or pay to a school employee organization. Repeals provisions regarding certain deductions of dues from pay by school employers.

Updates or amends certain portions of the definition of "employee". Provides that an employer who knowingly sells merchandise or supplies to an employee for higher than the market price commits a Class C infraction. Provides that an employer must pay each employee at least semimonthly or biweekly the amount due the employee. (Current law gives the employee the choice.) Provides that a wage assignment: (1) is not required to have a revocation provision on or after July 1, 2026; and (2) may benefit the employer under certain circumstances. Specifies that an employee may bring an action under certain wage provisions if an employer makes an improper wage deduction. Reorganizes certain minimum wage and wage claim provisions. Changes the statute of limitations with respect to certain minimum wage and wage claim provisions. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Provides that circuit court judges and prosecuting attorneys may be impeached for crime, incapacity, or negligence, or impeached or removed from office as prescribed by law. This proposed amendment has not been previously agreed to by a general assembly.

Allows the Town of Plainfield in Hendricks County (town) to annex a noncontiguous residential development that meets certain requirements. Provides that the annexation is initiated by: (1) the homeowner's association board petitioning the town legislative body for annexation of the residential development; and (2) the town legislative body adopting a resolution approving initiation of the annexation process. Provides that the town may not do the following: (1) Use the annexation territory to annex additional territory. (2) Annex additional territory within the unincorporated area extending 1/2 mile from the boundaries of the annexation territory, unless the annexation is with the consent of all of the landowners within the area to be annexed. (3) Annex, under any type of annexation, within the area that extends from the boundary of the 1/2 mile area to the town. Provides that the town's redevelopment commission may only enact a housing tax increment financing district in Liberty Township in Hendricks County if the district is approved by a resolution passed by the Mill Creek School Corporation.

Limits the total of the consecutive terms of imprisonment to which a defendant is sentenced for misdemeanor convictions arising out of an episode of criminal conduct. Provides that depositing or causing or allowing the deposit of contaminants or solid waste upon land is a Class C misdemeanor in certain circumstances. Makes it a sentencing aggravator that: (1) the person is in the United States unlawfully; or (2) a person distributed a controlled substance to at least three different individuals in a 180 day period. Makes it a sentencing mitigator for certain controlled substance offenses that the person sought and successfully completed treatment for a substance use disorder: (1) in the year before the commission of the offense; or (2) after committing the offense and before sentencing. Provides that a governmental entity may not organize or host an obscene performance or fund an obscene performance using public funds, and authorizes a person to seek injunctive relief as a remedy for a violation. Increases the penalty for resisting law enforcement under certain circumstances. Replaces the term "child pornography" with the term "child sex abuse material" throughout the Indiana Code. Makes certain provisions concerning juvenile court jurisdiction retroactive. Specifies that a facility having custody of a person arrested for certain crimes may not release the person on bail for at least 24 hours. Permits virtual bail hearings. Makes conforming amendments.

Requires an affidavit for probable cause, or a person testifying at a probable cause hearing, to make certain disclosures relating to a possible conflict of interest. Specifies that a probable cause affidavit must be redacted under certain circumstances. Prohibits a law enforcement officer from directing, encouraging, or knowingly permitting a person who is not a law enforcement officer to question a person in custody under certain circumstances.