Legislative roundup: Here’s what IBJ is following as the session’s halfway point approaches

The halfway point of the 2026 legislative session is fast approaching, with next week marking key deadlines for bills to get through their respective chambers.

As activity continues, here are a handful of bills that IBJ is tracking as they move through the legislative process. Some are legislators’ priority bills, while others have generated debate among lawmakers.

Senate Bill 27

• Establishes a stadium authority to negotiate leases and bonds with NFL teams
  
• Authors: Sens. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka; and Chris Garten, R-Charlestown
• Status: Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on Jan. 22, scheduled for second reading Jan. 26. Legislative leaders say they’re making progress, but hope for a commitment from the Chicago Bears.
• Read more here.

House Bill 1038

• Would allow current Indiana casino operators to bid on a gaming license from Rising Sun and build a new casino in Allen, DeKalb, Steuben or Wayne counties. Requires a $500 million investment.
• Authors: Rep. Craig Snow, R-Winona Lake
• Status: Passed by the House Public Policy Committee Jan. 22, now scheduled to be heard in House Ways and Means Committee on Jan. 26.
• Read more here.

Senate Bill 3

• Creates ballot language for a constitutional amendment regarding bail.
• Author: Sen. Ed Koch, R-Bedford
  
• Status: Passed by the Senate Jan. 22 and now heads to the House.

Senate Bill 1

• Tightens eligibility requirements for Indiana’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid.
  
• Authors: Sens. Chris Garten, R-Charlestown; Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka; Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso
  
• Status: Passed by the Senate on Jan. 22 and now heads to the House.

Senate Bill 167

• Allows billboards in Indianapolis to be relocated without needing a zoning permit or approval from the Indiana Department of Transportation.
• Authors:  Sens. Blake Doriot, R-Goshen; Linda Rogers, R-Granger; James Buck, R-Kokomo
  
• Status: Passed by the Senate on Jan. 22 and now heads to the House.

Senate Bill 250

• Outlaws certain hemp products. Makes other hemp products available to adults only and sets regulations on packaging, testing and permitting for the industry.
• Authors: Sens. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis; Cyndi Carsasco, R-Indianapolis; Blake Doriot, R-Goshen
• Status: Passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Jan. 22, now heads to the Senate floor.
• Read more here.

House Bill 1042

• Allows public investment funds to offer cryptocurrency exchange traded funds as investment options.
  
• Author: Rep. Kyle Pierce, R-Anderson
  
• Status: Passed by the House on Jan. 22, now heads to the Senate.

House Bill 1001

• Streamlines certain permitting and zoning requirements for new housing developments.
  
• Author: Rep. Doug Miller, R-Elkhart
  
• Status: Received second reading in the House on Jan. 22, scheduled for a House vote Jan. 26.
  
• Read more here.

House Bill 1002

• Changes utility regulation from cost-of-service model to performance-based rates.
  
• Authors: Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler, R-Noblesville
  
• Status: Passed by the House utilities committee Jan. 20, now scheduled for second reading in the House on Jan. 26.
  
• Read more here.