4/5 Hendricks County Chambers Weekly Statehouse Update
- General Statehouse Update
- Hendricks County Chambers Update
- Action Items
- Important Dates
- Closing
General Statehouse Update
The clock is ticking … What’s left to do?
Many issues facing the legislature are still up in the air as legislators work out differences between various stakeholders in the discussions surrounding property tax reform, Indiana’s biennial budget, and healthcare reform. We’ve come to the time during the legislative session where the horse has seen the barn and folks are starting to rush for the exits. Only one week of committee hearings remain, with some committees already having concluded their work for the year.
After multiple campaign promises from the Governor, a statehouse rally, and statewide criticisms from school and municipal folks alike, the solution to the property tax “problem” remains elusive – much due to the fact that a large majority of Hoosiers lack education on the issue but remain steadfast in their call for action. Local officials continue to raise alarm, as do schools and farmers so it’s quite easy to understand the miasma of competing issues lawmakers must juggle in their attempt to make everyone happy with SB 1. It has been over three weeks since property tax bills were discussed in committee (during marathon hours-long hearings). But we will be back again on Monday, where SB 1 will be heard for a final time in the House Ways and Means Committee, where we will finally see what answers the House Republicans will have on property tax relief for Hoosiers.
In the healthcare arena, many bills have been heard but are still without a final landing place including SB 140, dealing with Pharmacy Benefits, and SB 480, which deals with Prior Authorization, both of which remain in the House Insurance Committee (reminder– next week is the final week for bills to move before the committee deadline). Also awaiting its final landing place is SB 2, the bill that changes requirements to be enrolled in the state’s Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), which passed the House Ways and Means Committee this week. While an agreement was made regarding entities undertaking marketing of HIP 2.0, proposed changes have faced significant opposition, with rallies and concerns raised about their potential impact on vulnerable populations. The full House will discuss amendments and vote on SB 2 next week.
Meanwhile, watered down versions of HB 1003 and HB 1004 still face additional scrutiny in Senate Appropriations despite Gov. Braun’s calls for more action. Turns out, there’s a lot of lobbying on this issue - and health care providers, hospitals, insurers, and others are quite effective on the third floor of the Statehouse, where legislators are in charge of carrying out Braun’s agenda. Both HB 1003 and HB 1004’s outcomes still await the stamp of approval of Senate Appropriations Chair Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka), who’s largely seen as a gatekeeper of broader healthcare issues like Medicaid, and our growing unaffordability as they contribute to Indiana’s overall fiscal picture.
Where do we go from here?
As we said earlier, SB 1 will have a hearing before the Ways and Means Committee on Monday. While Chairman Thompson’s 238-page amendment (House Bill 1402) was already discussed, a number of amendments are still to come, including an even lengthier amendment coming on Monday. It will likely be another round of Hunger Games, with a number of lobbyists, municipal and school leaders, and county officials hoping to impact the legislation to benefit outcomes that better situate public services like police, fire, and schools.
After a marathon hearing on the biennial budget, HB 1001, in the Senate Appropriations Committee two weeks ago, there’s still no date announced for its amend and vote committee hearing. Senate Appropriations Chair Mishler has been, admittedly, busy shepherding his SB 2 through the House (he attended each hearing, both of which lasted for hours). Passing a biennial budget is the one requirement of the legislative session - so we know it will get scheduled next week.
Some important deadlines ahead
Thursday, April 10th is committee report deadline for both the House and the Senate - all bills must have been heard and passed out of committee before this deadline to move ahead. April 14th is second reading deadline - where bills can be amended by the full floor. And April 15th is third reading deadline - where bills must have their final vote in the second chamber. From there bills can either be concurred on - the bill author agrees on the changes made in the second house and a concurrence vote occurs in the original house and moves to the Governor. Or the bill author can dissent - or disagree with the changes made by the second house, and the bill goes to conference committee to iron out any differences. Governor Braun is already signing bills that have hit his desk into law - you can check them out here.
It will be a busy three weeks ahead, but your Torchbearer Public Affairs team is ready to fight for you from now until Sie Die.
Hendricks County Chambers Update
It was another incredibly busy week at the Indiana General Assembly, and it is only going to continue as we inch towards the end of session (which must end no later than April 29th). Please read below on issues of importance to you and let us know if you have any questions.
Bill Updates:
Bills Awaiting a Concurrence or Dissent
Bills headed to the Governor
Property Tax Relief
SB 1 - As a reminder, during SB 1’s second hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee, they continued discussions on property tax reform, presenting HB 1402 as the House’s first idea for a long-term solution. Though no votes were taken, Chairman Thompson emphasized upcoming collaboration and amendments. The bill shifts certain deductions to credits for better taxpayer impact and proposes changes including exemptions for new business personal property, adjustments to homestead deductions, and a major restructuring of the local income tax system to streamline administration and improve local funding transparency.
Speaker Huston and Chairman Thompson announced the House’s chosen approach to property tax reform during a Friday press conference, previewing a forthcoming amendment to SB 1 (Property Tax Relief), which will be heard this Monday in the House Ways & Means Committee.
While full details were not disclosed at the press conference, they confirmed the plan includes broad tax reductions for Hoosiers in 2026, new homestead credits applied after AV caps, tighter control on local government debt, and targeted relief for fixed-income seniors and disabled veterans. The amendment is also expected to incorporate elements from SB 518 (School Property Taxes), including a phased-in requirement for school property tax sharing with eligible charter schools beginning in 2028. You can click here to view the House Republicans’ press release.
Here is a news article for more information.
Childcare
SB 463 - This bill seeks to improve childcare quality and accessibility across Indiana by updating provider standards and expanding options—particularly in underserved communities. It includes provisions to support the development of microcenter pilot programs, increase transparency on staff-to-child ratios, and expand the advisory committee to include representatives from out-of-school time programs.
- Last week was the second hearing for the bill in the House Family and Children Committee for amendments and discussion only.
- Amendment #6 was adopted by consent to add a member to the Early Learning Advisory Committee.
- Amendment #7 restored the childcare assistance program, which would cause this bill to be recommitted to the House Ways and Means Committee due to the fiscal. The amendment was accepted by consent.
- Amendment #8 provides a grace period for students working in childcare. There are some exceptions for the staff-to-student ratio for a 75-square-foot space and separate exceptions for cafeterias/gymnasiums. The amendment was accepted by consent.
- Senator Chris Garten came to committee to explain why he increased the ratio sizes in the Senate. He stated that he looked at contiguous states to find data to show that Indiana children are safer due to existing ratios—and he could not find compelling data. He believes that Indiana’s ratios are overly prescriptive.
- Representative Lori Goss-Reaves said that she spoke to a constituent provider who said that if the ratios change, they are going to keep with the current ratios as that works best for their facility. The bill passed out of committee 9–3 along party lines.
- During the House Ways and Means Committee, the Local Child Care Assistance Program was removed from the bill. It was asked if this language could reappear in the budget and the Chairman did acknowledge the question by saying that lots of things could go into the budget. The bill passed 24-0 and heads to the full House floor for further consideration.
HB 1253 - Rep. Heine’s legislation, HB 1253, which originally included language to allow multi-site licensure for childcare centers, passed the House unanimously with a 91-0 vote. Senators Brown and Charbonneau are serving as the Senate sponsors.
- In last week’s Senate Appropriations hearing, testimony was limited to legislators and a representative from FSSA. Sen. Mishler offered Amendment #2, which removed the multi-site licensure language from the bill. He argued that, as with other licensed industries, each childcare facility should maintain its own individual license to ensure accountability and prevent issues at one site from affecting others.
- Rep. Heine pushed back, noting that the intent of the original language was to reduce administrative delays and help providers expand more quickly—without compromising oversight. FSSA further clarified that under the proposed structure, each facility would still operate under a sublicense, allowing for individual enforcement and revocation without affecting the entire network.
- Following the discussion, the committee adopted the amendment by consent. The revised bill was then approved unanimously (11-0) and sent to the floor of the Senate.
- An amendment was filed on second reading that puts similar language, that was removed last week, back into the bill by Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne). It was adopted by a voice vote. It now heads on to third reading for a final vote in the Senate.
Road Funding
HB 1461 - The Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee held a second hearing on HB 1461, the road funding bill, and adopted several amendments by consent that adjusted local eligibility thresholds, added rail-related tax credits, clarified maintenance procedures, and modified Community Crossings grant provisions. The bill passed unanimously out of committee and was recommitted to Senate Appropriations.
- The bill is expected to be heard this coming week in Senate Appropriations.
State Fiscal Oversight Enhancements
SB 5 - Senate Republican priority bill SB 5 (State Fiscal and Contracting Matters) was heard in House Ways and Means this week. The House Sponsor Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) shared one large amendment for this bill.
- The amendment did the following:
- Educational Institutions (both K-12 and Higher Ed) were removed as were all entities EXCEPT State Agencies. INDOT was removed from the reporting review process as well.
- Kept the original language to allow AI use for state agencies
- The section of the current bill around federal funds was pared down to only those federal funds that are requested and require a state match.
- The section that looks at government employment was paired down to state that the Budget Director will now have the ability to reclassify positions that are not filled within 90 days
- The section on contractor accountability was removed completely
- The increase of the use of the Comptroller’s Transparency Portal will remain in the bill as is but the comptroller will not be the one inputting the information into the transparency portal.
- Section 7 of the bill starts on page 7 line 35 will remain as it is new laws around definitions and contracted accountability
- Chapter 3 in the bill is the Disqualification of Contractors was removed
- Chapter 4 in the bill will stay - the alignment of federal and state code
- The language in the bill to ensure a change review requirements will remain that change review will be at the state budget committee
- The bill in Chapter 7 and 8 removed education institutions
- RQF language was removed from code
- The bill passed unanimously 22-0 and it now heads to the floor.
Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
HB 1172 - Governor Braun’s plan to streamline small business support by creating an Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation took a significant step forward with HB 1172. By consolidating existing state programs, the initiative aims to enhance business development without adding fiscal burden, as it is already accounted for in the governor’s budget.
- The proposal continues to gain momentum, even as some lawmakers express concerns about its impact on Small Business Development Centers and the potential for duplicative government services. Nonetheless, it earned strong support from Chambers of Commerce (who testified in support) and other stakeholders, who view it as a way to foster job creation and long-term economic growth.
- During the Senate Commerce and Technology Committee hearing, Rep. Teshka emphasized Indiana’s need for a renewed focus on entrepreneurship, citing the state’s low ranking in new business formation and the correlation between entrepreneurial activity and poverty reduction. He acknowledged the absence of benchmarks in the bill but committed to continued engagement and refinement in future sessions.
- Caryl Auslander testified in support of the bill on behalf of several local Chambers of Commerce, applauding the administration’s prioritization of small business growth and the data-driven approach to economic development. She highlighted the role of the new office in bringing together and strengthening early-stage, homegrown businesses.
- Other stakeholders, including the Indiana Technology and Innovation Association and the National Federation of Independent Businesses, also testified in favor. They praised the bill’s potential to address Indiana’s “failure to launch” rate and reinvigorate the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Following discussion around funding adequacy, the office’s relationship with IEDC, and equitable service to all regions of the state, the bill passed out of committee unanimously (11-0). It now heads to the full Senate for further consideration, with Sen. Buchanan (R-Lebanon) leading the charge.
Student Eligibility in Interscholastic Sports
HB 1041 - This bill seeks to regulate participation in collegiate sports based on an athlete's sex assigned at birth. It mandates that sports teams at state educational institutions be categorized as male, female, or coeducational. Under this legislation, individuals assigned male at birth would be prohibited from participating in female-designated teams or sports. Additionally, the bill requires out-of-state schools to notify Indiana institutions if any athletes on their teams are transgender women. It also obliges educational institutions and certain athletic associations to establish grievance procedures for violations.
- Six amendments were introduced by Democrats in the Senate Education Committee to change the bill prohibiting trans athletes from participating in collegiate sports, but all six failed.
- According to Senate sponsor Stacey Donato, the bill’s author wanted the language to remain aligned with the existing corresponding K-12 prohibition that is already in code.
- The bill ultimately passed with a 9-4 vote, divided along party lines, with all Democratic members voting in opposition. On the Senate floor, Democrats proposed several amendments to the bill, but none were adopted. The bill now awaits a final vote on third reading in the Senate.
Various Tax Matters
SB 453 - (Various Tax Matters) was heard Thursday afternoon in Ways and Means Committee, where three amendments with tobacco policy language were accepted by consent of the committee.
- Amendment 52 was a 51-page omnibus amendment that included many provisions but also language providing that the tax rate imposed on heated tobacco products should be equal to 50% of the tax rate on regular cigarettes if the cigarette tax changes. That language begins on page 47 of the amendment.
- Amendment 13 removed (1) language providing that heated tobacco products be taxed at a different rate than traditional cigarettes and (2) providing that the term “vapor product” does not include a device intended for heating a cigarette.
- Amendment 42 mandated that heated tobacco product advertising or marketing must include a message about the consumer health risks.
- The amended bill passed out of committee 23-0 and it now moves to the full House for further consideration.
Upcoming Committee Hearings to Highlight:
- Monday, April 7th
- Tuesday, April 8th
- Senate Public Policy will meet at 1:30PM and hear HB 1276 Various Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Matters (Manning, E).
- Wednesday, April 9th
- House Education will meet at 8:30AM to hear SB 448 Higher Education and Workforce Development Matters (Goode, G).
Watch for more hearings to be scheduled over the weekend.
Here is a link to your live bill tracker.
Action Items
- Please review your bill track list and let us know if there are any bills you would like us to engage more on in the second half.
Important Dates:
Thursday, April 10th - House and Senate Committee Report Deadline
Monday, April 14th - House and Senate Second Reading Deadline
Tuesday, April 15th - House and Senate Third Reading Deadline
April 16th - April 24th - Conference Committees
Thursday, April 24th - Anticipated Sine Die
Tuesday, April 29th - Sine Die