4/7/2026 Torchbearer Weekly Policy Update

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Early voting for the 2026 Indiana primary election has begun
Indiana Chamber debuts “Workforce First’ program, honors 4 businesses
CDLs held by undocumented immigrants in Indiana to expire April 1
Indianapolis Public Education Corporation members announced by Mayor Hogsett
Braun signs child protection laws
Hundreds of college programs eliminated, but the majority serving students remain
Indiana amnesty period for paying delinquent taxes set to open in July
🚀 Humanity heads back to the Moon
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Important Dates

Early voting kicks off for 2026 Indiana primary

Primary election season is underway, and Hoosiers have multiple ways to vote early.

How to vote early: If you’re registered to vote and have a photo ID, you can cast your ballot early in person. Check your registration status at indianavoters.in.gov.

When does early voting start? Early voting for the primary runs from Tuesday, April 7 to noon on Monday, May 4.

Marion County early voting locations:

April 7 to May 4: Indianapolis City-County Building
April 25 to May 3: Multiple locations including Decatur Township Government Center and Krannert Park

Hamilton County early voting locations:

Noblesville: Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center
Fishers: Roy G Holland Memorial Park Building
Carmel: Wilfong Pavilion at Founders Park

Contact your county clerk for early voting locations in other Indiana counties.

(Indianapolis Star)

Indiana Chamber’s Workforce First initiative debuts

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has launched the “Workforce First” program, recognizing four businesses that excel in workforce development.

Why it matters: This initiative highlights the importance of strategic workforce investments in strengthening Indiana’s economy.

The recognized companies include Cimtech, Soulful Kitchen, The Garrett Companies, and George E. Booth Co.

What’s next: The program aligns with state efforts to connect education and workforce needs, with applications accepted year-round.

The bottom line: The Indiana Chamber aims to support economic growth by fostering a skilled workforce.

Details:

Six evaluation areas include strategic workforce integration and education engagement.
A webinar about the designation is scheduled for April 13. Register here. (Inside Indiana Business)

Indiana’s CDL expiration law takes effect

Starting April 1, CDLs held by undocumented immigrants in Indiana will expire under a new law signed by Gov. Mike Braun.

Why it matters: This measure aims to improve road safety following incidents involving undocumented drivers. - The law is a response to several high-profile crashes and calls for stricter CDL criteria.

The big picture: Future CDL applicants must hold specific work visas and prove English proficiency. - Penalties for training ineligible drivers include fines up to $50,000 per violation, emphasizing compliance.

What they’re saying: “Restoring CDL integrity is the primary focus,” states Gary Langston, President of the Indiana Motor Truck Association. - State Rep. Jim Pressel highlights the importance of proper training for those managing heavy vehicles. (Fox59)

Indianapolis Public Education Corporation members announced by Mayor Hogsett

Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the members of the new Indianapolis Public Education Corporation on Tuesday.

The nine-member board represents a significant change to education in Indianapolis. The corporation will oversee buildings and transportation for district and charter schools, while also assuming the power to collect property taxes. The board will also create a system of accountability that officials could use to decide which schools close.

These changes diminish the power of school boards including the elected Indianapolis Public Schools board. School boards will still have power over day-to-day policy decisions like setting their budgets and curriculums, and they’ll maintain the power to hire and fire the superintendent or school leaders for charter schools.

The corporation’s members are:

Hope Star, IPS board president.
Ashley Thomas, IPS board member.
Deandra Thompson, IPS board member.
David Harris, president and CEO of Christel House International.
Janet McNeal, president of Herron Classical Schools charter network.
Dexter Taylor, director of Paramount Brookside charter school.
Patricia Castañeda, vice president of Key Bank.
John Hammond, partner at the Taft Stettinius & Hollister law firm.
Edward Rangel, founding CEO of Adelante Schools charter network.

Harris, who served as charter schools director under former mayor Bart Peterson and later helped found the Mind Trust nonprofit that helps launch charter schools, will serve as the IPEC board chair.

The board was created by state lawmakers in this year’s legislative session following recommendations issued by the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance, or ILEA, which met in the second half of 2025. The state law establishing the corporation says that three of its nine members must be charter school leaders, three must be IPS school board members, and three must be experts in areas related to the corporation’s work, such as capital planning or transportation.

The board would assume key powers over finances and referendums beginning this year, and would begin managing school property and transportation in 2028.

The date of the corporation’s first meeting has not been announced. (Chalkbeat Indiana)

Braun signs child protection laws

"There's no greater evil than those who seek and do harm to our children, so I appreciate all the hard work."

— Beau Buzbee, Hailey Buzbee's dad

✍ Gov. Mike Braun signed two bills aimed at protecting Hoosier kids into law yesterday, with the parents of Hailey Buzbee by his side. The Fishers' teen was missing for nearly a month before her body was found in Ohio in February.

The tragedy spurred lawmakers to pass new restrictions on social media use for kids and to update the state's alert system for missing youths.
Beau Buzbee said the new laws give him hope and will serve as a baseline for the work still to come on the alert system. (Background via Axios)

Indiana colleges streamline programs

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has voted to restructure over 1,000 low-enrolled degree programs at public colleges, as a result of HEA 1001, which took effect last July, as lawmakers seek to streamline higher education to align with in-demand careers.

Why it matters: This move aims to align educational offerings with in-demand careers, ensuring students gain relevant skills for the workforce.

Only 4% of 2024 graduates earned a degree from the affected programs.
Six colleges had already voluntarily adjusted their programs prior to the mandate.

Details:

210 programs will be suspended or eliminated.
374 programs will be merged or consolidated.
280 new programs will be revisited in the coming years.

What’s next:

A review of low-wage degrees is set to begin.
Students can continue in their current programs before cessation.
New admissions in affected programs will halt by fall 2027.

(Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Indiana’s tax amnesty program returns

Hoosier Businesses and individuals in Indiana have a chance to clear overdue tax bills without penalties starting July 15.

Why it matters: The amnesty program offers a rare opportunity for taxpayers to settle debts without facing civil or criminal penalties.

The program covers delinquent taxes from before Jan. 1, 2024.
Payments made during the amnesty period won’t incur late fees, interest, or collection fees.

The big picture: Indiana’s tax amnesty program, last offered in 2015, is expected to boost state revenue significantly.

Estimates suggest collections could range from $124 million to $277 million for the state’s general fund.
This initiative comes after a previous forecast predicted minimal tax revenue growth, prompting legislators to seek additional revenue sources.

What’s next: The program runs until Sept. 15 and involves collaboration with the United Collection Bureau to maximize participation.

The contractor will receive 5.5% of the collections as payment, a slightly reduced rate compared to other state collections.
Similar programs in other states, like New Hampshire, have successfully raised substantial funds.

(Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Humanity heads back to the Moon

NASA's Artemis II Moon mission successfully launched from Florida's John F. Kennedy Space Center at 6:35 p.m. ET, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick reports.

Why it matters: Artemis II's planned crewed lunar flyby is set to mark the closest humanity has come to the Moon since the Apollo days.

It's also a key step toward NASA's grand ambition to return human boots to lunar soil and the Trump administration's dreams of a permanent Moon base.

📸Keep an eye on astronaut Christina Koch's Instagram during the 10-day mission around the Moon and back.