STATEHOUSE (Jan. 21, 2026) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted to approve three pieces of legislation authored by State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) in the 2026 legislative session.
"Listening to the commonsense concerns I hear from neighbors in our district, I've been working to advance legislation that protects housing affordability, increases child care access and strengthens public safety while enhancing accountability and efficiency in local government," Lawson said. "I'll continue working on these priorities as they head to the Senate."
House Bill 1152 would protect homeowners and renters by ensuring future HOA contracts require a quorum of homeowners to vote before a homeowners association can raise fees. Under current law, some associations may increase fees by up to 10 percent each year without a quorum vote. The bill would also prevent future homeowners association contracts from restricting home-based child care when providers are following all applicable child safety laws. HB 1152 passed the House 87 to 1.
HB 1202 is focused on public safety and would reduce unnecessary red tape by allowing state agencies to operate more efficiently. The proposal would require emergency medical service professionals' background check information to be available to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy so the agency can better focus on fire safety inspections. It would also streamline regulations for ignition interlock devices, which are used to prevent impaired driving to promote safety on roads. HB 1202 passed the House 85 to 5, and will now be considered by the Senate, sponsored by Sen. Mike Crider (R-Greenfield).
HB 1161 would increase accountability and efficiency in local government by requiring elected officials to approve requests from unelected parks boards to use eminent domain or spend significant taxpayer funds. The legislation would also empower county elected officials to replace most unelected appointees when necessary and increase accountability by allowing local officials to establish and enforce employee handbooks. HB 1161 passed the House 90 to 0.
All three pieces of legislation move to the Senate for consideration. Watch session and committees live and view legislation at iga.in.gov.
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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.
