FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 7, 2026) — Senate Majority Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) has filed Senate Bill 1, a comprehensive reform package designed to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within Indiana's welfare systems. As the Senate Republicans’ top legislative priority for the 2026 session, the bill takes decisive action to secure the safety net for the truly needy while closing loopholes that have cost taxpayers millions.
SB 1 builds upon Garten’s proven track record of fiscal integrity. The legislation implements strict verification protocols for SNAP applicants, mandates compliance with landmark federal Medicaid reforms, and establishes a zero-tolerance policy for illegal aliens attempting to access public benefits.
Enforcing the Rule of Law: No Benefits for Illegal Immigrants
SB 1 mandates rigorous verification of immigration status for all Medicaid and SNAP applicants. Under this legislation, Indiana will close the door on taxpayer-funded handouts for individuals in the country illegally. Furthermore, the bill includes a strict accountability provision: any applicant who cannot verify legal presence in the United States will be immediately referred to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for investigation and potential deportation proceedings.
"The days of asking hardworking Hoosiers to subsidize lawlessness are over," Garten said. "Our public safety net exists to support our most vulnerable citizens — not those who have broken our laws to enter the country. If you are here illegally, you are disqualified from receiving Hoosier tax dollars, and we will report you to federal authorities. It is that simple."
Championing Conservative Reforms
In 2025, Indiana set the national standard for welfare reform with Senate Enrolled Act 2, a Garten-authored bill that instituted work requirements for able-bodied, working-age adults on the Healthy Indiana Plan. Following Indiana's success, the federal government adopted similar measures nationwide.
"Indiana led the charge on work requirements, and Washington followed our lead," Garten stated. "With Senate Bill 1, we are doubling down. We are aligning Indiana statutes with the robust integrity measures in the federal 'One Big Beautiful Bill' to ensure our state remains a fortress of fiscal responsibility."
Closing Loopholes and Restoring SNAP Integrity
SB 1 will enforce federal asset limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and eliminate "broad-based categorical eligibility" — a loophole that currently allows recipients of non-cash brochures or pamphlets to automatically qualify for food stamps without proper vetting. The bill restores the requirement that all applicants go through a thorough financial review.
"For too long, loopholes like broad-based categorical eligibility have allowed the welfare state to expand unchecked, diverting resources away from the truly needy," Garten said. "By enforcing real asset limits and verifying every claim, we are protecting the taxpayer's wallet and ensuring that our safety net remains sustainable for the Hoosiers who genuinely depend on it."
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State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) represents Senate District 45,
which includes Clark County and portions of Floyd County.
He serves as the Senate Majority Floor Leader.
Contact: Lance Gideon, Senior Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
