STATEHOUSE (March 4, 2026) – The 2026 legislative session concluded with several new laws pushed across the finish line by State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel), efforts that include unleashing new tax incentives for growing communities, reforming Indiana’s courts, constraining the growth of Medicaid, and supporting Hoosier youth in the foster care system, among others.
"Despite it being a short session, I saw this as an opportunity to tackle some complex issues that actually move the needle for folks in House District 39,” Lopez said. "The economic incentives we put in place will keep wages rising and investments in our communities flowing, while the court reforms and strategies to push back on growing antisemitism and hate littering will help keep Carmel and Westfield the safe and strong communities they have become. We also know growing Medicaid costs remain a threat, and my legislation lays the framework to keep costs down in that area, as well.”
Several of his efforts are now on their way to the governor’s desk, including legislation to:
Grow Economic Opportunity for Hoosiers
Lopez said new Redevelopment Tax Credits will spark statewide investment and inject much-needed capital specifically for smaller communities. His legislation to establish the Small Town Opportunity Tax Credit and drive $50 million in new investments for projects of regional significance were combined into House Enrolled Act 1406 and will help continue Indiana’s momentum for capital investment and higher wage job growth.
In January, Indiana was one of two states designated by the Federal Aviation Administration as a site for its Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site program. Lopez’s legislation, inserted into House Enrolled Act 1268, sets up the structure to allow the IEDC and partners to leverage the program to grow investments in this area, while updates he made to Indiana’s venture capital tax credits in House Enrolled Act 1406 expands the program to greater local investment.
As the nation’s largest single-accredited community college, Ivy Tech is a critical force for growth in Indiana. Senate Enrolled Act 254 updates the college’s mission, affirming its commitment to workforce preparation, economic development, dual credit and dual enrollment. Lopez said this law reaffirms Ivy Tech's place in Indiana’s workforce and economic development efforts.
Keep Communities Safe, Strengthen Public Safety
A new law sponsored by Lopez addresses growing local antisemitism concerns. Senate Enrolled Act 160 is a response to a concerning rise in antisemitism and the spread of targeted hate propaganda in Hamilton County and across Indiana. It gives judges the ability to consider wearing a mask while committing a crime an aggravator in sentencing, and it makes malicious littering in our communities a crime.
Lopez also authored House Enrolled Act 1033 to give Marion County Superior Court a new governance structure and accountability measures, steps that align Indiana’s most significant court to other jurisdictions of its size around the nation. Lopez said HEA 1033 is a comprehensive and much-needed restructuring of the court’s governance, communication tools and accountability, and mirrors recommendations by the National Center for State Courts to ensure the great work of the court can continue.
Elevate Our Children and Families
The voices of Indiana’s foster care youth are elevated in Senate Enrolled Act 15. The effort, carried by Lopez through the House, codifies the Foster Care Youth Bill of Rights and creates a process to ensure the voices of kids in Indiana’s foster care system are protected.
Lopez also authored legislation to preserve investments in home health services by laying the groundwork for new compromised rates next year. Cost containment in Indiana’s Medicaid system remains a priority, and his bill, which ultimately merged into House Enrolled Act 1277, takes steps to preserve important home health services while setting up a deeper Medicaid discussion in next year’s budget session.
Finally, Lopez worked to preserve local control for cities in House Enrolled Act 1001, helping ensure communities like Carmel and Westfield maintain the local control that allow them to remain unique, growing places. This was a priority for local leaders, who are working diligently to find the right mix of housing to increase affordability while keeping the character of the communities they serve.
To learn more about these new laws and others as they are signed by the governor, click here.
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State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) represents House District 39,
which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
