STATEHOUSE (May 30, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation co-authored by State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) to ensure law enforcement officers and the public are safer by sharing critical data more efficiently.
House Enrolled Act 1232 ensures that key information, such as data on stolen vehicles, firearms, license plates and active warrants, be entered into or updated in the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS) within 24 hours of receipt. The goal is to ensure officers across the state have the most accurate and up-to-date information while protecting Hoosiers and first responders.
"I appreciate Hancock County Sheriff Brad Burkhart for testifying at the Statehouse in support of this new law. In a situation where certain decisions can save lives, access to the most current information is crucial for our officers,” Lawson said. “This law will make important updates to improve the reliability of the system so that agencies can better share information and respond to threats more effectively.”
IDACS is a statewide system that serves as Indiana’s central hub for criminal justice and law enforcement communication. It interfaces with national databases such as the National Crime Information Center and the International Justice and Public Safety Network, making accurate and timely updates critical. More than 800 law enforcement agencies in Indiana rely on IDACS daily.
Lawson said the new law will also strengthen accountability by allowing the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to withhold grant funding from agencies that fail to meet the 24-hour update requirement.
To learn more about HEA 1232 and other new laws signed by the governor, click here.
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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.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Mike Braun ceremonially signs House Enrolled Act 1232 into law to ensure law enforcement officers share critical data more efficiently on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Bill author State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (front row, second from right), bill co-authors State Reps. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) (back row, center) and Joanna King (R-Middlebury) (front row, left) and bill co-sponsor State Sen. Brett Clark (R-Avon) (front row, far right) joined Braun (seated, center) along with police officers from around the state.
