Jasper County legislators: Legislative session ends with new laws to help Hoosiers

STATEHOUSE (March 23, 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 Jasper County lawmakers.

"Affordability was a top priority this session," said State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron). "With tax relief for veterans, more accountability for utilities and expanded opportunities for Hoosier farmers, we have delivered tangible results."

During session, lawmakers approved measures focused 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.

State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) 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.

"With Hoosiers in mind, we passed good policy dedicated to decreasing the cost of living and opening up opportunities," Commons said. "I am honored to have represented House District 13 throughout the legislative process and look forward to hearing from you in preparation for next session."

New laws passed during the 2026 legislative session include:

• House Enrolled Act 1002: Prioritizes energy affordability by adding performance-based accountability to ensure utilities are hitting targets aimed at reducing costs and improving services for Hoosier ratepayers. It expands the use of levelized billing plans for low-income customers to ensure more consistent monthly payments and adds additional protections for Hoosiers.
• House Enrolled Act 1177: 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 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.

State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) said that overall, more than 90% of all bills passed this session received bipartisan support, with nearly half passing unanimously.

"The new laws we passed this session ensure more Hoosiers can thrive," Culp said. "I will continue to make sure our efforts reflect the best interests of Indiana's communities."

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. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.