H.E.A. 1035, P.L. 20-2026
Effective: July 1, 2026
- Defines “independent activity”.
- Provides that a child is not a child in need of services solely because a parent, guardian, or custodian allows the child to engage in an independent activity unless the parent, guardian, or custodian is so reckless in allowing the child to engage in the independent activity that it endangers the child’s health or safety given the child’s maturity, condition, and ability.
- Provides a defense for neglect of a dependent that the accused person reasonably believed that an independent activity was not dangerous.
Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1035/