Sen. Eric Koch

Maddy summaryHCR 22 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Don Fischer, a person recognized for contributions to the community or state (specific details not provided in the abstract). It has no binding effect or policy changes - it simply expresses formal appreciation through a concurrent resolution approved by both legislative chambers. The resolution was adopted without debate on February 18, 2026, and moved through the process as a non-substantive measure. This type of resolution does not affect laws, budgets, or the public.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 63) honoring Senator Candace Hall for her service upon her retirement from the Indiana Senate. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition approved by the Senate. The resolution was introduced by multiple senators and passed unanimously with a voice vote on February 23, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 3 specifies the exact wording voters will see on ballots for a proposed constitutional amendment about bail. It directly affects voters who will decide on this amendment by providing the precise language for the ballot measure. The bill does not change bail laws itself but sets the standard phrasing for how the amendment will be presented to the public. This procedural bill ensures consistent and clear ballot language for the upcoming vote.

Provides with regard to an appraisal or appraisal service performed after June 30, 2026, a civil action against a licensed or certified real estate appraiser or registered appraisal management company must be commenced not later than five years after the appraisal service date.

Defines "independent activity". Provides that a child is not a child in need of services solely because a parent, guardian, or custodian allows the child to engage in an independent activity unless the parent, guardian, or custodian is so reckless in allowing the child to engage in the independent activity that it endangers the child's health or safety given the child's maturity, condition, and ability. Provides a defense for neglect of a dependent that the accused person reasonably believed that an independent activity was not dangerous.

Maddy summaryHB 1019 specifies the exact wording that will appear on ballots for a proposed constitutional amendment about residency requirements for city or town court judges. It directly affects voters who will see this precise language when casting ballots on the amendment. The bill does not change the actual residency rules for judges but sets the official ballot question text for public consideration. This procedural step ensures consistent voter information ahead of a potential referendum.

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.

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.

Defines "THC" for purposes of Indiana alcohol and tobacco law. Expands certain crimes concerning alcohol and tobacco, including crimes regarding possession by minors and sales to minors, to include products containing THC. Provides that a violation of the hemp derived cannabinoid products chapter is a deceptive act. Provides that the offense of aiding unlawful possession includes unlawful possession of a product containing THC. Provides that the alcohol and tobacco commission (commission) shall conduct random inspections of locations where products containing THC are sold. Allows law enforcement officers to engage minors who are at least 16 years of age to purchase THC products as part of a law enforcement action. Enacts provisions regulating the manufacture, distribution, sale, and transportation of hemp derived cannabinoid products (hemp derived cannabinoid products law). Requires the commission to enforce and administer the hemp derived cannabinoid products law. Provides for issuance of: (1) manufacturer permits; (2) distributor permits; (3) retail permits; and (4) carrier permits; for hemp derived cannabinoid products. Prohibits the sale of hemp derived cannabinoid products online or by delivery. Provides that a person issued a manufacturer permit may manufacture hemp derived cannabinoid products only in Indiana. Imposes packaging and labeling requirements for hemp derived cannabinoid products. Requires testing of hemp derived cannabinoid products and provides that the commission may spot test hemp derived cannabinoid products for compliance with the hemp derived cannabinoid products law. Specifies circumstances under which a hemp derived cannabinoid product shall be treated as if it is marijuana. Creates the hemp derived cannabinoid products fund and specifies purposes for which money in the fund shall be used. Imposes restrictions on advertising of hemp derived cannabinoid products. Imposes criminal penalties for violations of the hemp derived cannabinoid products law, and provides that a violation of the hemp derived cannabinoid products law is a deceptive act for purposes of Indiana law regarding deceptive consumer sales. Provides that for purposes of Indiana motor vehicle law: (1) "intoxicated" includes being under the influence of tetrahydrocannabinol; and (2) "schedule I drug" includes marijuana, hemp, and tetrahydrocannabinol. Provides that the state seed commissioner (commissioner) may issue hemp grower's licenses and hemp handler's licenses, and specifies licensure requirements and duties of licensees. Provides that the commissioner: (1) shall share information with the state police department regarding the commissioner's licensure of hemp growers and handlers; and (2) shall report specified information to the United States Secretary of Agriculture. Provides that Indiana's hemp growing programs may not operate above federal restrictions or limitations. Repeals chapters regarding: (1) distribution of low THC hemp extract; and (2) sale of low THC hemp extract. Provides that a retail establishment in which tobacco products and products containing THC (rather than tobacco products alone, under current law) account for 85% of the establishment's gross sales may not allow an individual under 21 years of age to enter the establishment. Adds federal definitions of certain hemp terms to the Indiana criminal code. Modifies definitions of "marijuana" and "smokable hemp" for purposes of the Indiana criminal code. Removes references to "delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol" and "low THC hemp extract" in certain crimes. Provides that nothing in Indiana: (1) alcohol and tobacco law; or (2) agriculture law; may be construed under the "inclusio unius, exclusio alterius" canon of construction as legalizing marijuana. Specifies situations in which a product shall be treated as if it is marijuana. Makes an appropriation.

Provides that an offense other than murder or treason is not bailable if: (1) the proof is evident or the presumption strong; and (2) the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community. This proposed amendment has been agreed to by one general assembly.