The following is a summary of the bills from the current legislative session that may be of interest to our membership. For the full text of each bill please go to:
https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills
Updated 01-24-2025
SB 11: Minor Access and Use of Social Media
Requires a social media operator to restrict a minor user’s access to social media without first obtaining verifiable parental consent for the minor user. Defines a “minor user” as an individual who is less than 16 years of age. Establishes a civil cause of action to allow a parent or legal guardian of a minor user who accesses social media without verifiable parental consent to bring a suit against the social media operator. Allows any person to bring an action for injunctive relief against a social media operator if the social media operator fails to implement a verifiable parental consent method. Allows the attorney general to: (1) bring an action against a social media operator that fails to implement a verifiable parental consent method; and (2) issue a civil investigative demand if the attorney general has reasonable cause to believe that any person is engaged in a violation. Creates a civil cause of action if a minor user is subject to social media bullying.
Defines “squatter” as an individual who occupies the property of another and who does not and has never had: (1) a rental agreement; (2) permission of the owner; or (3) another legal interest in the property. Permits a property owner to execute an affidavit stating that a squatter is occupying the person’s property, and requires a law enforcement agency to dispatch one or more law enforcement officers to remove the squatter within 48 hours (or a later period if necessary for reasons of public safety). Requires a dispatched law enforcement officer to remove the squatter from the property unless the law enforcement officer discovers credible written evidence that the person is not a squatter.
Provides that a person who knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly operates a vehicle in a repeated or continuous manner with the intent of causing a rotational skid commits reckless driving, a Class B misdemeanor, and increases the penalty if certain circumstances apply. Specifies that a person may request specialized driving privileges even after the initial hearing. Provides that a vehicle used to commit reckless driving involving a rotational skid or obstruction of traffic involving a rotational skid is subject to seizure for purposes of civil forfeiture if the person has a prior unrelated conviction for the offense. Increases the penalty for resisting law enforcement to a Level 5 felony if a person operates a vehicle in a manner that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person. Makes conforming amendments.
SB 16: Expulsion and Suspension
Provides that a student may be suspended or expelled only upon: (1) a determination that the student’s suspension or expulsion will prevent or substantially reduce the risk of interference with an educational function or school purposes, disruption of the school learning environment, or physical injury to the student, other students, school employees, or school visitors; and (2) in the case of an expulsion, a determination that all other available and appropriate disciplinary and behavioral interventions have been exhausted. Provides that notice to a parent of: (1) a student’s suspension or expulsion must include the rationale for the length of the suspension or expulsion; and (2) the right to appear at an expulsion meeting must include the behavioral and disciplinary interventions attempted, if any, and the rationale for the length of the expulsion. Provides that if a student is suspended, the student must be provided: (1) appropriate and available support services, as determined by the school, during the suspension period; and (2) an opportunity to receive credit for completion of make up work.
SB 17: Election of Lake County Superior Court Judges
Provides that the superior court judges of Lake County are elected as are 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.
SB 19: Driver Instructions of Law Enforcement Procedures
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.
SB 22: Eyewitness Identification Procedures
Establishes a procedure to be used by a law enforcement agency in conducting a lineup. Makes conforming amendments.
SB 26: Radio Frequency Jamming Devices
Provides that a radio frequency jamming device may be seized. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally owns, operates, uses, manufactures, possesses, buys, sells, or provides to another person a radio frequency jamming device commits unlawful radio frequency jamming, a Level 6 felony. Provides sentence enhancements.
SB 27: Firearms Buyback Programs
Extends, to political subdivisions, the application of current restrictions on firearm buyback programs. Prohibits a firearm buyback program that does not meet certain requirements related to staffing, serial number searches, firearm disposal, and disclosure of identifying information.
SB 38: Syringe Exchange Programs
Amends the definition of “qualified entity” to include the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of provisions governing syringe exchange programs.
SB 67: Secured School Safety Grants
Allows school corporations, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools to apply for a matching grant from the secured school fund to be used to provide funding for school employees to receive youth violence early intervention training or programming.
SB 70: Protection of Property Rights
Defines “squatter” as an individual who occupies the residential real property of another and who does not have and has never had: (1) a rental agreement; (2) permission of the owner; or (3) another legal interest in the residential real property; authorizing the individual to occupy the residential real property. Provides that under certain circumstances, a property owner may obtain an expedited removal of a squatter from the property owner’s residential real property.
SB 72: Therapist Immunity from Professional Discipline
Provides that the behavioral health and human services licensing board may not impose disciplinary sanctions against a practitioner if the basis of the licensing complaint is retaliatory against the practitioner for testifying in a child custody proceeding, a child in need of services proceeding, or a termination of parent-child relationship proceeding.
SB 74: Extension of Lifeline Law Immunity
Provides that an individual who is: (1) reasonably believed to be suffering from a health condition which is the direct result of alcohol consumption; and (2) assisted by a person who requested emergency medical assistance for the individual; is immune from prosecution for certain crimes.
Provides that a person at least 18 years of age commits sexual grooming, a Class A misdemeanor, if the person, with the intent to prepare or condition the child for future sexual activity, communicates with a child less than 14 years of age concerning sexual activity. Increases the penalty to a Level 6 felony if the grooming is committed by using a computer network, and to a Level 5 felony if the person has a prior conviction for a sex offense. Renames the offense of inappropriate communication with a child “sexual grooming”, and increases the penalty to: (1) a Class A misdemeanor for the base offense; (2) a Level 6 felony if the offense is committed by using a computer network; and (3) a Level 5 felony if the person has a prior conviction for a sex offense.
Prohibits plea agreements concerning: (1) promotion of child sexual trafficking; (2) promotion of sexual trafficking of a younger child; (3) child sexual trafficking; or (4) child solicitation; if a term of the plea agreement requires the prosecuting attorney to dismiss a charge in exchange for the defendant’s agreement to plead guilty to a less serious offense. Adds facilities that provide entertainment exclusively directed toward children to the list of facilities at which a sexually violent predator or an offender against children may not work or volunteer, and increases the penalty for the offense of unlawful employment by a sexual predator to a Level 4 felony, with an enhancement to a Level 3 felony if the person has a prior conviction based on the violation of a condition of sex offender registration. Provides that a sexually violent predator or an offender against children who knowingly or intentionally is present at a facility that provides entertainment exclusively directed toward children commits attendance at a juvenile entertainment facility by a sex offender, a Level 4 felony, with an enhancement to a Level 3 felony if the person has a prior conviction based on the violation of a condition of sex offender registration.
SB 95: Law Enforcement Training Cost Reimbursement
Allows the state, a state agency, or a political subdivision (public employer) to be reimbursed for the costs of employing and training a law enforcement officer by a public employer that subsequently employs the officer. Provides that the reimbursement amount decreases over time and is eliminated three years after the officer is certified by the law enforcement training board to act as an officer. Allows a public employer to require, as a condition of hiring, that the individual enter into a contract or agreement to reimburse the public employer for employment and training costs, if the individual is subsequently hired by a private or governmental employer that is not defined by statute as a public employer.
SB 98: Possession of Fentanyl Test Strips
Provides that the possession of a fentanyl test strip is not a crime.
SB 106: Rights of Public Safety Officers
Permits a public safety officer to bring a claim against a police department or fire department for a violation of the rights of public safety officers.
Removes provisions related to testing the strength, effectiveness, or purity of a controlled substance in the criminal laws concerning possession of controlled substance paraphernalia.
Allows certain convicted persons who have a chronic medical condition or are terminally ill or gravely disabled to file a petition for sentence modification, without the consent of the prosecuting attorney. Defines “chronic medical condition” and “terminally ill or gravely disabled” for purposes of filing a petition for sentence modification. Specifies that a court may not, without the consent of the prosecuting attorney, reduce or suspend a convicted person’s sentence: (1) that was not authorized by a plea agreement; or (2) that is below the sentence that the court was authorized to impose at the time of sentencing. Provides certain criteria that the court must consider when ruling on a petition for sentence modification. Allows the court to grant or deny a petitioner’s request for sentence modification, summarily dismiss the petition, or hold a hearing.
SB 120: DNA Samples at Time of Arrest
Requires a sheriff to take a DNA sample of a person taken into custody for a felony. Provides that it is a Class C misdemeanor if a person refuses to provide a DNA sample to a sheriff.
SB 138: Sale of Low THC Products to Persons Less Than 21
Provides that: (1) it is a Class B misdemeanor for a person to recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally sell, barter, exchange, provide, or furnish a product containing low THC hemp extract to a minor; (2) the offense is Class A misdemeanor if the person has a prior unrelated conviction under the statute; and (3) the offense is a Level 6 felony if the consumption, ingestion, or use of the product containing low THC hemp extract is the proximate cause of the serious bodily injury or death of any person.
SB 139: Expungement and Firearms
Specifies, for purposes of the expungement statute, that a person whose conviction for a serious violent felony involving the possession or use of a firearm is expunged is entitled to restoration of the person’s right to possess a firearm only if the court finds, following a hearing, that restoration of the person’s right to possess a firearm is unlikely to present a danger to the public.
SB 149: Electronic Monitoring Program Immunity
Adds judicial officers to the list of persons immune from civil liability for certain acts or omissions that occur in connection with the statute establishing electronic monitoring standards. (Current law provides that immunity does not apply to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.)
SB 151: Statute of Limitations
Allows the prosecution of Level 3 felony rape and child molesting offenses to be commenced at any time.
SB 152: Possession of Firearms
Prohibits a person from carrying a firearm in or near: (1) a chute; (2) polls; (3) certain areas where voters congregate or are likely to congregate; or (4) any room where ballots are being counted. Provides that the offense is a Class C misdemeanor. Enhances the offense to a: (1) Class A misdemeanor if the person has a prior unrelated conviction for the offense; or (2) Level 6 felony if the firearm is pointed at another person. Specifies: (1) a defense; and (2) certain notice requirements. Prohibits other defenses. Defines particular terms. Makes conforming amendments. Changes the minimum age required to carry a handgun to 21 years of age.
SB 153: Privately Made Firearms
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.
SB 155: Funeral Assistance for Minor Victims of Crime
Increases the amount of an allowable claim from the violent crime victims compensation fund for funeral, burial, or cremation to $10,000 if the victim is a minor (currently limited to $5,000).
Provides that a person who knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly operates a vehicle in a repeated or continuous manner with the intent of causing a rotational skid commits reckless driving, a Class B misdemeanor, and increases the penalty if certain circumstances apply. Specifies that a person may request specialized driving privileges even after the initial hearing. Specifies that a vehicle used to commit reckless driving involving a rotational skid or obstruction of traffic involving a rotational skid is subject to seizure for purposes of civil forfeiture. Increases the penalty for resisting law enforcement to a Level 5 felony if a person operates a vehicle in a manner that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person. Makes conforming amendments.
SB 159: Procedures for Obtaining a Warrant
Specifies that a judge or a prosecuting attorney shall record a request for a warrant made orally by telephone, radio, or similar electronic means. (Under current law, the judge is required to record the request.) Permits certain warrant requests to be: (1) made electronically (where current law only allows this by radio or telephone); and (2) recorded electronically (where current law only permits the use of audio tape).
Provides that a person may not advertise a product containing marijuana or a marijuana business by any medium within the borders of Indiana. Provides that the attorney general may seek civil penalties, an injunction, and other costs for violations. Provides that civil penalties shall be deposited in the state general fund.
SB 172: Failure to Assist in Immigration Enforcement
Makes it a Class B misdemeanor for: (1) a law enforcement officer to refuse to cooperate with state or federal agencies or officials in the enforcement of immigration laws; and (2) an individual to adopt a policy barring a law enforcement officer from cooperating with state or federal agencies or officials in the enforcement of immigration laws. Establishes certain defenses for the law enforcement officer.
SB174: Child Sex Abuse Material
Replaces the term “child pornography” with the term “child sex abuse material” throughout the Indiana Code.
SB 177: Child Seduction Committed by a Religious Leader
Includes a religious leader who volunteers in certain educational settings within the definition of “child care worker” for purposes of the crime of child seduction. Provides that a religious leader of a religious organization attended by a child less than 18 years of age who engages in certain sexual actions with the child commits child seduction.
Requires a person filing a petition for expungement to include the chronological case summary, if available. Permits disclosure to the state police department of certain sealed records if disclosure is required for the purpose of expunging or marking as expunged records in the central repository for criminal history information.
SB 196: Statue of Limitations
Allows the prosecution of Level 3 felony rape and child molesting offenses to be commenced at any time
Specifies that, for purposes of the crime of false informing, hindering a “law enforcement process” includes causing a law enforcement officer to be dispatched. Enhances the penalty for making a false report that a person is dangerous to a Level 6 felony if the offense causes a person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened.
SB 217: Expungement of Addiction Related Convictions
Establishes a procedure to permit a person: (1) with an addiction disorder related conviction; and (2) who has completed a high intensity residential treatment program; to expunge the person’s addiction disorder related conviction.
Amends the information that must be provided by a supervising agency in quarterly reports to the local justice reinvestment advisory council. Requires the statewide justice reinvestment advisory council to compile the quarterly reports and electronically transmit an annual report to the legislative council and to the judicial conference of Indiana not later than May 1(instead of March 15) of each year.
Provides that a person who, not having a contractual interest in the property, knowingly or intentionally enters the real property of another person after having been denied entry by the other person, that person’s agent, or a law enforcement officer commits criminal trespass, a Class A misdemeanor. Provides that a person who, not having a contractual interest in the property, knowingly or intentionally refuses to leave the real property of another person after having been asked to leave by the other person, that person’s agent, or a law enforcement officer commits criminal trespass, a Class A misdemeanor. Makes conforming changes.
SB 223: Compensation for Victims of Violent Crimes
Increases the compensation payable to victims of violent crimes: (1) for funeral, burial, or cremation expenses from $5,000 to $7,500; and (2) as an award to a claimant from $15,000 to $20,000.
Allows for the prosecution of: (1) child molesting to be commenced before the date the alleged victim reaches 51 years of age; and (2) rape to be commenced within 15 years after the commission of the offense.
SB 236: Enforcement of Federal Child Sex Crimes
Provides that a person who violates certain federal offenses concerning child sexual abuse commits a Level 1 felony. Allows the attorney general to do the following with respect to certain crimes against children: (1) investigate complaints of the criminal activity; (2) assist victims of the crimes; (3) cooperate with certain law enforcement agencies in the investigation of the crime; and (4) assist prosecutors in the investigation and prosecution of the crime. Allows the attorney general to cooperate with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children with an investigation of alleged offenses related to sexual exploitation of children. Allows the attorney general to notify a law enforcement agency and a prosecuting attorney if the attorney general has reasonable suspicion to believe that a person has committed certain offenses against a child. Allows a prosecuting attorney to deputize the attorney general or a deputy attorney general to prosecute certain offenses against children
SB 245: Abortion Inducing Drugs
Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally engages in the use of an abortion inducing drug, including Mifepristone or Misoprostol, on a pregnant woman without the knowledge or consent of the pregnant woman, commits a Level 5 felony. Prohibits a person from knowingly or intentionally sending Mifepristone or Misoprostol to another person located in Indiana, if the other person located in Indiana possesses the Mifepristone or Misoprostol. Provides that each offense is a Class A misdemeanor with a Level 6 felony for subsequent offenses. Adds Mifepristone and Misoprostol to the list of Schedule IV drugs.
SB247: Various Firearms Matters
Requires a person wishing to sell, trade, or transfer (transfer) a firearm to another person to transact the transfer through a dealer and provide the dealer with certain information. Specifies the background checks that a dealer must complete prior to the transaction. Permits a dealer to refuse to transact a firearm transfer. Requires a dealer to abort the transaction in other instances. Specifies requirements for a dealer who refuses to transact or aborts a firearm transfer. Makes a dealer immune from civil liability and damages in certain instances. Makes the offenses of firearm transfer fraud and the unlawful transfer of a firearm Level 6 felonies. Enhances both offenses in particular instances. Specifies exceptions and a defense. Requires a retail dealer to display a sign with language stating that failing to secure a firearm against unauthorized access poses a safety risk to children. Prohibits a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector from selling or delivering a: (1) firearm that is not a handgun to a person who is less than 21 years of age; or (2) semiautomatic assault weapon. Defines terms.
Provides that a person having the care of a dependent who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally fails to secure a loaded firearm in the person’s residence or vehicle commits neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony, if the dependent uses the firearm to cause bodily injury or death to any person. Enhances the offense to a Level 5 felony in particular instances. Specifies exceptions and defenses. Specifies sign requirements for retail dealers. Defines terms and makes conforming amendments.
SB 258: Enforcement of Trespassing Laws
Provides that a person who: (1) has previously been removed by a law enforcement officer from a property for trespassing; or (2) has a prior conviction for trespassing on the same property; commits criminal trespass if the person enters the property or refuses to leave the property after having been prohibited from entering or asked to leave the property by a law enforcement officer.
SB 259: Probable Cause Affidavit
Requires an affidavit for probable cause, or a person testifying at a probable cause hearing, to make certain disclosures relating to a possible conflict of interest.
Specifies that certain records relating to juvenile delinquency proceedings are accessible to a law enforcement officer acting within the scope of the officer’s duties, and requires persons having custody of these records to take steps to ensure that these records are available to the law enforcement officer in a timely manner. Repeals a provision requiring a court to expunge certain records on the court’s own motion. Prohibits the expungement of a crime of violence. Allows the expungement of official misconduct if: (1) the person seeking the expungement is not an elected official; and (2) the prosecuting attorney consents.
Provides that intimidation is a Level 6 felony if the subject of the threat is a public school, a state accredited nonpublic school, or a charter school.
SB 312: Exceptions to Paraphernalia Statutes
Provides that the controlled substance paraphernalia statutes do not apply to items marketed to detect the presence of a drug or controlled substance.
Requires, on or before July 1, 2026, the state police department (department), in consultation with the office of technology and the department of homeland security, to develop and implement the Indiana law enforcement data sharing program (program). Requires the department to establish rules for: (1) protocols regarding access to information and information accessible by a law enforcement agency; (2) safeguards to protect the integrity of the program; (3) confidentiality and data privacy requirements; (4) timely data submission and reporting requirements; and (5) compliance standards. Requires Indiana law enforcement agencies to provide data in a timely manner in accordance with rules established by the department. Makes annual appropriations to the department to develop and implement the program.
Increases the penalty levels of crimes related to fentanyl and methamphetamine. Increases the penalty levels of battery against a public safety official, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, battery resulting in serious bodily injury, battery against a public safety official that results in bodily injury, battery against an endangered adult resulting in serious bodily injury, battery against a child that results in serious bodily injury, battery that results in death, and aggravated battery. Provides that a court may not admit a person charged with a crime of violence to bail until the court has conducted a bail hearing in open court. Makes conforming changes.
SB 325: Burglary and Robbery of a Gun Retailer
Increases the penalty for burglary and robbery if the offense is committed on the premises of a firearm retail establishment. Makes conforming amendments.
SB 326: Offenses Against Children
Replaces the term “child pornography” with the term “child sex abuse material” throughout the Indiana Code. Provides that it is a defense to prosecution of child exploitation and possession of child sex abuse material if a school employee, department of child services employee, or attorney acting in the attorney’s capacity as legal counsel: (1) immediately notified law enforcement about the image or matter depicting the sexual conduct; and (2) did not duplicate, upload, download, or otherwise transfer the image or matter.
After marijuana is removed as a federal schedule I controlled substance, permits the use of medical cannabis by a person with a serious medical condition if certified by the person’s physician and establishes a procedure for the production and distribution of medical cannabis. Makes conforming amendments.
SB 342: Address Registry for Unlawful Aliens
Requires an unlawful alien to register with the local law enforcement authority in the alien’s county of residence. Makes failure to register a Class A misdemeanor, and increases the penalty to a Level 6 felony for a second or subsequent offense.
Prohibits a governmental agent from entering real property that is owned or occupied by a landowner without a warrant. Provides certain exceptions. Requires a governmental agent, upon entering real property, to: (1) take reasonable action to notify the landowner that the governmental agent has entered; (2) show the landowner a copy of the warrant, if applicable; and (3) activate any law enforcement recording device that is issued to the governmental agent. Provides that evidence obtained by entry on real property without a warrant or without a valid exception is inadmissible. Provides that a person may not be arrested if the probable cause for the arrest results solely from entry on real property without a warrant or valid exception. Establishes a civil cause of action if a governmental agent enters real property without a warrant or valid exception.
Increases the penalty for a person who: (1) makes a delivery sale of an e-liquid to an individual less than 21 years of age; (2) sells or distributes tobacco, an e-liquid, or an electronic cigarette to a person less than 21 years of age; and (3) purchases tobacco, an e-liquid, or an electronic cigarette for a person less than 21 years of age; from a Class C infraction to a Class B infraction. Makes it a Class B infraction for a person to make a delivery sale of a vapor product to an individual less than 21 years of age. Makes it a Class B infraction for a person to: (1) sell or distribute a vapor product to a person less than 21 years of age; and (2) purchase a vapor product for a person less than 21 years of age. Makes it a Class C infraction for a person less than 21 years of age to possess an e-liquid or vapor product.
SB 380: Threatening Leafleting
Creates the crime of threatening leafleting, a Class A misdemeanor, and provides a penalty enhancement.
SB386: Community Corrections Programs
Establishes a community corrections commissary fund (fund). Provides that the director of the community corrections program, or the director’s designee, shall deposit all money from a commissary that sells merchandise to participants in the particular community corrections program into the fund. Provides that a community corrections officer may sell merchandise from a commissary to a participant of the community corrections program. Provides that the director of a residential community corrections program, or the director’s designee, may receive confidential information from the Indiana scheduled prescription electronic collection and tracking (INSPECT) program.
Specifies that a law enforcement officer who, knowing that information is false or misleading, includes the false or misleading information in a police report commits false informing, a Class A misdemeanor.
Establishes a medical marijuana program (program), and permits caregivers and patients who have received a physician recommendation to possess a certain quantity of marijuana for treatment of certain medical conditions. Establishes a regulatory agency to oversee the program, and creates the regulatory agency advisory committee to review the effectiveness of the program and to consider recommendations from the regulatory agency. Authorizes the regulatory agency to grant research licenses to research facilities with a physical presence in Indiana. Repeals the controlled substance excise tax and the marijuana eradication program. Makes conforming amendments.
SB 404: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Child
Adds felony unlawful possession of a firearm by a child to the list of crimes for which a juvenile court shall, upon motion of the prosecuting attorney, waive jurisdiction under certain circumstances. Removes certain crimes concerning children and firearms from the list of crimes in which a juvenile court does not have jurisdiction for an alleged violation. Removes language in the unlawful carrying of a handgun statute prohibiting a person less than 18 years of age from carrying a handgun. Provides that the unlawful carrying of a handgun statute applies to a person who has been adjudicated as a delinquent child under the statute, and is at least 18 years of age but less than 23 years of age. Renames the “dangerous possession of a firearm” crime to “unlawful possession of a firearm by a child” and provides that the enhanced penalty applies if the offense was committed: (1) on or in school property; (2) within 500 feet of school property; or (3) on a school bus. Removes the reckless mens rea for unlawful possession of a firearm by a child. Makes technical changes.
SB 410: Preventative Detention and Presumptive Release
Provides that a trial court may not release on bail a defendant if the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that a defendant poses a substantial risk and the proof is evident or the presumption strong. Establishes a procedure for the state to petition the trial court for a determination that a defendant poses a substantial risk. Provides that for an arrestee whose most serious pending charge is a misdemeanor or a Level 6 felony, the arrestee is presumptively entitled to release without money bail or surety. Provides that an arrestee is not presumptively entitled to release without money bail or surety if certain conditions apply.
SB 419: Crimes Against Health Care Workers
Defines “health care provider”. Provides that the offense of battery is a Level 6 felony if it is committed against a health care provider while the health care provider is acting within the scope of the health care provider’s duties. Provides that the offense of battery is a Level 5 felony if it is committed against a health care provider while the health care provider is acting within the scope of the health care provider’s duties and: (1) it results in bodily injury to the health care provider; or (2) the person places bodily fluids or waste on the health care provider. Provides that the offense of intimidation is a Level 5 felony if the subject of the threat or the person to whom the threat is communicated is a health care provider and the threat relates to the person’s status as a health care provider. Makes conforming changes.
SB 420: Transfer of High Risk Persons from County Jail
Establishes a procedure for the transfer of an inmate from a county jail to another county jail or the department of correction if the inmate: (1) poses a serious risk of escape; (2) demonstrates violent or aggressive behavior; or (3) needs to be protected from other inmates.
SB 429: Public Safety and Noncitizen Crimes
Increases the penalty for operating a motor vehicle without having ever received a driver’s license to: (1) a Level 6 felony if the crime results in serious bodily injury to another person; and (2) a Level 5 felony if the crime results in catastrophic injury or death to another person. Makes it a Class A misdemeanor to permit an individual who has never received a driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle if the person who owns the vehicle knows that the individual has never received a license. Makes it a Class A misdemeanor to apply for a driver’s license or permit with the intent to transfer the license or permit to an individual not entitled to the license or permit, and increases the penalty to: (1) a Level 6 felony if the offense involves at least two but less than 10 individuals, or if the person uses a business or nonprofit organization to commit the offense; and (2) a Level 5 felony if the offense involves at least 10 individuals. Requires the prosecuting attorney of each judicial circuit to collect certain information relating to crimes committed by noncitizens and to transmit this information to the attorney general. Requires a court, when sentencing a noncitizen convicted of a crime, to order custody of the noncitizen to be transferred to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) upon completion of the sentence, unless another jurisdiction has a hold on the individual due to criminal charges or a conviction.
SB 440: Illegal Immigrants and Motor Vehicle Crimes
Adds an aggravating circumstance for an offense involving the use of a motor vehicle and that the person was illegally or unlawfully present in the United States at the time of the offense.
Requires inservice training about the seizure and retention of firearms owned by an allegedly dangerous individual. Specifies that the office of judicial administration shall report a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in conviction data it transmits to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for inclusion in the NICS data base. Provides that a court may require a defendant who has at least one conviction for invasion of privacy and is charged with a crime of domestic violence to complete rehabilitative services. Requires a court to conduct an evidence based risk assessment for a defendant who has at least one conviction for invasion of privacy and is charged with a crime of domestic violence. Provides that a court shall require a person to wear a monitoring device as a condition of bail if the person is charged with a crime of domestic violence and has a prior unrelated conviction. Requires a court to order a person convicted of a crime of domestic violence to relinquish any firearms in the person’s possession. Requires that if the rightful owner of a firearm has been convicted of murder, a law enforcement agency shall destroy the firearm. Provides that a person who has been convicted of a crime of domestic violence and knowingly or intentionally possesses a firearm commits a Class A misdemeanor. Provides the process for firearm confiscation. Adds a person convicted of two or more offenses under invasion of privacy to the definition of “dangerous” for purposes of the seizure and retention of a firearm. Adds that a violation of a civil protection order under the Indiana Civil Protection Order Act may be used to establish that an individual is dangerous for the purposes of the seizure and retention of a firearm.
SB 479: Transportation of Minor for Prohibited Procedures
Makes assisting a child in procuring a gender transition procedure a Level 6 felony.
SB 483: Regulation of Homeschooling
Requires a parent who withdraws the parent’s chronically absent child from a public school in order to homeschool the child to: (1) present to the school from which the child is withdrawing a plan regarding the curriculum and courses the child will complete while homeschooled; (2) meet with the superintendent of the school from which the child is withdrawing not less than two times each semester for the first full school year in which the student is homeschooled to provide a progress report; and (3) meet with the superintendent not less than two times annually for each subsequent school year. Requires a superintendent to designate a homeschooled student as a habitual truant and report the student to an intake officer of the juvenile court or the department of child services and the prosecuting attorney under certain conditions. Requires a superintendent to provide the parent of a homeschooled student with a notice of compulsory attendance violation under certain conditions.
Creates the crime of masked intimidation, a Class A misdemeanor.
SB533: Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights
Provides certain procedural protections for victims of sexual assault, including the rights guaranteed to a victim as they relate to: (1) a victim’s ability to have a support person present during a forensic medical exam or an interview with a law enforcement officer, prosecuting attorney, or defense attorney; (2) a victim’s right to be interviewed by a law enforcement officer of the gender of the victim’s choosing; (3) the collection and analysis of sexual assault forensic evidence from the victim; (4) a victim’s ability to obtain a copy of a law enforcement report concerning the sexual assault; (5) notice to victims; and (6) legal procedures provided to protect a victim during a legal proceeding. Creates a civil cause of action for a violation of a victim’s rights. Establishes the rights of victims of sexual assault commission.
Allows individuals with a terminal illness who meet certain requirements to make a request to an attending provider for medication that the individual may self-administer to bring about death. Specifies requirements a provider must meet in order to prescribe the medication to a patient. Prohibits an insurer from denying payment of benefits under a life insurance policy based upon a suicide clause in the life insurance policy if the death of the insured individual is the result of medical aid in dying. Establishes a Level 1 felony if a person: (1) without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals, or destroys a request for medication or a rescission of a request for medication with the intent or effect of causing the individual’s death; or (2) knowingly or intentionally coerces or exerts undue influence on an individual to request medication to bring about death or to destroy a rescission of a request for medication to bring about death. Establishes a Class A misdemeanor if a person, without authorization of the patient, willfully alters, forges, conceals, or destroys a request for medication or a rescission of a request for medication in order to affect a health care decision by the individual. Establishes certain criminal and civil immunity for health care providers.
HB 1014: Consecutive Terms of Imprisonment for Misdemeanors
Limits the total of the consecutive terms of imprisonment to which a defendant is sentenced for misdemeanor convictions arising out of an episode of criminal conduct.
HB 1021: Training in Human Trafficking Awareness
Requires a food or lodging establishment to do the following: (1) Require each employee of the food or lodging establishment to annually complete a training course offered by the United States Department of Homeland Security in recognizing and responding to human trafficking (training requirement). (2) Maintain for each employee a written record of the title and date of completion of each training course completed by the employee (training records). (3) Include in the food or lodging establishment’s biennial report to the secretary of state an attestation that the food or lodging establishment has complied with the training requirement in each of the two years covered by the report. (4) Post in a location in the food or lodging establishment that is readily accessible by all employees of the food or lodging establishment a conspicuous written notice: (A) asking employees to report suspected human trafficking; and (B) providing contact information for state and federal agencies to which suspected human trafficking can be reported. Provides that the office of the secretary of state may audit the training records of a food or lodging establishment to verify the food or lodging establishment’s attestation regarding the training requirement in the food or lodging establishment’s biennial report.
HB 1026: Marijuana Advertising
Provides that a person may not advertise: (1) a product containing marijuana; or (2) a marijuana business; on a sign within 1,000 feet of certain places. Provides that the attorney general may seek civil penalties, an injunction, and other costs for violations. Provides that civil penalties shall be deposited in the state general fund.
HB 1030: Repeal of Death Penalty
Repeals the law concerning the imposition and execution of death sentences and makes conforming amendments. Specifies that if a person was sentenced to death and is awaiting execution of the death sentence, the person’s death sentence is commuted to a sentence of life imprisonment without parole. Provides that when a defendant is charged with a murder for which the state seeks a sentence of life imprisonment without parole, the defendant may file a petition alleging that the defendant is an individual with an intellectual disability. Provides that if a defendant who is determined to be an individual with an intellectual disability is convicted of murder, the court may sentence the defendant only to a fixed term of imprisonment.
HB 1034: Indecent Displays by Incarcerated Individuals
Creates the crime of indecent exposure in a penal facility, a Class C misdemeanor.
HB 1047: Law Enforcement Officer Drug and Alcohol Testing
Provides that, on or before July 1, 2025, each law enforcement agency shall adopt and implement protocols to administer drug and alcohol testing to a law enforcement officer immediately after the law enforcement officer uses deadly force in the pursuit or apprehension of an individual.
HB 1056: Controlled Substances
Adds 2-Methyl AP-237 to the list of schedule I controlled substances.
HB 1063: Discriminatory Profiling and Pretextual Stops
Honors the memory of Byron Ratcliffe Sr. by doing the following: (1) Prohibits discriminatory profiling and pretextual stops (discriminatory profiling and stops) by law enforcement based on perceived age, gender, race, or ethnicity. (2) Requires law enforcement agencies to: (A) adopt policies regarding discriminatory profiling and stops; (B) submit discriminatory profiling and stops data to the attorney general for inclusion in an annual report to the legislative council; and (C) establish standards for the use of vehicle and body cameras. (3) Establishes law enforcement officer training regarding discriminatory profiling and stops. (4) Establishes the discriminatory profiling review commission to review complaints. (5) Provides for a civil action based on discriminatory profiling and stops.
HB1072: Domestic Violence Investigations
Requires law enforcement agencies to use a domestic violence risk assessment when responding to a domestic violence incident.
HB 1091: Sexual Battery Against a Law Enforcement Officer
Provides an enhancement for sexual battery that is committed against a law enforcement officer.
HB 1092: Funding for Public Safety Training
Appropriates $2,000,000 from the state general fund to the department of homeland security (department) to be used by the department for the purpose of providing mental health and wellness training for: (1) law enforcement officers; (2) emergency medical services providers; and (3) full-time firefighters.
HB 1093: Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights
Requires law enforcement agencies and prosecuting attorneys to annually submit certain information concerning sexual assault to the Indiana criminal justice institute (institute). Requires the institute to annually submit a report to the state sexual assault response team (team) summarizing the information. Provides certain procedural protections for victims of sexual assault, including the rights guaranteed to a victim as they relate to: (1) the collection and analysis of sexual assault forensic evidence from the victim; (2) a victim’s ability to obtain a copy of a law enforcement report concerning the sexual assault; and (3) legal procedures provided to protect a victim during a legal proceeding. Requires specified information to be included in the statewide sexual assault examination tracking system. Requires the team to study best practices and make recommendations concerning sexual assault response and victims’ rights. Requires the team, not later than May 31, 2027, to report its findings and recommendations to the general assembly, the governor, and the attorney general
HB 1096: Sex Crimes Committed by Law Enforcement Officers
Provides that the state may seek an enhancement to the sentence of a sex offense committed by a law enforcement officer. Provides that for purposes of the sentence enhancement, the definition of “law enforcement officer” includes a school resource officer or school corporation police officer.
HB 1097: Awareness of Human Trafficking
Requires gas stations to display human trafficking awareness posters.
HB 1099: Safe Haven Infants and Foster Youth
Provides that the maximum age for a safe haven infant is 60 days of age. Repeals the definition of “abandoned child”. Amends the definition of “foster youth”. Makes conforming changes.
HB 1107: Funding for Family Recovery Courts
Establishes the family recovery court fund and provides that money in the fund is continuously appropriated for the purpose of funding family recovery courts. Provides that family recovery courts: (1) target cases of abuse or neglect wherein a parent or primary caregiver suffers from a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders; and (2) are certified as problem solving courts by the office of judicial administration.
HB 1114: Driving without a License
Adds the following criminal offenses for an individual who knowingly or intentionally operates a motor vehicle on a highway and has never received a valid driver’s license: (1) A Class A misdemeanor if the operation of the motor vehicle results in bodily injury. (2) A Level 6 felony if the operation of the motor vehicle results in serious bodily injury. (3) A Level 5 felony if the operation of the motor vehicle results in the death or catastrophic injury of another person.
HB 1119: Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated
Provides that a person who operates a vehicle with at least five nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the person’s saliva, as identified by a qualified test, commits the offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. (Current law provides that a person commits the offense if the person has any measurable amount of THC in the person’s blood.) Defines “qualified test”. Removes the metabolite of a controlled substance listed in schedule I or II as an element from the offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
HB 1122: Unlawful Encroachment
Authorizes a law enforcement officer to order a person to stop approaching the law enforcement officer if the officer reasonably believes that the person’s presence within 25 feet of the officer will interfere with the performance of the officer’s duties. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally approaches within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer after being ordered to stop approaching commits unlawful encroachment on a law enforcement officer, a Class C misdemeanor.
HB 1124: Offender Against Children Residency Restrictions
Provides that an offender against children who: (1) is required to register as a sex offender for life; and (2) knowingly or intentionally resides within 1,000 feet of certain areas owned, maintained, and governed by a homeowners association or property owner’s association; commits a sex offender residency offense, a Level 6 felony.
HB 1137: Expungement of Red Flag Law Records
Requires a court to expunge certain records related to the red flag law if the court finds that an individual is not dangerous or is no longer dangerous.
HB 1145: Decriminalization of Marijuana
Decriminalizes possession of two ounces or less of marijuana.
Adds gender identity to the definition of “bias crime”.
HB 1155: Signal Jamming Devices
Provides that a signal jammer may be seized. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally manufactures, offers for sale, imports, markets, sells, possesses, uses, or operates a signal jammer commits unlawful use of a signal jammer, a Class A misdemeanor. Provides a sentence enhancement.
HB 1170: Elimination of Gun-Free Zones
Provides, with some exceptions, that beginning July 1, 2025, the state of Indiana may not regulate: (1) firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories; and (2) the ownership, possession, carrying, transportation, registration, transfer, and storage of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories. Specifies that a certain provision of an ordinance, measure, enactment, rule, policy, or exercise of proprietary authority is void. Provides that a person not otherwise prohibited from carrying or possessing a firearm under federal or state law may carry or possess a firearm, without restriction, on certain property affiliated with the following state agencies beginning July 1, 2025: (1) The department of natural resources. (2) The state fair commission. (3) The department of administration. (4) The department of workforce development. Prohibits, with some exceptions, a state educational institution (institution) from regulating the possession or transportation of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories in particular places. Allows a person to bring an action against an institution if the person is adversely affected by certain rules concerning firearms.
Specifies that “reasonable force” includes the pointing of a loaded or unloaded firearm for purposes of arrest or to prevent an escape, or for self-defense.
Permits the use of medical marijuana by persons with serious medical conditions as determined by their physician. Establishes a medical marijuana program to permit the cultivation, processing, testing, transportation, and dispensing of medical marijuana by holders of a valid permit. Requires the Indiana department of health (state department) to implement and enforce the medical marijuana program. Requires that permit holders undertake steps to prevent diversion of medical marijuana to unauthorized persons. Requires that medical marijuana and medical marijuana products be properly labeled, placed in child resistant packaging, and tested by an independent testing laboratory before being made available for purchase. Prohibits packaging medical marijuana in a manner that is appealing to children. Authorizes research on medical marijuana in accordance with rules set forth by the state department. Prohibits discrimination against medical marijuana users. Prohibits harassment of medical marijuana users by law enforcement officers, and prohibits cooperation with federal law enforcement officials seeking to enforce federal laws that criminalize the use of marijuana authorized in Indiana. Establishes the medical marijuana oversight committee to review appeals and grievances concerning the medical marijuana program. Provides a defense to prosecution for a person who operates a vehicle or motorboat with marijuana or its metabolite in the person’s blood under certain conditions that involve medical marijuana. Makes conforming amendments.
HB 1186: Law Enforcement Matters
Provides that a correctional professional is considered a public safety officer for purposes of determining eligibility for line of duty death benefits. (Current law provides that a correctional officer is considered a public safety officer for determining eligibility line of death benefits.) Provides that a law enforcement officer who: (1) has successfully completed Tier II or Tier III basic requirements; or (2) has completed a pre-basic program and will timely complete Tier II or Tier III basic training requirements; may only exercise police powers when the law enforcement officer is carrying out the duties of the law enforcement agency that appointed the law enforcement officer within the geographic jurisdiction of the appointing law enforcement agency. Provides that a Tier II or Tier III program graduate may exercise certain police powers outside the jurisdiction of the appointing law enforcement agency if the appointing law enforcement agency enters into an agreement with another law enforcement agency that is authorized to employ a Tier II or Tier III program graduate, or an entity that sets forth the extent of police powers the law enforcement officer may exercise. Makes changes to penalties for highway worksite violations. Increases the penalty for criminal recklessness from a Class B to a Class A misdemeanor. Provides that criminal recklessness is a: (1) Level 6 felony if the crime is committed while armed with a deadly weapon or is committed while operating a vehicle; (2) Level 5 felony if the person committed pointing a firearm while committing aggressive driving; (3) Level 4 felony if the crime is committed by shooting a firearm into a dwelling or other building or place where people are likely to gather or the person commits aggressive driving that results in serious bodily injury to another person; or (4) Level 3 felony if the crime is committed by shooting a firearm into an occupied motor vehicle or the person committed aggressive driving that results in the death or catastrophic injury of another person. Provides that a Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5 felony of criminal recklessness is considered a serious violent felony for purposes of unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. Adds a hospital police department to the definition of police departments required to provide police officers with certain rights.
HB 1188: Resisting Law Enforcement
Increases certain penalties for resisting law enforcement.
HB 1199: Mental Health Support for Law Enforcement Officers
Requires a political subdivision to contract with mental health providers for the purpose of supplementing existing crisis intervention teams with mental health professionals. Specifies certain eligibility requirements for mental health professionals’ rapid response assistance. Requires a mental health professional who is appointed to accompany responding law enforcement or police officers to a call or be separately dispatched to an emergency involving a mental health or substance use disorder crisis. Provides that a law enforcement officer or police officer (officer) may not be held liable for damages, including punitive damages, for any act or omission related to a mental health professional’s contribution to a crisis intervention team or a crisis intervention team response. Specifies that no other person or entity may be held liable for certain damages by reason of an agency relationship with an officer. Defines certain terms.
HB 1266: Statue of Limitation for Certain Sex Crimes
Allows the prosecution of Level 1 and Level 2 felony sex offenses to be commenced at any time. Makes conforming changes
HB 1267: Statue of Limitations
Allows for the prosecution of: (1) child molesting to be commenced before the date the alleged victim reaches 51 years of age; and (2) rape to be commenced within 15 years after the commission of the offense.
HB 1279: Sexual Predator Employment
Prohibits a sexually violent predator or an offender against children from working in any setting where the offender: (1) has more than incidental and occasional contact with a child who is not accompanied by the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian; (2) has supervisory or disciplinary power over a child; or (3) is expected to touch a child on a more than incidental and occasional basis.
Increases the penalty for reckless homicide and criminal recklessness if a person commits aggressive driving that results in the death or catastrophic injury of another person.
HB 1282: Age of Compulsory Attendance
Provides that a student is bound by compulsory school attendance requirements from the beginning of the fall school term for the school year in which the student is six years of age on August 1 of that school year. (Current law provides that a student is bound by compulsory school attendance requirements from the beginning of the fall school term for the school year in which the student becomes seven years of age.) Makes conforming amendments.
Prohibits citizen’s arrests. Makes conforming amendments.
Provides that knowingly or intentionally taking a motor vehicle from another person is robbery, a Level 4 felony. Provides enhancements. Makes a confirming change.
HB 1305: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Screening
Requires each school corporation and charter school to develop a plan to conduct developmentally appropriate evidence based: (1) mental health screening; and (2) substance use disorder screening; for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Establishes notification, consent, and data destruction requirements. Requires the department of education to make available to school corporations and charter schools developmentally appropriate evidence based mental health screening and substance use disorder screening tools and resources.
HB 1317: Surrender of Firearms for Domestic Violence Crimes
Provides that a person who: (1) has been convicted of a crime of domestic violence; and (2) knowingly or intentionally possesses a firearm; commits a Class A misdemeanor. Specifies certain defenses. Requires a court to issue an order, upon entry of a judgment of conviction for domestic battery or a crime of domestic violence, that: (1) prohibits ownership or possession of a firearm; (2) requires the defendant to surrender: (A) any firearm owned or possessed by the defendant; and (B) any license or permit to carry a handgun (license) owned or possessed by the defendant; and (3) requires confiscation, within 72 hours, of any firearm or license owned or possessed by the defendant. Provides that a domestic batterer who knowingly or intentionally fails to surrender a certain firearm or license commits a Class A misdemeanor, enhanced to a Level 6 felony in specific instances. Provides certain defenses. Specifies how a confiscated firearm or license shall be returned or disposed of if a person’s right to possess a firearm is restored. Defines certain terms. Makes conforming amendments.
HB 1321: Social Media Use by Minors
Provides that a social media service may not allow an Indiana resident who is a minor to hold an account with the social media service unless the social media service receives written consent to the minor’s use of the social media service from the minor’s parent or guardian. Requires a social media service to configure the account of a registered user that the social media service knows, or reasonably should know, is: (1) a minor; and (2) an Indiana resident; in a specified manner. Provides that a social media service that violates these provisions is subject to: (1) an enforcement action by the attorney general; and (2) a civil action by the parent or guardian of the minor with regard to whom the violation pertains. Provides for restrictions on the retention, use, and collection of personal information for purposes of age verification by a social media service and provides that a social media service is subject to a civil action by an individual with regard to whom the social media service violates the restrictions.
HB1322: Blockchain Technology: State Investment in Bitcoin
Provides that not later than March 1, 2026, the department of administration (department) shall issue a request for information for purposes of exploring how the use of blockchain technology could be used by a state agency to: (1) achieve greater cost efficiency and cost effectiveness; and (2) improve consumer convenience, experience, data security, and data privacy. Requires the department to compile a report concerning the request for information and submit the report to the legislative council not later than October 1, 2026. Allows funds held by the public employees’ retirement fund, the state teachers’ retirement fund, or public officers of the state to be invested in certain Bitcoin exchange traded funds.
HB 1327: Marijuana Advertising
Provides that a person may not advertise a product containing marijuana or a marijuana business by any medium within the borders of Indiana. Provides that the attorney general may seek civil penalties, an injunction, and other costs for violations. Provides that civil penalties shall be deposited in the state general fund. Provides that the chapter added by this act expires on July 1 following the date that the federal government removes marijuana as a schedule I controlled substance.
Requires the bureau of motor vehicles to suspend or revoke the current driver’s license or driving privileges of an individual who is convicted of a moving traffic offense that causes the serious bodily injury or death of a vulnerable road user.
Establishes a procedure for the lawful production and sale of cannabis in Indiana. Makes conforming amendments. Makes an appropriation.
HB 1342: Use of Public Restrooms
Makes it a Class B misdemeanor if: (1) a male knowingly or intentionally enters a restroom that is designated to be used only by females; or (2) a female knowingly or intentionally enters a restroom that is designated to be used only by males. Provides certain defenses.
HB 1350: Judicial Immunity Concerning Electronic Monitoring
Adds judges to the list of persons immune from civil liability for certain acts or omissions that occur in connection with the statute establishing electronic monitoring standards. (Current law provides that immunity does not apply to gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.)
HB 1386: Community Corrections Program
Specifies that a community corrections program is a political subdivision for purposes of: (1) the statute prohibiting legal actions by political subdivisions against the firearms industry; and (2) the tort claims act. Makes a conforming change to cross-reference the statute authorizing the establishment of community corrections programs.
HB 1399: State Offense for Illegal Immigration
Creates the crime of unlawful presence in Indiana by an alien, a Class A misdemeanor.
HB 1403: Juvenile Justice Matters
Amends the duties of the statewide juvenile justice oversight body established by the commission on improving the status of children in Indiana (oversight body). Requires the Indiana criminal justice institute (institute) to consider the recommendations of the oversight body (rather than consider only a single, specified plan developed by the oversight body as provided under current law) in adopting a funding formula for the juvenile diversion grant program, juvenile community alternatives grant program, and juvenile behavioral health competitive grant pilot program. Requires a recipient of a grant under the juvenile diversion grant program, juvenile community alternatives grant program, or juvenile behavioral health competitive grant pilot program to engage in collaborative service planning with specified entities, and sets out the characteristics of collaborative service planning. Makes the following changes with regard to the juvenile behavioral health competitive grant pilot program (pilot program): (1) Provides that the institute may use available funds to strengthen the institute’s capacity to manage grants under the pilot program. (2) Requires the institute to submit an annual report to specified recipients regarding the pilot program. Amends comparable provisions regarding: (1) the juvenile diversion grant program and juvenile community alternatives grant program; and (2) the pilot program; to bring the provisions into closer conformity with one another.
HB1410: Ban on sale of Flavored Tobacco and E-liquids
Prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco products and their components, including: (1) cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco; and (2) tobacco products that have a characterizing flavor. Provides that a person or entity that sells a flavored tobacco product commits a Class C misdemeanor and may have the person’s or entity’s tobacco sales certificate revoked by the alcohol and tobacco commission.
HB 1418: Employing an Unauthorized Alien
Requires certain employers to use the E-Verify program to verify the work eligibility status of all employees of the employer hired after June 30, 2025. Prohibits an employer from intentionally doing the following: (1) Employing an unauthorized alien. (2) Entering a contract, subcontract, or an independent contractor agreement with a person: (A) to obtain the labor of an unauthorized alien in Indiana; or (B) that employs or contracts with an unauthorized alien. Specifies a process by which an individual may submit a complaint alleging a violation of these prohibitions. Requires the attorney general or the prosecuting attorney to: (1) investigate the complaint; (2) make a determination on the complaint; and (3) if the determination is made that the complaint is not false and frivolous, provide notice of the unauthorized alien to certain entities. Requires the prosecuting attorney to bring an action against the employer if the determination is made that the complaint is not false and frivolous. Specifies what the court must order if the court finds that an employer committed a violation. Specifies defenses and a rebuttable presumption
HB 1455: Chemical Castration for Certain Sex Offenders
Allows a court to order that a sex offender, whose victim was under 14 years of age, may only be eligible for parole, probation, or community corrections if the sex offender consents to chemical castration treatment. Makes it a Level 4 felony if a person who consents to chemical castration treatment knowingly or intentionally stops receiving the chemical castration treatment. Requires the department of correction to administer, or contract with a provider to administer, chemical castration treatments.
HB1471: Law Enforcement Officer Criminal Convictions
Establishes the procedure for placing a law enforcement officer’s name on a Giglio list. Provides notice and reconsideration procedures. Provides requirements for prosecuting attorneys and law enforcement officers. Provides civil immunity to prosecuting attorneys for acts related to a Giglio list.
Specifies that certain records relating to juvenile delinquency proceedings are accessible to a law enforcement officer acting within the scope of the officer’s duties, and requires persons having custody of these records to take steps to ensure that these records are available to the law enforcement officer in a timely manner. Repeals a provision requiring a court to expunge certain records on the court’s own motion. Prohibits the expungement of a crime of violence. Allows the expungement of official misconduct if: (1) the person seeking the expungement is not an elected official; and (2) the prosecuting attorney consents.
HB 1516: Ban on Vapor Products Sales to Persons Under 21
Prohibits a person less than 21 years of age (underage person) from: (1) purchasing or receiving a nicotine-free electronic cigarette; or (2) purchasing or receiving an e-liquid vaporizer (vapor product). Restricts: (1) the sales and distribution of vapor products to underage persons; (2) the location of vending machines containing e-liquids, nicotine-free electronic cigarettes, or vaporizers where underage persons are present; and (3) use of self-service displays to sell e-liquids, nicotine-free electronic cigarettes, or vaporizers. Includes vaporizer and nicotine free electronic cigarette sales in the gross retail sales amount that determines whether an underage person can enter the retail establishment.
HB 1535: Sentencing of Aliens Unlawfully Present
Makes it a sentencing aggravator that the person is or has been an alien unlawfully present in the United States.
HB 1542: Sale of Kratom Consumable Products
Provides for regulation of the sale of kratom consumable products as follows: (1) Provides that a person must register with the Indiana state department of agriculture (department) in order to manufacture, distribute, or sell a kratom consumable product in Indiana. (2) Provides restrictions on the content of specified substances in a kratom consumable product (content restrictions), and provides for: (A) both civil and criminal penalties for violations; and (B) defenses to imposition of a penalty for a violation. (3) Prohibits the knowing or negligent sale of a kratom consumable product: (A) to an individual less than 21 years of age; (B) without verifying the age of the purchaser under specified conditions; (C) that violates the content restrictions; or (D) through specified retail displays or locations; and provides for civil penalties, and defenses to the imposition of a civil penalty, for violations. (4) Prohibits: (A) a person from knowingly or negligently providing a kratom consumable product to a person less than 21 years of age; (B) a person less than 21 years of age from knowingly or intentionally possessing, purchasing, or attempting to purchase a kratom consumable product; (C) an individual from knowingly or intentionally obtaining or attempting to obtain a kratom consumable product using fraudulent or altered proof of the individual’s age or identity; and (D) an individual from knowingly or intentionally allowing another person to use the individual’s identification for the purpose of assisting the other person in unlawfully obtaining a kratom consumable product; and provides for criminal penalties for a violation. (5) Requires: (A) a manufacturer of a kratom consumable product; and (B) under specified circumstances, a distributor of a kratom consumable product; to have samples of the a kratom consumable product tested for compliance with the content restrictions, and provides for civil penalties for a violation. (6) Imposes requirements regarding labeling, packaging, and marketing of kratom consumable products, and provides for civil penalties for a violation. (7) Requires a person that sells a kratom consumable product in Indiana to provide notice to the department of each variety of kratom consumable product sold by the person in Indiana. Creates the kratom regulation fund for the purpose of funding enforcement of regulations regarding kratom consumable products and provides that: (1) civil penalties collected for violations of regulations regarding kratom consumable products; and (2) registration fees for manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of kratom consumable products; are deposited in the fund. Makes an appropriation.
HB 1554: Driving with Suspended Driving Privileges
Provides that a person who operates a motor vehicle after the person’s driving privileges are forfeited for life commits a Level 6 felony.
Prohibits a court from requiring an arrestee to pay bail as a condition of pretrial release, unless: (1) the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the arrestee is a flight risk or danger to the community; (2) the arrestee is charged with murder or treason; (3) the arrestee is on pretrial release not related to the incident that is the basis for the present arrest; or (4) the arrestee is on probation, parole, or other community supervision. Requires that the amount of bail be the lowest amount required, based on the defendant’s financial circumstances, to assure the HB arrestee’s appearance at trial and to protect the community.
Requires the family and social services administration to provide address information to the department of child services (department) under specified circumstances. Provides that it is the policy of the state of Indiana and the purpose of Indiana family and juvenile law to: (1) recognize the responsibility of the state and of the department for the safety of children who are abused or neglected; (2) recognize that a parent’s interest in receiving services at the time and expense of the state for purposes of reunification is limited; (3) promote the safety of all children involved in the juvenile justice system; and (4) ensure timely placement of children in foster care into permanent homes. Provides that a procedural deadline in a: (1) child in need of services (CHINS) proceeding; or (2) termination of parent-child relationship (TPR) proceeding; is not subject to waiver, whether affirmative or implied, by a party to the proceeding. Provides that an individual with whom a child is placed during CHINS proceedings is entitled to attend, in its entirety, any hearing conducted as part of: (1) the CHINS proceedings; or (2) TPR proceedings resulting from a TPR petition filed with regard to the child during the CHINS proceedings. Provides that a court shall allow an individual who is providing care and supervision of a child as: (1) a foster parent; (2) a long term foster parent; or (3) an unlicensed kinship caregiver; at the time the child is the subject of a CHINS proceeding or TPR proceeding to intervene as a party during any stage of the proceeding if the court makes specified findings. Provides that a court shall allow an individual who is providing care and supervision for a child to intervene in a TPR proceeding concerning the child. Provides that a child is a CHINS if, before the child becomes 18 years of age: (1) the child’s physical or mental health is seriously endangered due to failure of the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian to protect the child from exposure to the use, possession, sale, or manufacture of illegal drugs; and (2) the child needs care, treatment, or rehabilitation that the child is not receiving and is unlikely to be provided or accepted without the coercive intervention of the court. Removes a rebuttable presumption in current law that a child’s physical or mental health is seriously endangered based on evidence of illegal manufacture of a drug or controlled substance occurring at the child’s residence and provides that there is a rebuttable presumption that a child is a CHINS if the court finds that the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian willfully or knowingly: (1) exposed the child to the illegal manufacture or distribution of a legend drug or controlled substance; or (2) exposed the child to: (A) methamphetamine; (B) fentanyl; or (C) a fentanyl containing substance; for which the parent, guardian, or custodian did not have a valid prescription. Amends the factors a court must consider when determining whether to detain a child who has been removed from the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian to include considerations relating to exposure of the child to a fentanyl containing substance or fentanyl related substance. Provides that the rights of the: (1) child; (2) child’s parents, guardian, or custodian; (3) department; and (4) guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate; as parties to a proceeding regarding the child under Indiana juvenile law include rights of discovery, subpoena, examination of witnesses, and presentation of evidence at any hearing in the proceeding. Provides that the statutory deadline for holding of a factfinding hearing in a CHINS proceeding may be extended if the court finds that the extension is necessitated by unanticipated, emergent circumstances. Provides that there is a rebuttable presumption that a child is a CHINS if the court finds that the child lives in the same household as an adult who is subject to an order issued in a CHINS proceeding that requires the adult to participate in a program of care, treatment, or rehabilitation. Adds factors that a court must consider in determining appropriate reunification services in which a child’s parent, guardian, or custodian will be required to participate under the child’s dispositional decree. Provides that: (1) a dispositional decree that: (A) is entered under specified circumstances; and (B) requires a parent, guardian, or custodian to complete reunification services; may not provide for the parent, guardian, or custodian to receive the reunification services for more than a specified length of time, subject to extension for specified causes; and (2) a court reviewing the dispositional decree shall consider the amount of time remaining for the parent, guardian, or custodian to complete the reunification services. Specifies that the requirement that a court reviewing a dispositional decree must determine whether the department has made reasonable efforts to provide family services does not apply if a finding has been made that reasonable efforts for family preservation or reunification are not required. Provides that in determining the extent to which reasonable efforts to reunify or preserve a family are appropriate, the child’s welfare (in addition to the child’s health and safety, under current law) is of paramount concern. Provides that the department, before reunifying a child with the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian, shall (rather than may, under current law): (1) conduct a criminal history check of: (A) the parent, guardian, or custodian; and (B) any household member of the parent, guardian, or custodian; and (2) use the results of the criminal history check to decide whether it is safe for the child to return home. Requires a court to hold a permanency hearing for a child: (1) who has been removed from the child’s parent, guardian, or custodian for at least 12 months; or (2) with regard to whom at least 12 months have expired since a dispositional decree was entered; at the request of any party to the CHINS proceeding that requests a permanency hearing on the basis that continuation of efforts to reunify or preserve the child’s family are inconsistent with the best interests of the child. Provides that if a child has, at the time of a permanency hearing, been removed from the child’s parent for at least 12 of the most recent 22 months, the permanency plan for the child must include at least one intended permanent or long term arrangement for care and custody of the child that would not return the child to the care and custody of the parent, guardian, or custodian from whose care and custody the child has been removed. Provides that if a child is less than 16 years of age, the intended permanent or long-term arrangement for care and custody of the child may be guardianship or placement with a permanent custodian only if the proposed guardian or custodian appears before the court and testifies as to the individual’s willingness to assume custody of the child. Provides that: (1) if a court approves a permanency plan for a child who is a CHINS under which adoption is the only intended permanent or long term arrangement for care and custody of the child, the department shall publish specified information regarding the child to facilitate adoption of the child; and (2) the information published by the department to facilitate adoption of a child who is: (A) a CHINS; and (B) a hard to place child; may include the child’s first name and picture. Requires a court to hold an initial hearing on a TPR petition not later than 30 days after the petition is filed. Provides that under specified circumstances, a TPR petition regarding a child and the child’s parent: (1) must be filed by the department; and (2) may be filed by: (A) the child’s guardian ad litem or court appoint special advocate; or (B) an individual: (i) with whom the child is placed during the CHINS proceedings; and (ii) who is an intervenor in the CHINS proceedings. Amends the allegations that may be asserted in a TPR petition. Removes a provision requiring a person that files a TPR petition to also file a: (1) copy of the order approving the permanency plan for the child; or (2) permanency plan for the child. Provides that the deadline for holding a hearing regarding a TPR petition may be extended if the court finds that extension of the deadline is necessitated by unanticipated, emergent circumstances.
HB 1623: Juvenile Court Matters
Provides that, when a petition is filed for the appointment of a guardian for two or more minors or incapacitated persons who are children of a common parent, parent and child, or husband and wife, a separate petition must be filed for each minor or incapacitated person. Provides that when a separate petition is required in certain cases, the court may only charge one filing fee for the proceeding. Requires a petition for adoption to include information about the juvenile court if the child is the subject of an open or pending child in need of services (CHINS), termination of parental rights (TPR), or juvenile delinquency proceeding. Provides that the department of child services (department) shall file a notice with the juvenile court in which the open or pending CHINS or TPR proceeding was filed. Requires the department to file a report each year with the legislative council, the office of judicial administration, and the public defender council.
HB 1630: Cannabis Legalization
Establishes a procedure for the lawful production and sale of cannabis in Indiana. Makes conforming amendments
Permits the use of medical cannabis by a person with a serious medical condition as determined by the person’s physician and establishes a procedure for the production and distribution of medical cannabis. Makes conforming amendments.
HB 1650: Vapor products and E-Liquids Matters
Repeals statutory language that the vapor pens and e-liquid article does not apply to a manufacturer of a closed system vapor product. Requires a manufacturer of vapor products that contain nicotine and e-liquid that contains nicotine to certify that the manufacturer is going to comply with certain manufacturing and safety requirements and that the manufacturer has received from or submitted certain documents to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Requires a manufacturer to submit certain information to the alcohol and tobacco commission. Requires the commission to create a directory that lists all: (1) vapor products and e-liquid manufacturers; and (2) vapor products and e-liquid in which certification forms have been submitted to the commission. Provides that vapor products and e-liquid not included in the directory cannot be sold to consumers in Indiana. Provides penalties for violations. Requires certain nonresident or foreign manufacturers of vapor products or e-liquids to appoint an agent for service of process and to submit to the commission a surety bond. Requires the commission to submit a report to the general assembly each year regarding the status of the directory, information regarding the collection of fees, enforcement activities, and other information.
HB 1654: Legalization of Cannabis
Legalizes the sale and use of cannabis by a person at least 18 years of age. Requires the Indiana department of health to establish a program to issue a medical cannabis identification card to a patient whose physician has recommended cannabis to treat a medical condition. Permits the sale of cannabis to a person less than 18 years of age if the person has been issued a medical cannabis identification card, and exempts purchases by a medical cannabis cardholder from sales tax. Makes conforming amendments.
Provides that a person having the care of a dependent who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally fails to secure a loaded firearm in the person’s residence or vehicle commits neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony, if the dependent uses the firearm to cause bodily injury or death to any person. Enhances the offense to a Level 5 felony in particular instances. Specifies exceptions and defenses. Specifies sign requirements for retail dealers. Defines terms and makes conforming amendments.
HB 1687: Probation Transfers for Sex and Violent Offenders
Prohibits the transfer of a sex or violent offender’s probation jurisdiction to another county in Indiana while the offender is required to register as an offender unless certain conditions are met.