On February 9, 2026, the House Judiciary Committee heard SB 171 on family and children matters sponsored by Rep. McGuire and authored by Sen. Johnson and Sen. Walker. The bill: Strength Over Struggle, Inc., Champions for Children Indiana, attorneys, and private citizens testified in support of the bill. Judge Stephanie Campbell of Fountain Circuit Court on behalf of the Indiana … [Read more...] about Family and children matters
CHINS
Children in need of services
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard HB 1036 on children in need of services sponsored by Sen. Rogers and Sen. Pol and authored by Rep. Garcia Wilburn. The bill requires the department of child services (DCS) to have in-person contact with an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect: (1) before concluding an assessment; and (2) before dismissing or terminating a … [Read more...] about Children in need of services
Child services matters
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1092 on child services matters sponsored by Sen. G. Walker and authored by Rep. DeVon. The bill does the following: The Committee amended the bill by consent to do the following: The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, Indiana Public Defender Council, and Indiana Department of Child Services testified in support of the bill. The … [Read more...] about Child services matters
Child services matters
The Senate Family and Children Services Committee heard HB 1257 on child services matters sponsored by Sen. Donato and Sen. Johnson and authored by Rep. McGuire. The bill: The Committee amended the bill by consent to incorporate HB 1264 on child fatality information into the bill which: Champions for Children Indiana and several members of the public testified in support … [Read more...] about Child services matters
Permissible unsupervised activity
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB 1035 on permissible unsupervised activity sponsored by Sen. Carrasco and authored by Rep. Teshka and Rep. Garcia Wilburn. The bill provides that a child is not 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 … [Read more...] about Permissible unsupervised activity