H.E.A. 1389, P.L. 43-2026
Effective: July 1, 2026
- Prohibits a governmental entity from discriminating against a person in adoption and foster care matters based on the person’s sincerely held religious belief, unless the discriminatory act as applied to the person is required to advance a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive means of advancing the interest.
- Specifies that a governmental entity may consider whether a person involved in adoption or foster care matters shares the same religion or faith tradition as a child or the child’s parent when considering placement of a child.
- Allows a person to bring a cause of action against a governmental entity for discriminating against the person, or raise a violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, and allows for certain remedies.
- Provides that there is a two year statute of limitation for a discrimination claim.
Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1389/