Sen. J.D. Ford

Requires the secretary of family and social services to certify integrated reentry and correctional support programs. Requires the owner of a recovery residence to register with the division of mental health and addiction (division). Sets forth the requirements for registration. Requires the division to post a list of registered recovery residences on the division's public website and include certain information concerning each recovery residence. Requires the division to adopt rules concerning: (1) the issuance, revocation, and denial of a registration; and (2) any rules necessary to implement these provisions. Allows the division to contract with certain entities to administer the registration of recovery residences.

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.

Removes certain transportation requirements in the approval criteria for the school age child care project fund. Requires the division of family resources to adopt rules specifying cost and expense standards for transporting a child to a facility where the child does not attend school.

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.~

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.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 62) formally honors the 425th Personnel Service Company for its service. It does not create new laws or affect policies; it is a ceremonial expression of appreciation. Authored by Senator Ford J.D. and adopted by voice vote on February 23, 2026, the resolution recognizes the company's contributions. The measure directly affects the unit being honored, with no financial or operational impact.

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 summarySR 56 is a non-binding Senate Resolution urging the Legislative Council to assign the topic of mobile driving credentials to a study committee. It does not create new laws or directly affect residents, businesses, or government operations. The resolution, authored by Senator Ford J.D. and adopted by voice vote on February 19, 2026, simply requests that the Legislative Council consider this topic for further study. This procedural step has no immediate policy impact but could lead to future legislative action if a committee reviews the issue.

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.