February 2, 2026, 6:06 a.m. ET
Recent legislative activity in Indiana has reignited debates on significant social and fiscal issues as lawmakers raced to meet critical deadlines for bills to progress through their respective chambers. This intense week of action highlighted key proposals ranging from abortion rights to education reforms.
Senate Bill 182, led by Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, has gained traction aimed at redefining “sex” and “gender” in state law, proposing to prohibit transgender students from using bathrooms corresponding with their gender identity while imposing penalties on schools that fail to enforce this ban. The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 37-8 on January 27, 2026, and it is now set for consideration in the House.
Another notable measure is House Bill 1333, presented by Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer. This bill seeks to impose a 1% sales tax on data centers in Indiana, which are currently exempt from such taxes. The funds would support the local governments where these data centers are located. It passed the House Ways and Means Committee on January 27 and now awaits further debate by the full House.
On a different front, House Bill 1086 by Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, allows the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, but prohibits teachers from reciting them aloud, reflecting a more moderate approach to religious expression in schools. Following a committee approval, its future remains uncertain as it wasn’t listed for an upcoming vote.
Senate Bill 27, introduced by Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, aims to capitalize on the Chicago Bears’ interest in relocating to northwest Indiana, establishing a stadium authority with the capability to bond and construct an NFL stadium. The Senate passed this bill overwhelmingly with a 46-2 vote on January 28, signifying strong bipartisan interest.
Significant changes to Indiana’s abortion laws are on the table with Senate Bill 236, authored by Sen. Tyler Johnson, R-Leo. This bill would make it illegal to prescribe or transport abortion-inducing drugs in the state and permit lawsuits against involved parties for wrongful death claims. The Senate approved it with a 35-10 vote, and it now advances to the House.
On contentious issues around state executions, House Bill 1119 seeks to legalize the firing squad as a method of execution, along with lethal injection. However, it faced hurdles, failing to secure sufficient votes for passage in the House and currently appears to be stalled.
In another measure, Senate Bill 243, proposed by Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, seeks to extend tax cuts for tip workers and others for an additional year, a proposal that would be financially significant, costing the state approximately $251 million. It passed the Senate by a large margin of 47-1 and now moves to the House.
Education remains a focal point with House Bill 1001 aiming to address housing affordability, which passed the House by a 76-15 vote. This bill seeks to eliminate restrictions on duplexes and other high-density developments to tackle the growing housing crisis.
As Indiana’s legislative session unfolds, the public and stakeholders remain engaged in these pressing issues, showing the potential for impactful changes that resonate with the values and needs of Hoosiers, both socially and economically. This active legislative period illustrates the ongoing complexities of Indiana’s political landscape as lawmakers advocate for various initiatives that could shape the state’s future.