By State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper)
After several months of working with constituents, colleagues and stakeholders, the Indiana General Assembly adjourned Sine Die on Feb. 27, meaning the 2026 session has now formally ended.
The end of session gives lawmakers a chance to reflect on the important work we accomplished this year while looking ahead for more ways we can make Indiana even better.
Although this was a short session, we kept our promises to taxpayers by concluding the 2026 session ahead of time and under budget and prioritizing fiscal discipline.
Though the state's revenue forecast has improved compared to April 2025, it's not responsible to spend money that hasn't yet materialized. We held the line on major spending proposals, as budget decisions should be made during budget sessions.
This session I authored five Senate bills and co-authored 10. I was the lead author of Senate Enrolled Acts 112 and 113.
Senate Enrolled Act 112 will help to ensure Hoosiers are voting where they live and remove a step a former candidate needs to take if they move. It will automatically update voter registration for candidates who withdraw from elections if the address on their withdrawal form is different from their registration.
Senate Enrolled Act 113 will require election offices to preserve election materials for 34 months instead of the 22 months required under current law. It will increase the amount of time election materials are preserved in county election offices.
In the weeks ahead, I plan to discuss some of the important topics we tackled this year and how it could impact southwestern Indiana in this column.
While the 2026 session has ended, work will continue to happen throughout the coming months through interim study committees and meetings with constituents.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns by email at s48@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
