Provides that the office of the department of child services ombudsman (ombudsman office) shall (rather than may, under current law): (1) employ technical experts and other employees to carry out the purposes of the ombudsman office; (2) receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints alleging that the department of child services failed to protect the physical or mental health or safety of a child or failed to follow specific laws, rules, or written policies; (3) issue recommendations if: (A) the ombudsman office determines that a complaint has merit; or (B) an investigation by the ombudsman office reveals a problem with an agency, facility, or program; and (4) take other specified actions and undertake other specified initiatives. Provides that if a local child protection team is involved in the initial investigation of a matter, a different local child protection team shall (rather than may, under current law) assist the ombudsman office in the ombudsman office's investigation of the matter.
Sponsored bills
Requires the Indiana department of health (state department) to: (1) collaborate with a national Alzheimer's disease and dementia organization in educating the public about Alzheimer's disease and dementia; and (2) identify and collaborate with additional partners in the education. Requires the state department to partner for outreach in the education and publish certain educational materials on the state department's website. Allows the state department to accept grants, services, and property from public and private entities for the education.
Creates the pork market development program (pork program) and the soybean market development program (soybean program). Specifies that the pork program and soybean program apply only if assessments are not levied and collected under federal law. Requires the Indiana Pork Producers Association, Inc., to administer the pork program and the Indiana Soybean Alliance to administer the soybean program. Establishes various procedures and requirements for operating the pork program and the soybean program. Makes technical corrections.~
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 summaryHB 1048 increases the clothing and automobile expense reimbursement for active volunteer fire department (VFD) members from $100 to $250 per year. This change directly affects volunteer firefighters who incur personal costs for uniforms, work-related clothing, and vehicle use while serving. The bill provides a concrete financial adjustment to cover these out-of-pocket expenses, simplifying reimbursement for VFD members. It does not alter eligibility requirements or create new administrative processes. The bill passed committee with a "do pass" recommendation in early 2026.
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.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors IBEW Local 481 for 63 years of maintaining electrical lighting on Monument Circle in Indianapolis. It is a ceremonial gesture with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or regulations. The bill serves solely to recognize the union's long-term service to the community. As a procedural resolution, it does not establish new requirements or affect any laws.