Sen. Lonnie Randolph

Maddy summaryHCR 6 is a symbolic resolution designating January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect individuals or organizations - its purpose is solely to raise public awareness about human trafficking through official recognition. The resolution was introduced in the Senate and referred to committee in early 2026. As a concurrent resolution, it requires no legislative action to take effect.

Requires each school corporation, charter school, and state accredited nonpublic elementary school to include print handwriting, cursive handwriting, and spelling in its curriculum.

Maddy summarySB 117 would exempt menstrual discharge collection devices (commonly known as period products like tampons and menstrual cups) from state sales tax. This means consumers purchasing these essential health items would pay no sales tax at checkout, directly reducing costs for people who use them. The bill’s key provision is a specific tax exemption, shifting the financial burden from buyers to the state treasury for these products. It does not alter product availability, safety standards, or existing health coverage.

Requires the driver education advisory board to consult with the commissioner of the bureau of motor vehicles (commissioner) and the state police department, and advise the commissioner in the administration of the policies of the commission and the bureau of motor vehicles (bureau) regarding driver education in: (1) the procedures of a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop; and (2) the actions a person should take during a traffic stop, including appropriate interaction with a law enforcement officer. Requires the bureau to include in any driver education manual published by the bureau the following: (1) A description of the procedures of a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop. (2) An explanation of the actions a person should take during a traffic stop, including appropriate interaction with a law enforcement officer. Provides that driver education curriculum must include instruction about actions to take during a traffic stop and the appropriate interaction with a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop.

Authorizes a town, city, or county to establish or designate an agency to act for the town, city, or county as a local air pollution control agency (agency). Requires the commissioner of the department of environmental management (department) to enter into a contract with the agency of a town, city, or county if the agency is willing to enter into the contract. Provides that a contract between the department and the agency of a town, city, or county must: (1) require the department to advise, consult, cooperate with, and provide technical assistance to the agency; (2) authorize the agency to undertake air pollution control activities on behalf of the department or initiate enforcement of ordinances of the town, city, or county; and (3) provide for the payment of fair monetary compensation for the air pollution control activities performed by the agency. Provides that: (1) the compensation paid to an agency under a contract must be at least sufficient to cover the agency's staffing and operating costs; and (2) the rate of compensation must be adjusted each year according to changes in the Consumer Price Index.

Changes the election process for the governing body of the East Chicago school corporation, so that all members are elected at large by the voters of the school corporation. (Current law provides that three members are elected from certain districts, and two members are elected at large.) Makes conforming changes.

Provides that the superior court judges of Lake County are elected in the same manner as other superior court judges. Provides that the change to the election of a judge does not occur until the general election that occurs immediately before the expiration of the term of a judge sitting on the court under current law. Repeals superseded provisions.

Requires the department of insurance (department) to establish, not later than January 1, 2027, a voluntary family leave insurance program (program) for the purpose of providing benefits to employees who elect to participate in the program. Sets forth requirements for the program. Allows the department to contract with an outside vendor to administer the program. Requires the department, not later than November 1, 2026, to submit a report to the legislative council and the budget committee concerning the proposed program. Establishes the voluntary family leave insurance program trust fund (trust fund) for the purpose of paying program benefits. Provides that the trust fund consists of employer or employee contributions, appropriations from the general assembly, and money received from any other source. Provides that certain employers are entitled to an adjusted gross income tax deduction equal to the total amount of contributions made by the employer to the trust fund during the taxable year multiplied by 200%.

Defines a "privately made firearm" and other related terms. Makes it a Level 5 felony to possess a privately made firearm. Makes it a Level 5 felony to alter, obliterate, or remove certain marks of firearm identification or to possess a firearm on which those marks of identification have been altered, obliterated, or removed.

Requires the Indiana gaming commission (commission) to contract with an independent, qualified gaming industry research firm to conduct a study to identify the top two regions in the state where an owner's license for a riverboat could locate gaming operations. Requires the commission to present the results of the study to the state budget committee not later than November 1, 2025.