STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2026) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation co-authored by State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) to support injured public safety workers and their families.
House Enrolled Act 1044 ensures public safety employees who are injured or disabled in the line of duty can remain on their employer’s health insurance plan at the same rate they paid while actively serving. The law also allows surviving spouses or dependents of public safety employees who die in the line of duty to maintain their health coverage without facing unexpected premium increases.
According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, public safety agencies across Indiana respond to a high volume of emergencies each year, reinforcing the importance of supporting the men and women who serve on the front lines. This new law helps ensure these workers and their families can maintain affordable, stable health coverage if they are injured or killed in the line of duty.
"This law ensures the men and women who risk their lives to protect our communities are not left worrying about health care costs if they are injured on the job," Lawson said. "It also provides peace of mind for families who have already sacrificed so much by ensuring they can keep stable and affordable coverage during difficult times."
In addition to HEA 1044, Lawson attended the ceremonial signing of HEA 1150, which he supported. The new law protects homeowners from excessive regulation by preventing homeowner associations and local governments from restricting what type of fuel Hoosiers can use in their vehicles or outdoor equipment. It also ensures local units of government cannot require homeowners and renters to disclose detailed information about household energy and water usage.
To learn more about these and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
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State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) represents House District 53,
which includes portions of Hancock and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) (second from left) joins Gov. Mike Braun (center), fellow lawmakers and members of the law enforcement community for a ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1044 on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The new law, which Lawson co-authored, supports injured public safety workers and their families.
