Sen. Shelli Yoder

Maddy summarySCR 15 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Indiana 4-H and designating February 11, 2025, as Indiana 4-H Day at the Statehouse. It directly recognizes the Indiana 4-H organization and its youth development work. The resolution has no binding policy impact and serves only to formally acknowledge the group's contributions. It passed unanimously in both chambers with no substantive provisions.

Provides that the controlled substance paraphernalia statutes do not apply to items marketed to detect the presence of a drug or controlled substance.

Allows a local officeholder to take a leave of absence from office when the local officeholder: (1) is caring for a child after the birth of the child or placement of the child with the local officeholder for adoption or foster care; (2) is caring for a spouse, child, or parent who has a serious health condition; (3) has a serious health condition and is unable to perform the duties of the office; (4) is called into active duty in the armed forces of the United States or national guard; and (5) is eligible for qualifying exigency leave arising out of the fact that the local officeholder's spouse, child, or parent is ordered into active duty in the armed forces of the United States or national guard. Sets forth notice requirements. Provides that the local officeholder's office must be filled by a temporary appointment in the same manner as a vacancy created by a resignation is filled. Makes corresponding changes.

Prohibits a county, city, or town (unit) from adopting or enforcing an ordinance that prevents a person from cultivating a vegetable garden on certain property. Allows a unit to adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that imposes the same standards and requirements as those imposed on certain property. Allows a unit to adopt ordinances and regulations regarding the keeping of livestock on property.

Prohibits an insurer that issues a policy of life insurance, disability insurance, or long term care insurance from taking certain actions with respect to the coverage of individuals who are living organ donors. Specifies that certain actions constitute an unfair and deceptive act and practice in the business of insurance when taken against a living organ donor by an insurer.

Establishes a tax credit for newborn children, which an eligible taxpayer may claim only in the first taxable year in which a particular newborn child is eligible for the exemption allowed under specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Defines "eligible taxpayer". Provides that the amount of the credit is $500 per newborn child, or $250 per eligible newborn child in the case of a married individual filing a separate return. Prorates the credit in the case of a resident taxpayer residing in Indiana for a period of less than the taxpayer's entire taxable year. Limits the total amount of credits that may be awarded in a calendar year to $10,000. Provides for the expiration of the credit.

Requires the state board of nursing to adopt or amend rules to require trauma informed care training as part of the required curriculum for nursing education programs.

Maddy summaryHCR 26 is a ceremonial resolution designating Tuesday, March 4, 2025, as a day to honor the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is a symbolic recognition without binding effect. The resolution was introduced by Representative Clere and has been referred to committees, but it will not change how the Red Cross operates or impact any residents. This type of resolution is common for acknowledging organizations' community contributions.

Requires hospitals to do the following: (1) Offer the person who has received health services the opportunity to pay the charges through a payment plan that satisfies certain requirements. (2) Develop a written notice about a charity care program operated by the hospital, provide the notice to patients, and post the notice. (3) Include certain information concerning financial assistance on a billing statement. (4) Requires a hospital that reports an annual gross patient revenue of at least $20,000,000 to provide written notice and information to a person who has requested an eligibility determination concerning a payment plan or charity care. Provides that the unpaid earnings of a consumer who meets specified income eligibility requirements may not be attached by garnishment in satisfaction of: (1) any amount of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by the consumer; or (2) any amount of the judgment that represents health care debt determined to be owed by the consumer. Provides that: (1) any amount of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer; or (2) in an action against a consumer in which a judgment has been entered, any amount of the judgment that represents health care debt determined to be owed by the consumer; does not constitute a lien against the consumer's principal residence for a consumer that meets specified income requirements. Provides that in any action filed in Indiana for the recovery of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer, the principal residence of the consumer is not liable to judgment or attachment or to be sold on execution against the consumer.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 34) formally honors war correspondent Ernie Pyle, recognizing his contributions during World War II. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; it is a symbolic gesture of commemoration. The resolution was authored by Senator Yoder and passed by voice vote on February 20, 2025. As a commemorative measure, it has no procedural or substantive policy impact beyond expressing recognition.