Johnson County lawmakers: Legislative session ends with new laws to help Hoosiers

Posted by: Matt Stachler  | Monday, March 30, 2026

STATEHOUSE (March 30, 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 local lawmakers.

State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) said 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.

"We made strong progress this session by focusing on issues that directly impact Hoosier families and prioritize students," said Davis, vice chair of the House Education Committee. "From making sure communities are safe and working families get tax relief, to putting safeguards in place for social media and creating distraction-free school days, we're ensuring Indiana continues to thrive."

State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) said a major theme this year was cutting through red tape whether in energy, government or education.

"Our priority this session was making Indiana a more affordable and family-friendly place to live," Haggard said. "That meant reducing costs and making energy more affordable, while supporting working families through targeted tax relief, delivering real and lasting results for our communities."

New laws passed during the 2026 legislative session include:

• House Enrolled Act 1408: 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.
Senate Enrolled Act 243: Aligns with President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill to deliver tax cuts for hardworking Hoosiers. Under the law, Hoosiers can deduct qualifying tips and overtime pay from their state taxable income for 2026.
Senate Enrolled Act 76: Clarifies and strengthens Indiana's immigration enforcement laws by ensuring local and state cooperation with federal authorities, requiring local units of government to comply with immigration detainer requests.
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.

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

"This session was about putting Hoosier families first," Mayfield said. "We focused on lowering costs, cutting through government red tape and ensuring families feel safe in their 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. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
Click 
here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) represents House District 57,
which includes portions of Hendricks, Johnson and Morgan counties.
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here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Johnson, Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click 
here to download a high-resolution photo.