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A Lookback on the 2026 Session of the Indiana General Assembly

Key Legislative Highlights and AARP Indiana’s Advocacy Efforts at the Statehouse

AARP

AARP Indiana

The 2026 session of the Indiana General Assembly has ended, and AARP Indiana is reflecting on a very busy time at the Statehouse.

Whether it was the long lines during our annual Coffee Cart Day, where volunteers engaged legislators over coffee and donuts about key issues like protections from cryptocurrency kiosks, to testifying in various committees, our team was at the forefront every step of the way. This year’s efforts underscore AARP Indiana’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of older Hoosiers are heard and that meaningful legislation addressing their needs moves forward.

Here are some of the bills that AARP Indiana was engaged with and where they ended up:

SB 85 – Health Care Debt and Costs

Synopsis: Senate Bill 85 would have strengthened consumer protections related to medical debt. The bill limited wage garnishment for qualifying health care debt, prevented medical debt from becoming a lien on a person’s primary residence, and gave the Attorney General authority to enforce these protections. It also required hospitals to offer qualifying patients payment plans, improve transparency of charity care, and include financial assistance information on billing statements.

Why it matters: Medical debt is a leading cause of financial hardship, and this bill aims to keep health care costs from pushing Hoosiers into wage loss or housing instability.

Status: Did not advance

SB 197 – Garnishment

Synopsis: Senate Bill 197 would have updated Indiana’s garnishment laws by increasing the amount of income and personal property protected from creditor collection. The bill raised exemptions for certain personal property, adjusted limits on how much of a debtor’s earnings could be garnished, and improved clarity for employers handling garnishment orders.

Why it matters: By protecting more basic income and assets, people would still be able to meet essential needs while addressing outstanding debts.

Status: Did not advance

SEA 163 – Various Property Tax Matters

Synopsis: Senate Enrolled Act 163 takes steps toward supporting housing affordability and improving how Hoosiers pay their property taxes. While much of the legislation focuses on assessment procedures, two key provisions stand out for their potential impact: an extension of Indiana’s affordable housing tax credit program from 2028 to 2033 and a statewide study of monthly property tax payment systems. The study will hopefully highlight the need for payment options that are more manageable and budget‑friendly, which is something especially helpful for older adults who face rising costs across the board.

Why it matters: The bill helps Indiana strengthen housing affordability and explore more predictable property tax payment options that can make it easier for people to stay in their homes.

Status: Signed by the Governor on 3/5/2026

HEA 1001 – Housing Matters

Synopsis: House Enrolled Act 1001 is a broad housing and local government reform package that includes several changes designed to boost housing availability. One of the most notable updates is the creation of a statewide definition for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This is a step that could help communities offer more flexible, attainable housing options for Hoosiers.

Why it matters: ADUs add small, flexible housing options without changing neighborhood character. They can support aging parents, provide rental income, or create more affordable choices for people who need them—all while helping Indiana boost its overall housing supply.

Status: Signed by the Governor on 3/4/2026

HEA 1002 – Electric Utility Affordability

Synopsis: House Enrolled Act 1002 addresses residential electric utility costs by requiring utilities to offer assistance programs for low-income customers and to protect vulnerable households from shutoffs during extreme summer heat. Additionally, households enrolled in LIHEAP were placed on levelized billing plans to smooth out seasonal cost spikes, with the option to opt out. The bill also reforms the rate case process by requiring electric utilities to submit three-year Multi-Year Rate Plans and establishes performance metrics for utilities, allowing the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to reward or penalize them with small profit adjustments based on affordability and reliability. New reporting and transparency requirements mandated quarterly customer data submissions, giving regulators a clearer view of utility impacts on customers.

Why it matters: Many in our state are navigating tight budgets, and rising energy bills present further challenges—particularly when combined with increasing costs for groceries, housing, and medical care.

Status: Signed by the Governor on 2/26/2026

HEA 1116 – Virtual Currency Kiosks

Synopsis: Cryptocurrency kiosks, also known as “crypto ATMs,” can be found in supermarkets, convenience stores, and gas stations. Today, there are more than 45,000 crypto ATMs nationwide, with nearly 900 located across Indiana. Increasingly, criminals have been using the machines to quickly extract money from their victims, who disproportionately are older adults. House Enrolled Act 1116 prohibits the operation of virtual currency kiosks in Indiana.

Why it matters: The legislation responds to concerns about fraud and consumer harm linked to virtual currency kiosks, particularly affecting older adults.

HEA 1145 – Thirteenth Check

Synopsis: House Enrolled Act 1145 authorizes a one‑time “thirteenth check” in 2026 for eligible retirees and beneficiaries of several Indiana public retirement systems and allows certain law enforcement retirees to elect joint‑and‑survivor benefit options.

Why it matters: The supplemental payment provides additional financial relief to retirees facing rising living costs without permanently increasing pension obligations.

Status: Signed by the Governor on 3/4/2026