(Statewide) – The Indiana General Assembly passed several new laws during the 2026 legislative session, and some go into effect starting today.
According to State Sen. Jean Leising (R-Oldenburg), some of these will:
- Protect Indiana’s safety net programs by fighting waste, fraud and abuse within the welfare programs; and
- Prevent Indiana residents from paying unnecessary Homeowner’s Association fines.
Teenagers can now get their driver’s licenses at an earlier age than before.
Governor Braun said they can now get one as soon as they turn 16.
The previous law stated that Indiana teenagers had to wait until they were at least 16 years and 90 days old to get a driver’s license.
A new immigration enforcement law makes it so local governments, schools, or businesses must cooperate with immigration enforcement or face legal/financial consequences, while giving the Attorney General broad new powers to punish non-compliance.
If you see an animal trapped in a hot car in Indiana, you are legally protected from criminal charges and lawsuits for breaking in, as long as you follow several steps: you believe the animal is in danger, breaking in is the only way to get the animal out, you call 911 first and stay with the animal until a first responder arrives.
More than 200 bills passed during this year’s legislative session and were signed by Gov. Mike Braun.
Other new state laws that kick in today include:
Public camping ban (Senate Enrolled Act 285)
Camping, sleeping or using public property for long-term shelter is now a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Officers can issue a warning first, with charges possible if the person is found in the same spot 48 hours later. Supporters call it a path toward services; critics call it a criminalization of homelessness.
School cellphone ban (Senate Enrolled Act 78)
Schools must now prohibit personal cellphones, smartwatches and gaming devices throughout the entire school day, with exceptions for emergencies, medical needs and translation.
National Guard military police (House Enrolled Act 1210)
The Indiana National Guard can now establish its own military police force, with members gaining police powers when called to state active duty by the governor.
County fair alcohol sales
County fairs can now sell alcohol on-site as long as they secure the proper permits.
Property restrictions for foreign adversaries (Senate Enrolled Act 256)
People from countries such as China and Russia are now barred from buying property in Indiana, and colleges must run background checks on applicants from those countries before admitting them into sensitive programs like engineering or microbiology.
A full list of laws passed during the 2026 legislative session can be found by visiting iga.in.gov.
(Network Indiana contributed to this story)
