The Senate Appropriations Committee heard HB 1303 on sex crimes and child safety sponsored by Sen. Clark and Sen. Carrasco and authored by Rep. McNamara. The bill raises the penalties for sex crimes against children to mirror federal law. The Committee amended the bill by consent to specify that the amber alert program applies to missing as well as abducted children. The amended … [Read more...] about Sex crimes and child safety
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Grandparent visitation
On January 7, 2026, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 52 on grandparent visitation authored by Sen. Clark and Sen. Walker. The bill provides that a grandparent who has had a demonstrable history of meaningful contact with a child may seek visitation rights; allows a parent, guardian, or custodian to submit a confidential statement regarding the parent's, guardian's, or … [Read more...] about Grandparent visitation
Child welfare task force
H.E.A. 1273, P.L. 162-2025 Effective: July 1, 2025 Establishes the child welfare task force (task force) to study specified topics regarding child welfare services in Indiana. Requires the task force to submit a report not later than October 15, 2026, and not later than October 15, 2027, for review by the interim study committee on child services. Read the bill at: … [Read more...] about Child welfare task force
Offenses against children
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SB 326 on offenses against children sponsored by Rep. Ireland. Author Sen. Freeman introduced the bill, which replaces the term "child pornography" with the term "child sex abuse material" throughout the Indiana Code. The bill also provides that it is a defense to prosecution of child exploitation and possession of child sex abuse … [Read more...] about Offenses against children
Child welfare task force
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard HB 1273 on child welfare task force sponsored by Sen. Rogers. Author Rep. DeVon introduced the bill and explained that the bill establishes the child welfare task force to study specified topics regarding child welfare services in Indiana. The bill was amended by consent to make a technical correction to change a “the” … [Read more...] about Child welfare task force