FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 27, 2026) – Indiana Senate Republicans successfully championed government reform, public safety and fiscal discipline during the 2026 legislative session, said Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville).
"Ensuring our communities are safe is one of our top priorities, and this year, we continued that commitment by passing a bill that will give Hoosiers the ability to vote on a constitutional amendment this November that would allow judges to deny bail to those who are a threat to public safety," Bray said. "We are also continuing our commitment to financial responsibility by ensuring we root out waste, fraud and abuse in our welfare programs and preserve them for Hoosiers who need them most.
"We also passed bills that will help keep more money in Hoosiers' pockets. Indiana has one of the lowest costs of living in the country, but we know Hoosiers may not feel that right now. That's why we passed two key pieces of legislation that will save Hoosiers money by eliminating taxes on tips, overtime and loan interest on American-made vehicles and creating the biggest ratemaking shift in over 100 years that will promote affordability, predictable monthly bills and service reliability for utilities."
Prevent fraud and contain state spending on welfare programs
Senate Enrolled Act 1, authored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown)
WHAT: Root out waste, fraud and abuse in Indiana's welfare programs by increasing eligibility checks for SNAP, preventing illegal immigrants from claiming benefits and updating Indiana's laws to comply with new federal Medicaid reforms, including work requirements for able-bodied, working-age adults
WHY: Americans are outraged by the billions of dollars of welfare fraud in our nation – and the Minnesota scandal is Exhibit A. SEA 1 is Indiana's latest effort to catch bad actors to preserve programs like SNAP and Medicaid for Hoosiers who need them most.
Protect Hoosiers by holding dangerous suspects without bail
Senate Joint Resolution 1, authored by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford)
WHAT: Amend the Indiana Constitution to allow judges to deny bail if a suspect clearly poses a substantial risk to any other person or the community
WHY: The majority of states and the federal government allow the most dangerous suspects to be held without bail, and Indiana judges should have that discretion to protect the public.
Continue prioritizing fiscal discipline
WHAT: Keep promises to taxpayers by concluding the 2026 session ahead of time and under budget, and prioritize fiscal discipline in the face of increased pressure from Democrats to prematurely spend taxpayer money
WHY: Though the state's revenue forecast has improved compared to April 2025, it's not responsible to spend money that hasn't yet materialized. Senate Republicans held the line on major spending proposals, as budget decisions should be made during budget sessions.
The Indiana General Assembly has concluded the 2026 legislative session. Visit iga.in.gov to view information on legislation and archived videos of session, committee meetings and more.
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Click here to view a list of media contacts for the Senate Republican caucus.
Contact: Molly Swigart, Communications Director
molly.swigart@iga.in.gov
317-232-9521
