Public Policy

The Public Policy Program of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana works to enact laws that will promote open access to housing; increase the awareness of policy makers and regulators about the issues associated with housing disparities and inequities; works with local, state and federal legislators to ensure strong housing laws and policies; and collaborates with fellow organizations to advance housing needs.

The FHCCI has identified several Indiana “bad bills” that must be removed to better housing policies. At the right side of this page are yearly FHCCI session summaries of legislation of interest for review.

2026 General Assembly: The 2026 session kicked off a bit early this year on December 1, 2025, mostly focusing on the consideration of redistricting legislation, then taking a break over the holidays. On January 5, 2026 the Indiana General Assembly reconvened.

A full list of housing bills being monitored by the FHCCI may be reviewed here. This list includes housing-impacted bills that focus on rental, real estate sales, mortgage lending, home insurance, and zoning transactions as well as housing-impacted services.

Below is a selection of housing bills, as originally worded, from the comprehensive list that the FHCCI is highlighting. Click on the link above to get up-to-date status on the legislation, language changes, key news stories, and other information.

• HB 1001: HOUSING MATTERS. (MILLER D) Provides the following are permitted uses that are approved without a hearing: (1) Single family dwellings and townhouses in residential zones. (2) An accessory dwelling unit within a single family dwelling. (3) Affordable housing on property purchased by a religious institution before January 1, 2025, in a residential or commercial zone. Provides that the following apply to a unit, if the unit does not adopt an ordinance to opt out: (1) Prohibits a unit from requiring more than a specified number of parking spaces for multi-family dwelling units, single family dwellings, or commercial space. (2) Prohibits a unit from regulating design elements of residential structures. (3) Requires a mixed use residential or multi-family residential development to be a permitted use in an area zoned for commercial use. (4) Prohibits a unit from imposing requirements on lot sizes, density, setbacks, and building bulk on certain lots or parcels. Allows residential buildings that have: (1) five or six floors, to have single stair, if certain requirements are satisfied; and (2) not more than six stories and 24 units, to have a passenger elevator larger than an elevator that accommodates a wheelchair. Adds requirements regarding the location of impact zones designated by a unit after June 30, 2026. Provides that after December 31, 2026, if a unit fails to update its zoning ordinance within one year after adopting or amending its comprehensive plan, the unit must approve a project that complies with the comprehensive plan or the zoning ordinance. After December 31, 2026, restricts a unit’s ability to impose and increase fees related to building approvals and permits. Delays implementation of building permit increases to 180 days after publication of the ordinance. Beginning January 1, 2027, requires a unit to annually report to the Indiana housing and community development authority and legislative services agency regarding the number of housing proposals submitted to the unit, and approved or denied by the unit during the preceding year. Resolves conflicts for IC 36-2-4-8, which was amended by both P.L.22-2021 and P.L.152-2021.
• HB 1050: PROHIBITION ON LIEN FOR MEDICAL DEBT. (SUMMERS V) Provides that: (1) any amount of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer; or (2) in an action against a consumer in which a judgment has been entered, any amount of the judgment that represents health care debt determined to be owed by the consumer; does not constitute a lien against the consumer’s principal residence. Provides that in any action filed, in a court of competent jurisdiction in Indiana, for the recovery of health care debt owed or alleged to be owed by a consumer, the principal residence of the consumer is not liable to judgment or attachment or to be sold on execution against the consumer.
• HB 1113: REPAIR OF RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTIES. (PRYOR C) Requires a landlord to repair or replace an essential item not later than 24 hours after being notified by a tenant that the tenant’s rental unit is without certain essential services. Provides that a tenant may request an agency tasked with enforcing unsafe building provisions (enforcement authority) to conduct an inspection and replace or repair an essential item within 24 hours of the inspection. Authorizes the enforcement authority to replace or repair an essential item within 24 hours and to charge the landlord for certain costs and to order a $500 civil penalty to be paid. Requires any civil penalties to be placed in a repair fund to be used for costs incurred by the enforcement authority to replace or repair an essential item. Establishes appeal procedures. Requires a rental agreement entered into after June 30, 2026, to include a provision allowing a tenant to be reimbursed for any deposits paid by the tenant and to terminate the rental agreement if certain repairs are not made within seven days. Allows a court to order that a tenant’s regular rental payments are paid into an attorney trust account or to the clerk of the court during the pendency of an enforcement action brought by the tenant.
• HB 1128: PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION IN HOUSING. (PACK R) Expands the Indiana fair housing statute to prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person’s: (1) source of income; (2) military active duty status; or (3) veteran status. Defines “source of income”, “active duty”, and “veteran” for purposes of the statute.
• HB 1135: INVESTOR OWNERSHIP OF SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES. (HARRIS E) Establishes the housing down payment assistance fund. Establishes a transfer tax equal to 50% of the fair market value of a single family residence for each single family residence acquired by an applicable taxpayer after the applicable date. Establishes a maximum number of single family residences that may be owned by an applicable taxpayer after the applicable date for purposes of calculating an annual excise tax on any excess single family residences.
• HB 1181: EVICTION TASK FORCE. (SHACKLEFORD R) Establishes the access to counsel in eviction task force (task force) to review matters related to the eviction process and potential funding sources to increase a tenant’s access to counsel in an eviction proceeding. Sets forth membership, and requires the task force to issue a report to the legislative council. Provides that the task force expires December 31, 2026.
• HB 1193: CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION.  (JETER C) Provides that the civil rights commission (commission) may not represent a private individual in a civil action filed in circuit or superior court. Requires the party that elects to have claims asserted in a finding of reasonable cause decided in a civil action to file the civil action. Specifies that the commission may order damages to restore an aggrieved party’s losses, if the commission determines the party has incurred losses as a result of a discriminatory housing practice. Provides that the commission may only represent the state in a civil action and repeals a provision allowing a court to award monetary damages in those cases. Authorizes the commission to investigate unconstitutional practices if no other state agency has jurisdiction to investigate these practices. Conforms the circumstances under which the commission may be required to pay attorney’s fees to the circumstances under which an agency may be required to pay fees under the administrative orders and proceedings act (AOPA).
• HB 1260: VARIOUS INSURANCE MATTERS. (LEHMAN M) Specifies that, for personal automobile or homeowner’s policies: (1) an insured has 30 days to submit a request for an explanation of a material change; and (2) an insurer has 30 days to respond to an insured’s request for an explanation of a material change. Requires an insurer of automobile insurance policies and residential policies to mail a notice of nonrenewal to an insured at least 60 days before the expiration of the policy. Allows co-owners of a condominium that meets certain conditions to obtain property and casualty insurance coverage for the condominium units by purchasing a master policy for property and casualty insurance or by allowing each co-owner to purchase property and casualty insurance on an individual basis. Provides that the insurance commissioner has the authority to take certain actions relating to the creation, implementation, or operation of a health benefit exchange.
• HB 1261: USE OF AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. (LEHMAN M) Requires an insurer that provides property insurance coverage to a named insured to take certain actions when the insurer uses aerial images to aid in its determination to not renew property insurance coverage for a named insured.
• HB 1403: FIRST TIME HOME BUYER SAVINGS PROGRAM. (DANT CHESSER W) Establishes the first time home buyer savings program (program) for the purpose of assisting first time home buyers who seek to open a first time home buyer savings account (account) at a financial institution to save money for the purchase of a single family residence. Requires the Indiana housing and community development authority to administer the program, to prepare and supervise the issuance of public information concerning the program, and to prescribe various forms for use by financial institutions that choose to offer accounts. Specifies that: (1) money in an account (including all earnings or interest on an account) is exempt from taxation in Indiana; and (2) withdrawals from an account used for a down payment and allowable closing costs for the purchase of a single family residence; are exempt from state adjusted gross income taxation. Creates a state adjusted gross income tax credit for contributions to an account (credit) in an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) 20% multiplied by the amount of the total contributions made to the account during a taxable year; or (2) $5,000. Requires repayment of all or a part of the credit in a taxable year in which the taxpayer withdraws funds from an account for purposes other than payment of a down payment and allowable closing costs.
• HB 1416: PREEMPTION OF LOCAL REGULATION. (MILLER D) Provides that unless expressly authorized by another statute, a municipality or county may not adopt, enforce, or maintain an ordinance, order, or rule regulating conduct in a field of regulation that is occupied by a provision in specified titles of the Indiana Code. Establishes a cause of action for a person who has sustained an injury in fact, actual or threatened, from a municipal or county ordinance, order, or rule adopted or enforced by a municipality or county.
• HB 1431: STREET CAMPING. (MILLER D) Prohibits an individual from camping, sleeping, or using for long term shelter land owned by the state or a political subdivision, unless the land has been authorized for that use by law. Provides, if certain elements are met, that a person who knowingly or intentionally uses land owned by the state or a political subdivision for unauthorized camping, sleeping, or long term shelter commits a Class C misdemeanor. Allows an individual to be referred to a problem solving court program for a violation. Prohibits a political subdivision from adopting or enforcing any policy that prohibits or discourages the enforcement of any order or ordinance prohibiting public camping, sleeping, or other obstruction of a sidewalk. Authorizes a resident of the political subdivision, an owner of a business located in the political subdivision, or the attorney general to bring a civil action to enjoin a political subdivision that adopts or enforces such a policy.
• SB 50: HARD CREDIT INQUIRIES BY LANDLORDS. (JACKSON L) Prohibits a landlord from doing the following in connection with an applicant’s application for the rental of a rental unit: (1) Making a hard inquiry to a consumer reporting agency or to a specialty consumer reporting agency for an applicant’s consumer report or for information in an applicant’s consumer report. (2) Obtaining or using a tenant screening report that includes information that is obtained through a hard inquiry to a consumer reporting agency or to a specialty consumer reporting agency for an applicant’s consumer report or for information in an applicant’s consumer report. Defines “hard inquiry” for purposes of these provisions as an inquiry that: (1) is noted on the consumer report of the applicant for a period of time following the inquiry; and (2) negatively impacts the applicant’s credit score. Provides that a landlord that violates the bill’s provisions commits a deceptive act that is actionable by an applicant and the attorney general under the Indiana statute concerning deceptive consumer sales.
• SB 104: LANDLORD NEXUS. (YODER S) Provides that, after June 30, 2026, a landlord may not lease a property in Indiana unless the landlord: (1) is authorized to do business in Indiana; (2) maintains a residence or an office at one or more physical locations in Indiana; (3) appoints an Indiana licensed real estate broker or broker company to manage the rental property; or (4) owns five or less properties in Indiana. Allows the attorney general to take enforcement action if a landlord improperly leases a property.
• SB 108: TOWNSHIP SHELTER ASSISTANCE. (JACKSON L) Amends the definition of “shelter” to include any other form of dwelling accommodation that the township trustee determines is safe, decent, and sanitary.
• SB 125: MARION COUNTY SMALL CLAIMS COURT JURISDICTION. (TAYLOR G) Requires the following cases to be filed in a Marion County small claims court: (1) A possessory action between a landlord and a tenant in which the past due rent does not exceed $10,000. (2) An action for the possession of property where the value of the property does not exceed $10,000.
• SB 127: LANDLORD-TENANT MATTERS. (NIEZGODSKI D) Provides that a landlord may not sell a residential rental property that is subject to an unexpired written lease unless the landlord gives written notice to the tenant not less than 60 days before the landlord lists the property for sale, unless certain exceptions apply. Requires a buyer of a residential rental property to honor an unexpired written lease between the previous owner and a tenant unless the buyer of the residential rental property: (1) gives to the tenant, not less than 30 days before the lease is terminated, written notice that the buyer intends to terminate the lease; and (2) pays the tenant an amount equal to one monthly rental payment plus the full security deposit. For purposes of a residential rental unit, defines: (1) “essential services” as certain utility services needed for the safe and habitable occupation by a tenant of the tenant’s rental unit; and (2) “essential systems” as certain systems used to deliver essential services to a rental unit. Requires a landlord to repair or replace an essential system not later than 48 hours after being notified by a tenant that the tenant’s rental unit is without essential services as a result of: (1) a malfunction in the essential system; or (2) the landlord’s failure to maintain the system in good and safe working condition. Provides that, during the pendency of a court action brought by a tenant to enforce a statutory obligation of a landlord, the court may order the tenant to make the regular rental payments otherwise due to the landlord under the rental agreement to: (1) the clerk of the court; or (2) an attorney trust account; to be held in trust for disbursal to the prevailing party, as ordered by the court. For purposes of the rights of tenants who are victims of certain crimes, provides that evidence showing a tenant engaged in a protected activity not more than six months before the landlord’s alleged retaliatory conduct creates a rebuttable presumption that the purpose of the landlord’s conduct was retaliation. Specifies the evidence a landlord may show to rebut the presumption. Requires a landlord to pay all penalties or fines imposed by a political subdivision for violation of the landlord’s obligations with regard to a rental premises. Requires a landlord to pay all penalties or fines and make all repairs required by a political subdivision before the landlord may deliver the rental premises to a tenant.
• SB 181: NOTICE OF EVICTION. (BROWN L) Requires a landlord to provide notice at least five days before filing an eviction that includes the following: (1) The amount owed. (2) A calculation of late fees. (3) Acceptable methods of payment. (4) The date the landlord intends to file an eviction if charges remain unpaid. Provides methods of written notice. Provides that notice is not required to terminate a lease if the landlord has met other notice requirements. Requires a landlord to complete required repairs issued by an eligible enforcement authority and meet standards required by a county health department. Repeals a provision concerning refusal or neglect to pay rent and corresponding notice requirements.
• SB 205: DEVELOPMENT OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING. (YODER S) Requires a local zoning ordinance to allow for residential housing developed by a religious developer as a permitted use in all residential or commercial zones if specified conditions are satisfied.
• SB 253: DEED FRAUD. (GOODE G) Establishes the deed fraud task force. Provides that a county recorder may: (1) refuse to record a suspicious instrument, unless a court of competent jurisdiction finds that the county recorder’s finding that the instrument is a suspicious instrument is erroneous; (2) report a suspicious instrument to the appropriate law enforcement agency; or (3) notify a notarial officer or notary public who has purported to acknowledge or prove a suspicious instrument of the reason for the county recorder’s finding that the instrument is a suspicious instrument. Requires each county recorder to establish a property alert notification system. Requires each county recorder to establish an instrument alert notification system. Provides that a notarial officer may refuse to perform a notarial act if the notarial officer is not satisfied that the individual executing the record has provided sufficient information to conduct identity proofing. Requires a notary public to present proof of the notary public’s commission to a person that sells or otherwise provides a stamping device to the notary public. Requires an applicant seeking a commission as a notary public to complete a background check administered by the secretary of state. Requires the secretary of state to establish certain security procedures and access controls with respect to the electronic data base of active notaries public. Provides that a person that alleges damages arising from the recording of a forged deed or mortgage has a cause of action against certain persons.
• SB 285: HOUSING MATTERS. (CARRASCO C) Requires the Indiana housing and community development authority (authority) to establish eligibility criteria for a potential recipient to be included in the authority’s application for funding under the federal continuum of care program (program). Requires a recipient of program funding to submit an annual report to the authority. Prohibits an individual from camping, sleeping, or using for long term shelter land owned by the state or a political subdivision, unless the land has been authorized for that use under the provisions added by the bill or another law. Provides, if certain elements are met, that a person who knowingly or intentionally uses land owned by the state or a political subdivision for unauthorized camping, sleeping, or long term shelter commits a Class C misdemeanor. Prohibits a political subdivision from adopting or enforcing any policy that prohibits or discourages the enforcement of any order or ordinance prohibiting public camping, sleeping, or other obstruction of a sidewalk. Authorizes a resident of the political subdivision, an owner of a business located in the political subdivision, or the attorney general to bring a civil action to enjoin a political subdivision that adopts or enforces such a policy. Requires: (1) each local law enforcement agency to provide to the state police department the number of arrests made for violations of the prohibition of street camping; and (2) the state police department to provide this information to the authority.

Other legislative information:

• FHCCI Policy Briefs:
  • Passing a Comprehensive and Inclusive Hate Crime Law
  • Combatting Housing Displacement
• Reports/Studies of Interest:
  • State interference in local policymaking prevents people of color, women, and low-income workers from making ends meet in the South, Hunter Blair, David Cooper, Julia Wolfe, and Jaimie Worker, September 30, 2020
  • State Preemption of Local Equitable Housing Policies, Local Solutions Support Center, 2019
• General Guidance: Nonprofits can lobby! In Indiana, nonprofits interested in providing testimony on specific legislation may need to register as a lobbyist with the Indiana Lobby Registration Commission. You should also review this excellent resource on nonprofit lobbying put together by our colleagues at Prosperity Indiana. Please speak out in the General Assembly on bills impacting your constituents or members and provide your valuable knowledge.