FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (March 26, 2026) — State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) achieved a 99% voting record for the 2026 legislative session.
"Throughout the year, I hear from constituents on many topics, including their thoughts and opinions on various issues that are being discussed at the Statehouse or new issues that may need to be addressed in the future," Bohacek said. "These conversations shape how I approach and consider legislation, and I always want to be sure that my community is properly represented through my vote."
The following are just some of the new laws Bohacek supported in the 2026 session.
Lower utility rates
House Enrolled Act 1002, which Bohacek co-authored, is the biggest change to Indiana's ratemaking process in over 100 years, changing from a fee-for-service model to a performance-based ratemaking model. HEA 1002 will ensure electric utilities promote affordability, predictable monthly bills and reliable service by tying the amount utilities can collect to the quality of service they provide to customers.
Prevent waste, fraud and abuse
Senate Enrolled Act 1, Senate Republicans' top priority, will help prevent waste, fraud and abuse in Indiana's SNAP and Medicaid programs by increasing eligibility checks for public assistance programs. It also requires the state government to verify the citizenship or immigration status of people applying for Medicaid and SNAP to help prevent illegal immigrants from claiming benefits and preserve the integrity of the program for the Hoosiers who need it most.
Improve public safety
Senate Joint Resolution 1 seeks to amend Indiana's constitution so judges can hold arrestees without bail if there is no way to release them without threatening the safety of the public. While most states already allow judges to deny bail for dangerous suspects, current Indiana law only allows bail to be withheld in instances of murder and treason. Under Indiana's constitutional amendment process, Hoosier voters will have a chance to vote on SJR 1 on this November's ballot. Senate Enrolled Act 2 is a companion law that will guarantee all arrestees have legal protections like the right to an attorney at their bail hearing, the right to present evidence and the right to have their bail set in a timely manner.
No taxes on tips, overtime
Senate Enrolled Act 243 couples Indiana's tax code to the federal tax code regarding no tax on tips, no tax on overtime and no tax on loan interest for American-made vehicles in 2026. This means Hoosier workers will benefit from those same tax cuts passed in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill on their state taxes. These cuts are estimated to save Hoosiers up to $237 million on their state and local taxes this year.
Bohacek encourages residents of Senate District 8 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Bohacek can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Bohacek or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) represents Senate District 8,
which include Starke County and portions of La Porte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Emma Balzer, Deputy Communications Director
Emma.Balzer@iga.in.gov
317-232-7184
