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
children
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
Reporting of child abuse or neglect
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard HB 1412 on reporting of child abuse or neglect sponsored by Sen. Goode and Sen. Crider. Author Rep. Cash introduced the bill and explained that the bill does the following: The bill was amended by consent to provide that a child is not a child in need of services due to a parent, guardian, or custodian referring to and … [Read more...] about Reporting of child abuse or neglect