COLUMN: Recapping the 2026 legislative session

The 2026 legislative session has come to a close. Indiana House Republicans began our year focused on affordability, efficiency and reducing regulatory burdens for Hoosiers. We aimed to lower everyday costs, streamline government operations and give families and communities more room to thrive. 

My colleagues approved several bills that cut through red tape on affordability, tax relief and supporting Indiana’s continued economic growth. These new laws build on Indiana’s strong fiscal position and commitment to responsible budgeting.

All House Republican priority bills passed both chambers and were signed into law by the governor.

New laws passed during the 2026 legislative session included:

• House Enrolled Act 1002: Establishes performance‑based accountability for utilities, promotes cost‑effective operations and requires levelized billing to prevent sudden spikes in monthly payments. It also expands low‑income assistance programs and adds protections during extreme heat.
• House Enrolled Act 1177: Expands the employer child care tax credit to help businesses provide child care options. It also allows local development commissions to use tax increment financing revenue to support building or expanding child care facilities.
• Senate Enrolled Act 1: Strengthens oversight of taxpayer‑funded assistance programs by requiring verification of immigration status and income for Medicaid and SNAP recipients, increasing eligibility checks and prohibiting SNAP purchases of candy and soft drinks.
• House Enrolled Act 1424: Ensures state and local health departments cannot impose unnecessary regulations on small farms and homestead vendors unless required by federal law, supporting Indiana farmers and improving access to affordable, homegrown food.

Our goal this year was to listen to our constituents and act on the issues that matter most to them. The laws we passed this session will continue to make Indiana economically competitive and strong and improve Hoosier's quality of life. 

This session, 682 bills were introduced and 164 passed, 83 from the House. 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 session or visit iga.in.gov.

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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo