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

Posted by: Amanda Schreiber  | Friday, April 10, 2026

STATEHOUSE (April 10, 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 Madison County legislators.

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. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) said a major theme this year was cutting through red tape in housing, energy, government, and education. All House Republican priority bills passed both chambers and were signed into law by the governor.

"This year lawmakers prioritized policies that encourage growth and support the people who call Indiana home," Goss-Reaves said. "From advancing workforce development initiatives and expanding access to career training, to supporting small businesses and hard-working families, these new laws reflect that ongoing commitment. I’m proud of the work we continue to accomplish to create more opportunities for Hoosiers."

"New laws advanced this year are focused on helping families, lowering cost of living and making government more efficient," said State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield). "We took steps to lower housing and utility costs, support working parents and make sure Hoosiers can keep more of their hard-earned dollars."

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 1003: Eliminates, sunsets or restructures dozens of redundant or inactive state boards and commissions to streamline government, improve efficiency and protect taxpayer dollars.
House Enrolled Act 1177: To increase access to child care, a new law 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 1408: To protect Hoosier youth from the harmful effects of social media, a new law 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.

"Our goal every year is to provide real results for our constituents," said State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown). "From providing tax relief to advancing policies that make government more efficient, we worked to pass practical solutions that make a difference for Hoosiers."

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

"Hoosiers deserve solutions to the everyday challenges they're facing and this session we worked hard to help lower costs and make government more efficient," Pierce said. "These new laws prioritize affordability, reduce costly regulations and help ensure Indiana remains a great place to live and work."

"During this legislative session we focused on expanding Indiana’s strengths and addressing the needs of our communities," said State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers). "New laws will help reduce cost burdens on families, improve public safety and protect young Hoosiers."

Click here to learn more about these and other new laws passed in the 2026 legislative session or visit iga.in.gov.

-30-

State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) represents House District 31,
which includes portions of Grant and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

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. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) represents House District 36,
which includes a portion of Madison County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.