FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) made the following statement regarding the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session:
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 27, 2026) – "The 2026 legislative session has come to an end, and as I reflect on the work we have done, I feel accomplished and motivated.
"I feel accomplished in the legislation that I have shepherded through the legislative process having to do with expanding efforts to prevent human trafficking and child grooming, issuing additional three-way alcohol permits to areas of Indiana like Schererville, and establishing a tax program rounding to the nearest nickel associated with state taxes, local government taxes and businesses based in Indiana.
"I feel motivated to get started on the work that still needs to be done. We need to work to address the child grooming age issue more clearly in Indiana law as we need to better protect young Hoosiers in the 14 to 18 age range, and we also need to combat the rising utility costs across Indiana. State Sen. Rick Niemeyer (R-Lowell) and I tried to address the utility issue this year, but the bill we filed did not receive a hearing. We are dedicated to continuing our work on ways to better address the rising NIPSCO rates in northwest Indiana and utility costs across the state.
"Overall, it was a busy session, and I look forward to continuing my legislative work into the interim."
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State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) represents Senate District 1, which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Kristen Gorski, Press Secretary
Kristen.Gorski@iga.in.gov
317-232-9539
