FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (March 25, 2026) — State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) achieved a perfect 100% voting record for the 2026 legislative session. The 100% record reflects Buchanan's attendance during session, never missing a vote taken on the Senate floor.
"Hoosiers expect their representatives to show up and vote in the General Assembly," Buchanan said. "That's what Senate District 7 expects too, and I work hard to serve our community and be a voice in the state senate. The best way I can do this is to be on the floor during debates and votes."
The following are just some of the new laws Buchanan supported in the 2026 session.
Cut red tape for Hoosier pharmacists
Senate Enrolled Act 293, authored by Buchanan, removes the requirement for pharmacists to take a law exam to become a licensed pharmacist in Indiana. Instead, pharmacists will take continuing education courses to ensure they understand current state laws and policies.
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.
Lower utility rates
House Enrolled Act 1002 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.
Buchanan encourages constituents to contact him by filling out a Contact Me form online at IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Buchanan or by calling 800-382-9468.
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State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) represents Senate District 7,
which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Lance Gideon, Senior Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
