Provides that a state agency must determine if an alleged violator has substantially corrected the violation and notify an alleged violator whether the alleged violator is in substantial compliance with a state rule or state statute not more than 90 days after certain occurrences (current law provides for 30 days). Adds certification language for purposes of renewals. Allows certain boards to assess different fines for individuals and businesses for purposes of disciplinary sanctions. Makes various changes to the following boards: (1) The state board of cosmetology and barber examiners. (2) The committee of hearing aid dealer examiners. (3) The respiratory care committee. Provides that certain persons may not own an interest in an appraisal management company. Repeals the Indiana Code chapter relating to the professional licensing agency's duties and merges the agency's duties in another existing Indiana Code chapter.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 245, titled "Tip pooling," authorizes restaurants and hospitality businesses to group customer tips for distribution among eligible staff under specific, defined circumstances. The bill directly affects tipped workers (like servers and bartenders) and their employers by establishing clear rules for how tips can be shared. It passed the House unanimously (44-1) on January 22, 2026, and now moves to the next legislative stage, with no further details provided on the exact conditions for pooling.
Allows the alcohol and tobacco commission to issue a permit for the sale of alcoholic beverages on the grounds of a county fair conducted by a local board, subject to certain limitations and requirements. Adds participation in an event sponsored by a local board to the activities permissible within the scope of a permit held by a farm winery, a small brewer, an artisan distiller, a beer retailer, a liquor retailer, and a wine retailer. Adds the state fair and a county fair that is issued a permit to the exceptions to the minor loitering statute.
Maddy summarySB 12 prohibits local governments from using ranked choice voting in municipal or school board elections. It directly affects communities that had adopted or planned to adopt this voting method. The bill's key provision bans the implementation of ranked choice voting systems by local election authorities. The bill passed the House on January 20, 2026, with 38 votes in favor and 9 against. This legislation prevents any future use of ranked choice voting for local elections in the state.
Amends the definition of "esthetician" to include certain services. Adds a definition for "microneedling". Requires a person who provides microneedling to provide the professional licensing agency proof of advanced training or certification at the agency's request. Provides that an applicant for an electrologist license does not need to hold a cosmetologist license or esthetician license before applying for an electrologist license. Requires an applicant to complete a combined total of 600 hours of education and experience required under the rules adopted by the state board of cosmetology and barber examiners (board) beginning July 1, 2027. Requires the board to amend the rules for electrology training in a beauty culture school not later than June 30, 2027.
Provides that an individual is eligible to take the examination for licensure as a certified public accountant if the individual has at least a baccalaureate degree with a concentration in accounting or equivalent as determined by the board to be appropriate.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the National FFA Organization and the Indiana FFA Association for exemplary work in the advancement of agricultural education in Indiana and across the country.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 57) honoring Sergeant Bill Spalding upon his retirement from service. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply serves as a formal tribute from the Senate to Sgt. Spalding. The resolution was introduced by Senator Bray and adopted by voice vote on February 19, 2026, with multiple senators adding their support as coauthors.
Maddy summarySR 33 is a ceremonial Senate Resolution honoring Dan Huge upon his retirement from public service. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, rights, or responsibilities. The resolution was authored by Senators Mishler and Bray, adopted by voice vote on February 17, 2026, and has multiple co-authors. This procedural resolution serves only to formally recognize Dan Huge's retirement.
Maddy summarySR 50 is a Senate resolution adopted on February 17, 2026, honoring Senator J.D. Ford upon his retirement from the Senate. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or groups; it is a ceremonial resolution to recognize his service. The resolution was coauthored by multiple senators and passed unanimously via voice vote. This is a procedural measure with no substantive policy changes.