The 2026 legislative session in Indiana ended with several new laws led by State Representative Danny Lopez (R-Carmel). These measures focus on tax incentives for communities, changes to the court system, Medicaid cost management, and support for youth in foster care.
“Despite it being a short session, I saw this as an opportunity to tackle some complex issues that actually move the needle for folks in House District 39,” Lopez said. “The economic incentives we put in place will keep wages rising and investments in our communities flowing, while the court reforms and strategies to push back on growing antisemitism and hate littering will help keep Carmel and Westfield the safe and strong communities they have become. We also know growing Medicaid costs remain a threat, and my legislation lays the framework to keep costs down in that area, as well.”
Lopez’s initiatives heading to the governor include new Redevelopment Tax Credits designed to attract investment across Indiana, particularly targeting smaller towns. The Small Town Opportunity Tax Credit is part of House Enrolled Act 1406, which aims to generate $50 million for projects considered important at a regional level.
Indiana was recently chosen by the Federal Aviation Administration as one of two states for its Unmanned Aircraft System Test Site program. Legislation added to House Enrolled Act 1268 establishes how state agencies can use this designation to attract further investment. Changes were also made through House Enrolled Act 1406 to expand venture capital tax credits locally.
Ivy Tech Community College’s mission has been updated under Senate Enrolled Act 254. The law confirms Ivy Tech’s role in workforce training and economic development efforts statewide.
A new law sponsored by Lopez responds to increased reports of antisemitism and hate propaganda within Hamilton County and other parts of Indiana. Senate Enrolled Act 160 allows judges to consider mask-wearing during crimes as an aggravating factor during sentencing and criminalizes malicious littering.
House Enrolled Act 1033 brings new governance structures and accountability measures for Marion County Superior Court. According to Lopez, these changes follow recommendations from the National Center for State Courts.
Senate Enrolled Act 15 codifies the Foster Care Youth Bill of Rights and creates processes aimed at ensuring children’s voices are heard within Indiana’s foster care system.
Lopez authored additional legislation related to home health services under House Enrolled Act 1277. This measure aims at containing Medicaid costs while maintaining essential home health programs ahead of future budget discussions.
Local control over planning decisions is preserved under House Enrolled Act 1001, which supports cities like Carmel and Westfield as they work toward balancing housing affordability with community character.
Speaker Todd Huston has contributed significantly through his service on education boards and community commissions in Indiana according to information from the Indiana House Republicans website. He expanded Indiana’s Choice Scholarship program, advocated for school choice, championed tax relief measures, earned a degree from Indiana University, resides with his family in Fishers, Indiana, and has served as state representative since first being elected in 2012.
To learn more about these laws as they are signed by the governor, further information is available online.
