FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (March 26, 2026) — State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso) achieved a perfect 100% voting record for the 2026 legislative session. The 100% record reflects Charbonneau's attendance during session, never missing a vote taken on the Senate floor.
"I want what is best for our community and want my voting record to reflect my commitment to ensuring that the needs of Senate District 5 are properly represented at the Statehouse," Charbonneau said. "Hearing from my constituents helps inform the decisions I make and keeps me informed of any issues I may not be aware of. I appreciate all those who support me during my work at the Statehouse, and I will remain dedicated to representing our community."
The following are just some of the new laws Charbonneau supported in the 2026 session.
Establishing Northwest Indiana stadium authority
Senate Enrolled Act 27 creates the framework to establish the northwest Indiana stadium authority, possibly bringing the Bears to northwest Indiana. This could create an excellent opportunity for economic development that could reshape the future of Northwest Indiana and attract many new businesses to the Region.
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.
Charbonneau encourages residents of Senate District 5 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Charbonneau can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Charbonneau or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso) represents Senate District 5,
which includes Pulaski and White counties, and portions of Jasper and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Emma Balzer, Deputy Communications Director
Emma.Balzer@iga.in.gov
317-232-7184
