STATEHOUSE (May 13, 2026) – The governor recently ceremonially signed several new laws co-authored and sponsored by State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) aimed at strengthening public safety, increasing accountability and protecting Hoosiers across Indiana.
Senate Enrolled Act 256 strengthens safeguards against foreign influence in Indiana by requiring individuals or entities acting on behalf of designated foreign adversaries to disclose any funding, contracts and political activities they may have with their country's government. Judy said the law also increases protections for Indiana's technology infrastructure, sensitive research and property ownership.
"Indiana has a responsibility to stay proactive when it comes to protecting our state's interests and ensuring transparency," Judy said. "Senate Enrolled Act 256 puts safeguards in place so Hoosiers can have confidence that foreign adversaries are not influencing public policy, critical research or state operations."
Judy also supported House Enrolled Act 1286, which allows Indiana courts to consider military protective orders in civil protective order cases and recognizes valid Canadian protective orders to help avoid gaps in enforcement for victims of stalking or abuse.
"These new laws are about protecting Hoosiers and making sure Indiana stays ahead of the challenges we're facing today," Judy said. "Whether it's strengthening national security protections, supporting victims or improving oversight and accountability, these new laws take practical steps to keep our communities safe."
As co-author of House Enrolled Act 1202, Judy helped advance legislation updating Indiana's ignition interlock program to keep impaired drivers off the road, prioritizing safety at childcare facilities and removing outdated public safety regulations to improve efficiency and accountability.
Additionally, Judy supported Senate Enrolled Act 282, which establishes statewide oversight and registration requirements for medical spas and certain compounding pharmacy activities. This law requires licensed medical supervision, strengthens patient disclosure requirements and authorizes inspections and enforcement actions to better protect patient safety.
To learn more about these and other new laws passed during the 2026 legislative session, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Photo Caption 1: State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) (third from right) joins Gov. Mike Braun (center, seated), State Reps. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) (far left) and Andrew Ireland (R-Indianapolis) (far right) and State Sens. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) (second from left) and Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) (second from right) for a ceremonial signing of Senate Enrolled Act 256 on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Judy co-authored the new law to strengthen safeguards against foreign influence.
Photo Caption 2: State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) (center, standing) joins Gov. Mike Braun (center, seated) and State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) (third from left) for a ceremonial signing of House Enrolled Act 1202 on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Judy co-authored the new law which updates Indiana's ignition interlock program to keep impaired drivers off the road, prioritizes safety at childcare facilities and removes outdated public safety regulations to improve efficiency and accountability.
