FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 12, 2026) — State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) today unveiled his top legislative priorities for the 2026 session, focusing on a bold agenda to protect Indiana’s fiscal integrity, strengthen national security at the state level, and shield Hoosier families from skyrocketing utility costs.
Senate Bill 1: Stopping Welfare for Illegal Immigrants
Senate Bill 1, identified as the top priority for Senate Republicans, reinforces the Rule of Law by strictly prohibiting Medicaid and SNAP benefits for illegal immigrants. This legislation builds upon Senator Garten’s Senate Enrolled Act 2 (2025) and aligns Indiana with President Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill" initiative to ensure fiscal responsibility. SB 1 also closes critical loopholes within the SNAP program to prevent fraud and abuse.
"We are slamming the door on welfare for illegal aliens," Garten said. "Hardworking Hoosiers are sick and tired of watching their tax dollars subsidize those who broke our laws to get here. Senate Bill 1 ensures our safety net is strictly for legal residents — period."
Senate Bill 256: Combating Foreign Influence
To protect Indiana’s sovereignty, Senate Bill 256 establishes a rigorous transparency requirement for agents acting on behalf of foreign adversaries, specifically China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The bill requires these agents to register with the Indiana Attorney General, disclosing their funding sources, expenditures, and political activities. It empowers the Attorney General to levy fines or ban individuals who fail to disclose their ties to these hostile regimes.
"Our enemies aren't just at the gates; they are trying to buy influence right here in Indiana," Garten said. "Whether it's the CCP or Iran, if you are working for a foreign adversary, we are going to smoke you out. Senate Bill 256 ensures that no agent of a hostile regime can hide in the dark while working to destroy us from within."
Senate Bill 257: Protecting Ratepayers from Big Tech Costs
Senate Bill 257 serves as a firewall for Hoosier ratepayers against unfair utility hikes caused by massive data centers. The bill prohibits the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) from approving electricity rate increases on residential customers solely to subsidize infrastructure for data centers or large-scale electric consumers that employ fewer than 50 people.
"I will not stand by and let Big Tech balance their books on the backs of Hoosier families," Garten said. "It is fundamentally wrong to force everyday ratepayers to subsidize the massive energy demands of data centers that employ almost no one. This bill protects our seniors and working families from footing the bill for corporate giants."
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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.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Lance Gideon, Senior Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
