STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2026) – The 2026 legislative session concluded with the passage of several new laws aimed at lowering everyday costs, streamlining government and giving families and communities opportunities to thrive, according to Boone County legislators.
"This year, we tackled an issue that many parents know – the struggle to find affordable child care," said State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville). "Through a new law I authored, employers will have more opportunities to explore child care options and partner with employees. In an age when both parents are often working, access to this is essential for Hoosier families."
During session, lawmakers approved measures focused on affordability, tax relief and supporting Indiana’s continued economic growth. State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) said these new laws build on Indiana’s strong fiscal position and commitment to responsible budgeting.
"We listened to Hoosiers and the issues that matter most to them when considering new laws," Smith said. "It's an honor to represent House District 24 and to be your voice at the Statehouse as we continue working to make Indiana one of the best states."
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) said a major theme this year was cutting through red tape whether in housing, energy, government or education. All House Republican priority bills passed both chambers and were signed into law by the governor.
"This session, I worked on legislation that aligns the state with federal tax cuts on tips and overtime pay as well as a new law targeting waste and fraud in programs like Medicaid and SNAP," said Thompson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. "Hoosier taxpayers deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money and be confident that their taxes are helping those who truly need it."
New laws passed during the 2026 legislative session include:
House Enrolled Act 1210: Provides more robust property tax relief for Indiana’s veterans, including a 100 percent property tax deduction on assessed value for totally disabled veterans, new and expanded credits for partially disabled and war-time veterans, and a restored property tax deduction for surviving spouses of World War I veterans.
House Enrolled Act 1424: Prevents over-regulation on Hoosier farmers and local vendors, giving them more freedom to sell their products and expanding access to affordable, homegrown food.
House Enrolled Act 1177: To increase access to child care, a new law expands the state's employer child care tax credit for businesses that offer child care options to employees. The credit can be used to help pay for costs such as operating or contracting with a child care facility, employee training and higher wages for staff.
House Enrolled Act 1408: To protect Hoosier youth from the harmful effects of social media, a new law establishes safeguards for adolescents on social media by requiring parental consent, giving parents the ability to better monitor social media activity and restricting certain addictive or harmful features.
Overall, more than 90% of all bills passed this session received bipartisan support, with nearly half passing unanimously.
Click here to learn more about these and other new laws passed in the 2026 legislative session or visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) represents House District 25,
which includes portions of Boone and Hendricks counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) represents House District 24,
which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
