VanNatter: Legislative session ends with new laws to help Hoosiers

STATEHOUSE (March 31, 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 State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

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.

VanNatter said a major theme this year was cutting through red tape whether in housing, energy, government or education. All House Republican priority bills passed both chambers and were signed into law by the governor.

"These new laws reinforce our commitment to supporting working families and strengthening Indiana's workforce, especially through efforts like expanding the employer child care tax credit," VanNatter said. "This year we focused on affordability efforts to lower costs for families and continue growing our economy."

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 1210: Provides more robust property tax relief for Indiana’s veterans, including a 100 percent property tax deduction on assessed value for totally disabled veterans, new and expanded credits for partially disabled and war-time veterans, and a restored property tax deduction for surviving spouses of World War I veterans.  
  • Senate Enrolled Act 76: Clarifies and strengthens Indiana's immigration enforcement laws by ensuring local and state cooperation with federal authorities, requiring local units of government to comply with immigration detainer requests.
  • Senate Enrolled Act 243: Aligns with President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill to deliver tax cuts for hardworking Hoosiers. Under the law, Hoosiers can deduct qualifying tips and overtime pay from their state taxable income for 2026.

Overall, more than 90 percent of all bills passed this session received bipartisan support, with nearly half passing unanimously.

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

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State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.