By Caryl Auslander ● February 18, 2026

• Indiana’s Largest Hospital Systems Hit State-Imposed Price Targets, Report Says
• Students Could Soon Get Pell Grants for Workforce Programs. What to Know.
• U.S. Adds 130k Jobs in January, but Barely Gained Any in 2025
• Young, Hassan Reintroduce Bill to Improve Child Care Accessibility for Working Families
• Confusion Over Paperwork Handling Has Indiana Candidates Scrambling
• Lee Hamilton, Former Congressman from Indiana, Dies at Age 94
• Indiana to Bid $68B in Medicaid Contracts This Summer
• McKinley Elected to State Senate After Zay Steps Down
• A Final List of Candidate Filings for House, Senate, and Congress
• General Statehouse Update
• Hendricks County Chambers Update
• Action Items
• Important Dates

Indiana’s Largest Hospital Systems Hit State-Imposed Price Targets, Report Says

Indiana’s five largest hospital systems reduced their commercial prices by nearly seven percentage points in 2024, according to a state-commissioned study.

Why it matters: Lower commercial prices can significantly impact the affordability of healthcare for patients and employers in Indiana.



• The study by Milliman PRM Analytics shows these reductions despite ongoing financial pressures.

By the numbers: Commercial rates were 252% of Medicare in 2024, 33 points below the state benchmark of 285%.

• Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health Network, Franciscan Health, Indiana University Health, and Parkview Health all reported varying reductions.

What’s next: Indiana hospitals continue to face financial challenges but are committed to lowering costs.

• Leaders from IU Health and Parkview Health highlight strategies to further reduce prices and improve affordability. (Inside Indiana Business)

Students Could Soon Get Pell Grants for Workforce Programs. What to Know.

What’s happening: Starting this summer, the U.S. Department of Education will expand Pell Grants to cover short-term workforce training programs.

Why it matters: This expansion aims to make education more accessible and provide students with skills for high-demand industries.

• Previously, federal student aid was limited to longer degree programs.

• Now, students in 8- to 15-week programs can benefit, opening doors to quicker employment paths.

Details: Indiana’s Ivy Tech Community College will likely lead in offering these programs.

• The grants, called Workforce Pell, are designed to fund programs leading to high-wage jobs.

• State legislation, Senate Bill 161, supports the implementation and oversight of these grants.

What’s next: While the new funding starts July 1, actual student aid disbursements might not begin until fall 2026 or spring 2027. (Mirror Indy)

U.S. Adds 130k Jobs in January, but Barely Gained Any in 2025

The U.S. added 130,000 jobs in January, but revisions indicate a slower 2025 job growth than initially reported.

Why it matters: The labor market is showing signs of a rebound with lower unemployment rates, but the significant revision in 2025‘s job data raises questions about the economy’s stability.

• Economists had expected a gain of 70,000 jobs for January, but the actual number exceeded expectations.

• The unemployment rate dropped to 4.3% from a projected 4.4%.

The big picture: The service sector drove January’s job gains, a trend supported by the aging U.S. population.

• However, the BLS’s revision cut 2025’s job gain by over 400,000, bringing the total to 181,000 jobs.

• This adjustment is part of an annual recalibration process based on new population data.

Looking ahead: The upcoming consumer price index inflation report, scheduled for Friday, will be crucial in shaping economic perceptions and Federal Reserve policies.

• Inflation rates stood at 2.7% annually as of December.

• The report could influence the timing of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

What they’re saying: “The labor market may be finding its footing now,” said Daniel Zhao, chief economist at Glassdoor.

• “The key for 2025 is to see job gains broaden out beyond healthcare,” added Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. (The Hill)

Young, Hassan Reintroduce Bill to Improve Child Care Accessibility for Working Families

U.S. Senators Todd Young and Maggie Hassan have reintroduced the After Hours Child Care Act to improve access to affordable child care for parents working outside traditional hours.

Why it matters: This legislation supports parents who work nontraditional hours, which is crucial for maintaining their employment and financial stability.

• By expanding child care programs, it addresses a critical gap for families, especially in rural areas.

• The bill aims to support industries reliant on nontraditional shifts, like healthcare and manufacturing.

The details: If enacted, the After Hours Child Care Act would:

• Expand existing child care programs and establish new facilities.

• Support on-site child care at workplaces.

• Require a 25% match of federal funds to supplement current efforts.

• Mandate a report every two years on child care availability improvements.

What they’re saying: “Affordable child care is essential for parents to work and provide for their families,” said Senator Young.

• “This bipartisan bill will help families access child care that works with their schedules,” added Senator Hassan.

• Supporters include First Five Years Fund and BPC Action, emphasizing the importance of flexible solutions for nontraditional workers.

Go deeper: Full text of the legislation can be found here. (Todd Young Newsroom)

Confusion Over Paperwork Handling Has Indiana Candidates Scrambling

Political candidates across Indiana are scrambling to refile paperwork for the upcoming primary ballot due to confusion over form processing by the secretary of state’s office.

Why it matters: The confusion could impact candidate eligibility for the May primary ballot, prompting bipartisan refiling efforts.

• Republican and Democratic candidates are refiling forms at the Indiana Election Division office, fearing potential disqualification.

Details: The issue arises from questions over whether staffers of Secretary of State Diego Morales were properly certified to accept sworn statements.

• Morales insists his office followed state law, but documents show a lack of official time stamps for certifications.

What’s next: Candidates are advised to resubmit forms if originally filed at the secretary of state’s office.

• With the filing deadline looming, the Election Division is processing refiles to ensure compliance.

The intrigue: The situation has sparked discussions about the efficiency and reliability of the secretary of state’s office in handling candidacy paperwork processes.

• Candidates and campaign officials are concerned about the potential for challenges and the impact on election confidence. (IBJ)

Lee Hamilton, Former Congressman from Indiana, Dies at Age 94

Lee Hamilton, a revered figure in Indiana politics and a champion of bipartisanship, passed away at 94. His 34-year tenure in the U.S. House was marked by deep cross-party friendships and significant legislative contributions.

Why it matters: Hamilton’s commitment to integrity and public service set a high standard for political conduct, earning him respect across party lines and leaving a lasting impact on Indiana and beyond.

• His legacy includes the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, highlighting his dedication to education and diplomacy.

Honors and achievements: Hamilton was instrumental in investigating the Iran-Contra affair and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

• As vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission, he played a pivotal role in shaping national security policy.

A call for bipartisanship: In his final days, Hamilton continued to advocate for Congressional trust and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in effective governance.

• His recent blog post, “Congress Needs More Friendships,” underscores his belief in the power of bipartisan cooperation.

Personal life: Hamilton was married to Nancy Ann Hamilton for nearly 60 years and was a proud father and grandfather, reflecting his values of family and commitment. (Indy Star)

Indiana to Bid $68B in Medicaid Contracts This Summer

Indiana’s social services agency plans to rebid $68 billion in health care contracts, impacting 20% of the state’s population.

Why it matters: The rebidding process, termed the “Mother of All Procurements,” could lead to disruptions in Medicaid coverage for over 1.4 million Hoosiers.

• Programs like Healthy Indiana Plan and Hoosier Healthwise face potential changes, affecting vulnerable groups such as seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

Concerns raised: Rep. Ed Clere warns of potential disruptions, emphasizing the risks to vulnerable populations.

• He calls for a careful, thoughtful approach to avoid negative impacts.

Program issues: Recent challenges include MDwise’s exit from Medicaid programs and unresolved issues with the Pathways for Aging program.

• Insurance companies involved have faced corrective actions and financial penalties.

What’s next: New contracts are set to be effective by Jan. 1, 2029, with details to be finalized closer to the proposal’s release this fall.

• The state aims to improve care models, but stakeholders urge caution due to the complexity of the process. (IBJ)

McKinley Elected to State Senate After Zay Steps Down

Nick McKinley was elected to the Indiana State Senate to complete Andy Zay’s term after Zay stepped down for a role in the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

Why it matters: McKinley’s appointment ensures continued conservative leadership in Indiana’s 17th District.

• Focus areas include law enforcement, tax relief, and economic policies.

• His role is crucial for maintaining the district’s political balance.

Driving the news: McKinley was chosen during a Republican caucus and is set to be sworn in on Monday.

• He will represent Grant, Huntington, and Wabash counties.

Background:

• Worked in technology and business operations before entering law enforcement.

• Recognized with two Life Saving Awards as a police officer.



• Previously served as City Councilman and Chairman of the Grant County Republican Party. (WANE)

A Final List of Candidate Filings for House, Senate, and Congress

The full list of candidates who filed by Friday’s deadline is available here.

General Statehouse Update

Tensions are rising at the Statehouse, and while this week was relatively calm, there are a lot of issues moving (including Medicaid, food stamps, environmental policy, and immigration) and even more that have yet to be discussed - which should make for an interesting two weeks ahead.

More than six hours of testimony this week were dedicated to two initiatives targeting spending on Indiana’s Medicaid programming, including SB 275 in House Ways and Means, an initiative driven by Sens. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) and Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) to increase sustainability of the Medicaid program and HB 1277, which speaks to the waitlist for Indiana’s Pathways program dealing with long term care. Both bills drew testimony from Family and Social Services Agency head Mitch Roob, prompting more than an hour of questions and concerns from members of the Senate Appropriations Committee.



A number of amendments on SB 76, the immigration bill, forced debate into the evening on Tuesday in the House. While 39 amendments were filed, the debate was limited to 20 of those amendments, with some bipartisan opposition to the broader issue and the smaller details presented in each of the Second Reading amendments, ranging from the hiring of workers to racial profiling. The bill passed the House on Thursday, 61-28, and faces the same two-week deadline all legislation faces to ensure passage.

More debate is expected on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s (IDEM) agency bill, SB 277, which compelled hours of testimony both for and against in the House Environmental Affairs Committee this week. The inclusion of language regarding PFAS regulation has raised concerns and will likely be the focus of floor deliberations this coming week.

As we reported earlier this month, the tragic death of Fishers teenager Hailey Buzbee has spurred action from legislators and Governor Mike Braun to provide protections to children from the threats posed by social media and predators using social media and gaming to prey on children. Back in the mix is a social media ban for kids, which targets online grooming and predatory behavior left unaddressed by Indiana law. SB 199 will be discussed further in the Senate this coming week.

Amidst all the chaos of a short session, the Legislature welcomed a new state senator this week, with the swearing in of former Marion City Council member Nick McKinley (R-Marion), who takes over for former State Sen. Andy Zay, who now heads up the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

Now that Sen. McKinley brings the makeup of the Senate to 50 Senators, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s role of breaking any ties in the body suddenly returns. Despite Republican supermajorities, this role and responsibility of the Lieutenant Governor happens more than one would assume - especially towards the end of session hijinks.

The pace will increase this week with a wealth of committee hearings scheduled, though some controversial legislation has yet to be scheduled (SB 236, which criminalizes abortion drugs sent via mail, and SB 182, which dictates bathroom use for individuals under the guise of safety). We are also awaiting committee hearings on bills like HB 1001 (housing matters) and HB 1003 (boards and commissions) - which we expect to be heard. As a reminder, Thursday, February 19th is Committee Report deadline - all bills must make their way out of committee by that date in order to stay alive and move through the process. Second Reading deadline is Monday, February 23rd and Third Reading deadline is Tuesday, February 24th. Then it is an all out sprint through a 3 day Conference Committee process, with the hopes to adjourn sine die by Friday, February 27th.

We will report any breaking news to you immediately. Until then, rest when you can, and bring snacks, hopes, and prayers to any committee meetings. Torchbearer Public Affairs will be on the ground 24/7 at the Statehouse the next two weeks until we run through the finish line.

Hendricks County Chambers Update

Topic: Various Tax Matters

Bill #/Title (linked): SB 243 (Various tax matters)

Update:

• SB 243 is an omnibus tax package that updates Indiana tax law, including federal conformity changes and several Department of Revenue administrative provisions. The bill addresses taxation of gambling winnings, airplane excise taxes, adoption tax credit clarification, electronic delivery of DOR documents, and extends the revenue agent report deadline to one year.

• Prior committee amendments include rounding down certain taxes, penalties, and fines (penny phaseout) and a one-year coupling provision tied to federal deductions for tips, overtime pay, and passenger vehicle loan interest, retroactive to January 2026.

• The bill was heard last week in House Ways & Means, where discussions centered on the estimated fiscal impact of federal conformity provisions (approximately $240 million annually) and whether those provisions should be extended beyond one year. Testimony reflected mixed views.

• The bill is scheduled to be heard again in Ways & Means for amend and vote on Monday, February 16th.

Action Items:

• SB 243 must be voted out of committee by the end of next week in order to continue forward in the process.

Topic: Townships

Bill #/Title (linked): HB 1315 (Township reorganization)

Update:

• HB 1315 (Rep. Shonkwiler) creates a framework to reorganize and dissolve certain townships beginning January 1, 2028, transferring township duties, assets, and services to a designated municipality or county through a joint board and adopted reorganization plan. The bill establishes eligibility criteria, timelines, and governance requirements for the transition.

• On 2nd reading, Amendment #2 (Rep. Shonkwiler) was adopted to refine the reorganization mechanics by adjusting deadlines, clarifying the role and composition of the joint board, and creating township services districts and levies to ensure services and taxation continue in a structured, transparent way after reorganization.

• As amended, the bill ensures continuity of township services—including fire protection—by clarifying how service territories and districts carry forward and how the designated unit steps into the township’s role.

• It was assigned to the Senate Local Government Committee where it is still awaiting a hearing, but we anticipate that the legislature will be moving forward with SB 270, which addresses the same issue.

Action Items:

• HB 1315 must be voted out of Senate Local Government by the end of next week in order to continue forward in the process.

Bill #/Title (linked): SB 270 (Township mergers)

Update:

• SB 270 would merge certain townships as part of a data-driven plan intended to improve efficiency while maintaining “government closest to the people.”

• Author Sen. Rick Niemeyer emphasized the bill is about merging—not eliminating—townships, and was developed with input from the Indiana Township Association using available Department of Local Government Finance data/metrics.

• The House Local Government Committee heard testimony about this bill on Tuesday. It was supported by the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana Township Association, and Indiana Farm Bureau. AIM, which represents Indiana’s municipalities, testified as neutral. AIM previously supported the House’s township reorganization bill, HB 1315, authored by Rep. Shonkwiler.

• Potential areas identified to address were a township’s provision of transportation and changing the criteria about providing township assistance to make the figure a percentage of the township’s administrative costs.

• Rep. Engleman was asked by Chairman May to take the lead on developing amendment language in collaboration with Sen. Niemeyer, Rep. Shonkwiler, and other stakeholders. Rep. Vernon Smith also asked to be involved.

• SB 270 is scheduled to be heard in committee again on Tuesday, February 17th for amendment and vote only.

Action Items:

• We will update you as the bill continues to undergo changes.

Topic: Child Care

Bill #/Title (linked): HB 1177 (Child care assistance)

Update:

• HB 1177 expands Indiana’s employer child care expenditure tax credit by increasing the maximum size of an eligible employer from 100 employees to 500 employees. It broadens what counts as a “qualified child care expenditure,” including operating costs for employer-supported child care, contracts with child care providers (including through an intermediate entity), and certain employee support costs like training, scholarships, and increased compensation tied to training. Finally, it allows TIF (tax increment) revenue to be used to support the construction, expansion, or ongoing operation of child care facilities.

• The bill received a hearing in the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee on Tuesday. All testimony was in support of the bill.

• The Indiana Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central Indiana, Indiana Manufacturers Association, National Federation of Independent Business, and Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, and other local/regional chambers continue to advocate for this language.

Action Items:

• The bill is scheduled to be heard again in the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee on Tuesday, February 17, for consideration of amendments and a vote. To continue moving through the legislative process, the bill must pass out of committee by the end of next week.

Bill #/Title (linked): SB 4 (Various Fiscal Matters)

Update:

• SB 4 (Sen. Mishler) is an omnibus fiscal bill addressing executive order fiscal review, global tax credit oversight, court fee study language, and updates to local budget and community mental health center (CMHC) funding and reporting requirements.

• The bill retains language allowing certain appropriations to support the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher program, with testimony highlighting the growing childcare waitlist and the importance of CCDF as a workforce and talent pipeline support.

• Last week, broad support was expressed by business, workforce, healthcare, and community stakeholders. Madison West with Torchbearer Public Affairs testified in support of the bill on behalf of Aspire Johnson County, OneZone Chamber of Commerce, Indy Chamber of Commerce, and the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership.
• SB 4 was not heard in Ways and Means this week.

Action Items:

• SB 4 must be voted out of committee by the end of next week in order to continue moving through the process.

Topic: Priority Bill

Bill #/Title (linked): HB 1003 (Boards and commissions)

Update:

• HB 1003 is a broad government restructuring bill that eliminates, consolidates, or modifies numerous state boards, commissions, committees, and councils that are inactive, duplicative, or no longer aligned with current state functions. The bill is intended to streamline state government operations, reduce redundancy, and clarify statutory authority across agencies.

• HB 1003 passed the House on third reading by a vote of 67–29 and is being sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Maxwell.

• The bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedure. Typically, this is where bills go to die. We reached out to the Senate Chief of Staff and General Counsel for more information and were told that the bill will NOT be moved to a different committee, but is NOT dead.

Action Items:

• We will keep you apprised of the progress - it has not been scheduled for a hearing to date.

Topic: Work Based Learning Liability

Bill #/Title (linked): HB 1098 (Work based learning liability)

Update:

• HB 1098 (Rep. Commons) was heard and amended in the Senate Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee this week to provide greater clarity and structure around liability for work-based learning programs, helping employers participate more confidently while maintaining student protections.

• Amendment #3 was adopted by consent and clarifies which programs are covered—such as apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and work-based learning courses—while excluding virtual-only experiences and one-time career awareness activities. The amendment also requires a written agreement when a student is placed with an employer, clearly assigning responsibility for workers’ compensation coverage and allowing compliance through a third-party employer of record.

• Business and industry groups, including the Indiana Chamber, supported the bill as a step toward expanding work-based learning opportunities by reducing liability uncertainty and removing a key barrier to employer participation in talent development.

Action Items:

• HB 1098 passed the Senate Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee 7–0 and now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Topic: Income tax credits

Bill #/Title (linked): SB 281 (Income tax credits)

Update:

• SB 281 (Sen. Goode) was amended and unanimously advanced (22–0) by the House Ways and Means Committee, sharpening the bill’s focus on regional economic development by directing the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to strategically deploy redevelopment tax credits for projects with demonstrable regional impact.

• Amendment #10 (Rep. Lopez) was adopted by consent and requires the IEDC to commit $35 million annually in redevelopment tax credits across development authorities, qualified nonprofits, and local economic development organizations, with added reporting to the State Budget Committee to ensure transparency and accountability. The amendment also creates the Small Town Opportunity Initiative, reserving $15 million annually to support historic preservation and downtown redevelopment projects in smaller communities, with no repayment obligation on transferred credits.

• The amendment package further strengthens Indiana’s innovation ecosystem by refining the Venture Capital Investment Tax Credit, enhancing flexibility for certified technology parks, and advancing implementation of the state’s newly designated Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Site Program, reinforcing Indiana’s competitiveness in emerging technologies.

Action Items:

• SB 281 now moves forward to the House floor to be heard on 2nd Reading.

Topic: Department of Local Government Finance

Bill #/Title (linked): HB 1210 (DLGF)

Update:

• HB 1210 (Rep. Snow) is the annual Department of Local Government Finance omnibus bill, making broad updates to Indiana’s property tax and local fiscal policies, including administrative clean-up, modernization, and technical fixes across multiple chapters of code.

• During testimony before the Senate Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy, the most contentious discussion centered on rental cap authority. The Indiana Association of REALTORS® raised significant concerns that prohibiting or limiting the use of single-family homes as rental properties would reduce housing supply, discourage investment, and ultimately increase housing costs, noting that similar caps elsewhere have contributed to higher prices and reduced availability. The REALTORS® also emphasized that many rental property owners are local individuals—not institutional or out-of-state investors—and warned that statewide preemption could have unintended, “contagious” effects across housing markets.

• Local government officials from Fishers, including Mayor Scott Fadness, defended existing rental caps as targeted tools to preserve neighborhood stability and homeownership opportunities, while other stakeholders, including Prosperity Indiana, urged caution and highlighted the need for guardrails to address out-of-state or large-scale investors without broadly restricting property rights. Senators acknowledged the competing policy goals of housing affordability, local control, and private property rights, signaling that further refinement is needed.

Action Items:

• The bill was held in committee to allow additional stakeholder engagement and amendment drafting. Members indicated that multiple amendments are expected to be filed and debated next week, addressing rental caps and other provisions that have been added as the bill continues to evolve.

Topic: Tort Reform

Bill #/Title (linked): HB 1417 (Causes of Action and Damages)

Update:

• HB 1417 limits the use of public nuisance lawsuits by clearly defining what qualifies as a public nuisance and restricting claims to situations involving an ongoing, unlawful condition that interferes with an established public right, providing greater predictability for regulated entities.

• The bill narrows remedies available in public nuisance actions by limiting governmental entities primarily to injunctive relief and abatement-related damages, prohibiting recovery for speculative or future harms, and preventing multiple nuisance actions based on the same or substantially similar facts.

• We have heard that Section 6 may be removed as the bill continues to move; this section currently preserves local administrative codes and ordinances unless they conflict with the bill. Removing Section 6 would eliminate language addressing the interaction between state public nuisance limitations and local ordinances, potentially narrowing local governments’ ability to rely on local codes as a basis for civil nuisance actions.

Action Items:

• We are awaiting Senate Judiciary’s agenda for next week, but have heard the bill may be heard in committee on Wednesday, February 18, at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, February 19, remains the deadline for bills to advance through the committee process.

Topic: Foreign-Adversary Policy

Bill #/Title (linked): HB 1099 (Foreign adversaries)

Update:

• HB 1099 (Rep. Commons) addresses foreign-adversary concerns across state contracting, higher education, and real property ownership, including limits on technology contracts, new safeguards for foreign student enrollment in sensitive programs, and restrictions on foreign ownership of Indiana land. Via a second reading amendment, the bill enhances data transparency and state oversight without changing the core admission or contracting restrictions tied to foreign adversaries.

• The bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee on Tuesday morning.

Action Items:

• As we work through the process, we expect an amendment that would address 2–3 items of concern in the bill; we remain engaged and will provide updates as amendment language becomes available and the bill continues to move.

• The bill will need to pass out of committee on or before February 19 in order to continue on in the process.

Topic: Immigration

Bill #/Title (linked): SB 76 (Immigration Matters)

Update:

• SB 76 (Sen. Brown), sponsored by Rep. Prescott and Rep. Jeter, expands Indiana’s immigration enforcement framework by strengthening compliance requirements for local governments, courts, and county jails related to immigration detainer requests, data sharing, and cooperation with federal authorities. The bill also adds new enforcement authority for the Attorney General and increases reporting and record-keeping requirements.

• From a business and chamber perspective, SB 76 creates new employer compliance requirements related to work authorization by prohibiting the knowing or intentional hiring of unauthorized workers, while providing a due-diligence safe harbor tied to E-Verify or industry best practices; enforcement authority rests with the Attorney General and penalties escalate only after notice and an opportunity to cure, with recent House amendments clarifying that employers—not the state—set compliance practices and ensuring first-time employers retain cure protections before any license or permit suspension.

• The following amendments were adopted on the House floor:

• Amendment #1: This clarifies reporting requirements to focus on how much is spent on FSSA services.

• Amendment #19: This allows detainer requests to be challenged if the person detained has been misidentified.

• Amendment #30: Requires that reports about the Miami Correctional Facility are submitted to the State Budget Committee concerning metrics like food, staffing, healthcare, and utilities.

• Amendment #35: Adds language that says “as long as the enforcement actions do not violate federal or state law.”

• Amendment #38: Deletes language that requires the attorney general to prescribe guidance and instead requires the employer to do due diligence according to industry best practices.

• Amendment #39: Makes technical corrections and clarifies the notice to cure language is available to any employer that has not previously violated the employment provisions of the bill. It also strikes language for the Department of Labor to take complaints for whistleblower protections, because it would otherwise violate the OSHA waiver.

• The bill passed on the House floor Thursday in a vote of 60-28.

Action Items:

• SB 76 will return to the House for either concurrence or dissent on the amended version of the bill.

Your bill track for the 2026 legislative session can be found here. This is a live bill track and will be updated when we add bills, hearings are scheduled, votes are taken, etc.

IMPORTANT SESSION DATES:

• February 19: Committee Report Deadline (Second Half)
• February 23: 2nd Reading Deadline (Second Half)
• February 24: 3rd Reading Deadline (Second Half)
• February 25 through 27: Conference Committees
• February 27: Anticipated Sine Die

IMPORTANT LINKS

House Committee Assignments

Senate Committee Assignments

House Calendar

Senate Calendar

Please review your live Bill Tracking Report

Please feel free to distribute this email or contact us and we can add you to the distribution list. Don’t forget to contact us with any questions or concerns.

All the best,

Caryl Auslander

causlander@torchbearerIN.com

Jordan Rose

jrose@torchbearerIN.com

Madison West

mwest@torchbearerIN.com

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