STATEHOUSE (Jan. 5, 2026) – State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) introduced legislation during the 2026 legislative session aimed at protecting housing affordability, strengthening public safety, increasing child care access and improving accountability for government and businesses.
Lawson said rising costs and government red tape continue to affect families and communities across Hancock and Madison counties.
"As I’ve talked with neighbors, it’s clear we must address the cost of housing, which includes lower taxes and homeowners association fees, support our local public safety efforts, increase child care access and cut government bureaucracy," Lawson said. "I look forward to working on these priorities during the 2026 legislative session."
House Bill 1152 would protect homeowners and renters by requiring a quorum of homeowners to be present and vote before a homeowners association can raise fees. Under current law, some associations may increase fees by up to 10% each year without a quorum vote. The bill would also prevent homeowners associations from restricting home-based child care when providers are following all applicable child safety laws.
Lawson also authored legislation focused on public safety that would reduce unnecessary red tape and allow state agencies to operate more efficiently. The proposal would require emergency medical services professionals’ background check information to be available to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy so the agency can better focus on fire safety inspections. It would also streamline regulations for ignition interlock devices which are used to prevent impaired driving to promote safety on roads.
HB 1161 would increase accountability and efficiency in local government by requiring elected officials to approve requests from unelected parks boards to use eminent domain or spend significant taxpayer funds. The legislation would also empower county elected officials to replace most unelected appointees when necessary and increase accountability by allowing local officials to establish and enforce employee handbooks.
Another proposal, HB 1153, would support customers of small business auto dealers by streamlining access to state information needed to complete vehicle purchases and prevent fraud. The bill would also add accountability so the state can verify whether transport operators are operating lawfully and make operating an auto dealership without a required license a Class A infraction.
During the previous legislative session, Lawson supported property tax cuts and authored HEA 1197 and HEA 1198, two new laws that took effect in July 2025 to improve local government accountability and efficiency. He also coauthored legislation that took effect in July 2025 to strengthen support for the Indiana National Guard and local police.
Lawson encourages residents of House District 53 to share their priorities by completing his legislative survey online at in.gov/h53 or by calling 317-232-9747.
-30-
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.
