Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official PDF posted by the Indiana General Assembly, fetched 2026-09-25. Page and line markers are part of the official record; nothing is edited or removed. This is the current version. The official bill page.
First Regular Session of the 124th General Assembly (2025)
PRINTING CODE. Amendments: Whenever an existing statute (or a section of the Indiana
Constitution) is being amended, the text of the existing provision will appear in this style type,
additions will appear in this style type, and deletions will appear in this style type.
Additions: Whenever a new statutory provision is being enacted (or a new constitutional
provision adopted), the text of the new provision will appear in this style type. Also, the
word NEW will appear in that style type in the introductory clause of each SECTION that adds
a new provision to the Indiana Code or the Indiana Constitution.
Conflict reconciliation: Text in a statute in this style type or this style type reconciles conflicts
between statutes enacted by the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly.
HOUSE ENROLLED ACT No. 1515
AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning education.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
SECTION 1. IC 20-19-3-40 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
1, 2025]: Sec. 40. (a) Not later than December 1, 2025, the
department shall submit a report to the general assembly in an
electronic format under IC 5-14-6 on the academic readiness of
students who enroll in a virtual school or program. To the extent
possible, the report must include course completion data and
student performance data on the statewide assessment.
(b) This section expires June 30, 2026.
SECTION 2. IC 20-19-9-4, AS AMENDED BY P.L.216-2021,
SECTION 10, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 4. (a) If the lesser of at least:
(1) one hundred (100) students of a school corporation; or
(2) thirty percent (30%) of the total number of students enrolled
in the school corporation;
receive at least fifty percent (50%) of instruction through a school
corporation's virtual education program, the school corporation shall
establish a dedicated virtual education school.
(b) The department shall assign a separate school identification
number for the dedicated virtual education school.
(c) Before July 1, 2022, December 31, 2026, the state board shall
adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to establish financial reporting and
oversight required by a school corporation and a vendor who enter into
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or renew a contract relating to the operation of a dedicated virtual
education school.
SECTION 3. IC 20-19-9-5, AS AMENDED BY P.L.250-2023,
SECTION 7, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 5. A school corporation that operates a virtual
education program must require that if a student who attends a school
corporation's virtual education program accumulates the number of ten
(10) consecutive or eighteen (18) cumulative unexcused absences,
sufficient to result in the student's classification as a habitual truant, the
student must be withdrawn from enrollment in the school corporation's
virtual education program.
SECTION 4. IC 20-20-52 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]:
Chapter 52. Centralized School Facilities Pilot Program and
Local Boards
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "local board" refers to a:
(1) local centralized school facilities board established under
section 6(a) of this chapter; or
(2) if applicable, local centralized school facilities and
transportation board established under section 6(e) of this
chapter.
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "pilot program" means the
centralized school facilities pilot program established by section 4
of this chapter.
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "school" means a:
(1) charter school; or
(2) nonpublic school with at least one (1) employee.
Sec. 4. (a) The centralized school facilities pilot program is
established to provide innovative approaches concerning the use,
operation, and management of school facilities to promote:
(1) enhanced learning environments;
(2) unique learning opportunities; and
(3) improved student academic and health outcomes;
in accordance with the plan submitted to the general assembly by
the secretary of education under IC 20-19-3-32.
(b) The pilot program is established for a three (3) year period
consisting of the 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029 school
years.
Sec. 5. (a) A school corporation or school, in partnership with
other school corporations, schools, or both other school
corporations and schools, may apply to the department to
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participate in the pilot program.
(b) The department:
(1) may approve not more than a total of three (3)
applications under this section to participate in the pilot
program; and
(2) shall establish the application process and criteria to
participate in the pilot program.
(c) The criteria established under subsection (b)(2) must require
that school corporations and schools include information
concerning the geographic boundaries of the area to which the
application to participate in the pilot program applies.
Sec. 6. (a) Except as provided under subsection (e), not later
than October 31, 2025, a local centralized school facilities board is
established for participating school corporations and schools.
(b) Each local board must be independent from any school
corporation and school.
(c) The local board consists of seven (7) members who:
(1) are proportionately appointed as either representatives of
participating school corporations, charter schools, or
nonpublic schools described in section 3(2) of this chapter
based on:
(A) the total pupil enrollment of the participating school
corporations;
(B) the total pupil enrollment of participating charter
schools; and
(C) the total pupil enrollment of participating nonpublic
schools;
that are partnering under the pilot program; and
(2) are members of the:
(A) governing body of a participating school corporation;
(B) charter school board of a participating charter school;
or
(C) equivalent of a governing body for a participating
nonpublic school;
described in subdivision (1).
(d) Each local board must collaborate with individuals or
entities that have expertise in the following:
(1) Facility management, construction, or real estate.
(2) Public finance or public debt issuance.
(3) Demographic analysis and urban planning.
(4) Organizational effectiveness, operations management, and
implementing best practices.
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(5) Government contracts.
(6) Budget development and oversight.
(e) If a school corporation or school, in partnership with other
school corporations, schools, or both other school corporations and
schools, receives approval to participate in the:
(1) pilot program; and
(2) student transportation pilot program under IC 20-20-53;
the school corporation or schools may elect to establish, not later
than October 31, 2025, one (1) local centralized school facilities and
transportation board consisting of the members described in
subsection (c) that has the powers and duties and is subject to the
requirements of a local centralized school facilities board under
this chapter and local student transportation board under
IC 20-20-53.
Sec. 7. Notwithstanding any other state law or rule, each local
board shall, during the pilot program, provide oversight and
management of school facilities with a focus on best use and
upkeep of assets funded by taxpayers.
Sec. 8. (a) Each local board shall create and implement a pilot
program plan that includes measures to:
(1) determine the:
(A) term lengths of the members; and
(B) member replacement processes;
for the local board;
(2) conduct school facility assessments for all applicable
school facilities;
(3) establish a process for the transfer to and receipt of funds,
as applicable, by the local board from the participating school
corporations and schools;
(4) accept and use donations, gifts, or bequests for the
purposes of this chapter;
(5) improve the health and safety of students and teachers;
(6) allow for additional flexibility and creativity in terms of
what is considered a school facility, including considerations
surrounding colocation with other schools, governmental
entities, or community organizations;
(7) enter into revenue sharing agreements and asset use
agreements for all school facilities within the geographic
boundaries described in the application under section 5(c) of
this chapter for the three (3) year period of the pilot program;
(8) address any existing excess capacity in school facilities;
(9) inspire opportunities for partnership with other
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governmental entities or local nonprofit organizations to
transform school facilities into broader community assets for
residents;
(10) implement best practices in facilities management and
operations;
(11) track qualitative and quantitative data to gauge the
success of the pilot program;
(12) collect and report data in a manner prescribed by the
department regarding school facilities included in the pilot
program; and
(13) implement a maintenance plan and contract with
vendors, as needed, for the duration of the pilot program.
(b) Not later than July 1, 2028, each local board shall develop
and submit to the department an implementation plan that
includes the following:
(1) Whether at the conclusion of the pilot program the:
(A) participating school corporations and schools, as
applicable, elect to continue operating with a local board;
and
(B) local board established under section 6 of this chapter
should be maintained or a new local board should be
established.
(2) If a new local board should be established, the following
components:
(A) The appointment of members to the new local board,
including the appointing authority for the members.
(B) The term lengths of the members.
(C) The member replacement process.
(3) A process to ensure that the powers and duties under this
chapter are maintained by the local board or transferred to
the new local board after completion of the pilot program.
(4) The transfer of all assets and related funding regarding
school facilities to the local board or new local board.
(5) The development and implementation of a long term asset
management and sustainability plan.
Sec. 9. Notwithstanding any other state law or rule, beginning
with the 2026-2027 school year, each local board established under
section 6 of this chapter:
(1) shall exercise the full powers and duties provided under
the pilot program plan created under section 8(a) of this
chapter; and
(2) shall make recommendations regarding property tax levies
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approved by the governing bodies of the applicable
participating school corporations.
Sec. 10. Each local board may contract with outside individuals
and entities to create and implement the pilot program plan
described in section 8(a) of this chapter.
Sec. 11. Subject to any agreement entered into by a school
corporation or school, a school corporation or school may at any
time opt out of participating in the pilot program if the school
corporation or school provides notice to all school corporations
and schools that the school corporation or school partnered with
under this chapter at least one (1) year before the school
corporation or school intends to terminate the partnership and its
participation under this chapter.
Sec. 12. Not later than November 1, 2027, the department of
local government finance, in consultation with the department,
shall do the following:
(1) Prepare a report that includes recommendations
regarding legislation and procedures to transfer the duties
and powers of a participating school corporation to a local
board or new local board as described in section 8(b) of this
chapter.
(2) Submit the report to the legislative council in an electronic
format under IC 5-14-6.
Sec. 13. Not later than November 1, 2028, the department shall
do the following:
(1) Prepare a report that includes the following:
(A) A summary regarding the:
(i) school corporations and schools participating in the
pilot program;
(ii) implementation of the pilot program by each local
board;
(iii) results and outcomes regarding the pilot program;
and
(iv) implementation plans submitted by the local boards
under section 8(b) of this chapter.
(B) Any recommendations regarding:
(i) legislation or procedures to further carry out the
purposes of this chapter and an implementation plan
submitted under section 8(b) of this chapter; and
(ii) whether to extend the pilot program to additional
applicants.
(C) A plan to adopt best practices from the pilot program
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statewide.
(2) Submit the report to the legislative council in an electronic
format under IC 5-14-6.
Sec. 14. The department shall waive any state law or rule
requirement necessary to exempt participating school corporations
and schools from requirements for purposes of participation in the
pilot program under this chapter.
Sec. 15. This chapter shall be liberally construed to effect the
purposes of this chapter.
Sec. 16. Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, to the
extent the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the
provisions of any other general, special, or local law, the provisions
of this chapter are controlling, and compliance with this chapter
shall be treated as compliance with the conflicting law.
SECTION 5. IC 20-20-53 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]:
Chapter 53. Student Transportation Pilot Program and Local
Boards
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "local board" refers to a:
(1) local student transportation board established under
section 6(a) of this chapter; or
(2) if applicable, local centralized school facilities and
transportation board established under section 6(e) of this
chapter.
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "pilot program" refers to the
student transportation pilot program established by section 4 of
this chapter.
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "school" means a:
(1) charter school; or
(2) nonpublic school with at least one (1) employee.
Sec. 4. (a) The student transportation pilot program is
established to provide transportation to all students attending:
(1) school corporations;
(2) charter schools; and
(3) nonpublic schools with at least one (1) employee;
within the geographic boundaries described in the application
under section 5(c) of this chapter.
(b) The pilot program is established for a three (3) year period
consisting of the 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029 school
years.
Sec. 5. (a) A school corporation or school, in partnership with
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other school corporations, schools, or both school corporations and
schools, may apply to the department to participate in the pilot
program.
(b) The department:
(1) may approve not more than a total of three (3)
applications under this section to participate in the pilot
program; and
(2) shall establish the application process and criteria to
participate in the pilot program.
(c) The criteria established under subsection (b)(2) must require
that school corporations and schools include information
concerning the geographic boundaries of the area to which the
application to participate in the pilot program applies.
Sec. 6. (a) Except as provided under subsection (e), not later
than October 31, 2025, a local student transportation board is
established for participating school corporations and schools.
(b) Each local board must be independent from any school
corporation and school.
(c) The local board consists of seven (7) members who:
(1) are proportionately appointed as either representatives of
participating school corporations, charter schools, or
nonpublic schools described in section 3(2) of this chapter
based on:
(A) the total pupil enrollment of the participating school
corporations;
(B) the total pupil enrollment of participating charter
schools; and
(C) the total pupil enrollment of participating nonpublic
schools;
that are partnering under the pilot program; and
(2) are members of the:
(A) governing body of a participating school corporation;
(B) charter school board of a participating charter school;
or
(C) equivalent of a governing body for a participating
nonpublic school;
described in subdivision (1).
(d) Each local board must collaborate with individuals or
entities that have expertise in the following:
(1) Transportation logistics, particularly involving movement
of passengers.
(2) Finance and business.
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(3) Organizational effectiveness, operations management, and
implementing best practices.
(4) Government contracts.
(5) Budget development and oversight.
(e) If a school corporation or school, in partnership with other
school corporations, schools, or both other school corporations and
schools, receives approval to participate in the:
(1) pilot program; and
(2) centralized school facilities pilot program under
IC 20-20-52;
the school corporation or schools may elect to establish, not later
than October 31, 2025, one (1) local centralized school facilities and
transportation board that has the powers and duties and is subject
to the requirements of a local centralized school facilities board
under IC 20-20-52 and local student transportation board under
this chapter.
Sec. 7. Notwithstanding any other state law or rule, each local
board shall be responsible for the oversight and management of the
transportation of students described in section 4 of this chapter in
a safe and efficient manner in accordance with the plan submitted
to the general assembly by the secretary of education under
IC 20-19-3-33.
Sec. 8. (a) Each local board shall create and implement a pilot
program plan that includes measures to:
(1) determine the:
(A) term lengths of the members; and
(B) member replacement processes;
for the local board;
(2) allow for additional flexibility and creativity to
accommodate student needs throughout the school day,
including transportation:
(A) to and from school;
(B) for before and after school opportunities;
(C) for work based learning experiences;
(D) for extracurricular activities; and
(E) for specialized educational opportunities;
(3) improve safety and efficiency for students;
(4) increase collaboration between school corporations,
schools, governmental entities, and community organizations;
(5) track qualitative and quantitative data to gauge the
success of the pilot program;
(6) collect and report data in a manner prescribed by the
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department regarding the pilot program;
(7) provide uninterrupted transportation services for
homeless students or students in foster care as provided by
the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance
Improvements Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.);
(8) inspire opportunities for public-private partnerships or
partnerships with other governmental entities or local
nonprofit organizations;
(9) enter into revenue sharing agreements and asset use
agreements with participating school corporations and
schools for the duration of the three (3) year period of the
pilot program;
(10) establish a process for the transfer to and receipt of
funds, as applicable, by the local board from the participating
school corporations and schools;
(11) accept and use donations, gifts, or bequests for the
purposes of this chapter; and
(12) implement purchasing and maintenance plans and
contracts with vendors, as needed, for the three (3) year
period of the pilot program.
(b) Not later than July 1, 2028, each local board shall develop
and submit to the department an implementation plan that
includes the following:
(1) Whether at the conclusion of the pilot program the:
(A) participating school corporations and schools, as
applicable, elect to continue operating with a local board;
and
(B) local board established under section 6 of this chapter
should be maintained or a new local board should be
established.
(2) If a new local board should be established, the following
components:
(A) The appointment of members to the new local board,
including the appointing authority for the members.
(B) The term lengths of the members.
(C) The member replacement process.
(3) A process to ensure that the powers and duties under this
chapter are maintained by the local board or transferred to
the new local board after completion of the pilot program.
(4) The transfer of all assets and related funding regarding
school transportation to the local board or new local board.
(5) The development and implementation of a long term asset
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management and sustainability plan.
Sec. 9. Notwithstanding any other state law or rule, beginning
with the 2026-2027 school year, each local board established under
section 6 of this chapter:
(1) shall exercise the full powers and duties provided under
the pilot program plan created under section 8(a) of this
chapter; and
(2) shall make recommendations regarding property tax levies
approved by the governing bodies of the applicable
participating school corporations.
Sec. 10. Each local board may contract with outside entities to
create and implement the pilot program plan described in section
8(a) of this chapter.
Sec. 11. Subject to any agreement entered into by a school
corporation or school, a school corporation or school may at any
time opt out of participating in the pilot program if the school
corporation or school provides notice to all school corporations
and schools that the school corporation or school partnered with
under this chapter at least one (1) year before the school
corporation or school intends to terminate the partnership and its
participation under this chapter.
Sec. 12. Not later than November 1, 2027, the department of
local government finance, in consultation with the department,
shall do the following:
(1) Prepare a report that includes recommendations
regarding legislation and procedures to transfer the duties
and powers of a participating school corporation to a local
board or new local board as described in section 8(b) of this
chapter.
(2) Submit the report to the legislative council in an electronic
format under IC 5-14-6.
Sec. 13. Not later than November 1, 2028, the department shall
do the following:
(1) Prepare a report that includes the following:
(A) A summary regarding the:
(i) school corporations and schools participating in the
pilot program;
(ii) implementation of the pilot program by each local
board;
(iii) results and outcomes regarding the pilot program;
and
(iv) implementation plans submitted by the local boards
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under section 8(b) of this chapter.
(B) Any recommendations regarding:
(i) legislation or procedures to further carry out the
purposes of this chapter and an implementation plan
submitted under section 8(b) of this chapter; and
(ii) whether to extend the pilot program to additional
applicants.
(C) A plan to adopt best practices from the pilot program
statewide.
(2) Submit the report to the legislative council in an electronic
format under IC 5-14-6.
Sec. 14. The department shall waive any state law or rule
requirement necessary to exempt participating school corporations
and schools from requirements for purposes of participation in the
pilot program under this chapter.
Sec. 15. This chapter shall be liberally construed to effect the
purposes of this chapter.
Sec. 16. Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, to the
extent the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the
provisions of any other general, special, or local law, the provisions
of this chapter are controlling, and compliance with this chapter
shall be treated as compliance with the conflicting law.
SECTION 6. IC 20-20-54 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]:
Chapter 54. Mastery Based Education Pilot Program
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "mastery" means evidenced
attainment of predefined, rigorous learning objectives that:
(1) are transferable; and
(2) qualify a student for advancement to subsequent
educational levels or competencies.
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "mastery based education"
means an innovative, learner centered approach to teaching and
learning that focuses on the mastery of specific skills or knowledge
areas rather than the amount of time spent in a classroom.
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "pilot program" refers to the
mastery based education pilot program established by section 4 of
this chapter.
Sec. 4. (a) The mastery based education pilot program is
established to support a school corporation or charter school that
is selected by the department under subsection (b) in implementing
mastery based education.
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(b) The department:
(1) shall administer the pilot program; and
(2) may select school corporations and charter schools that
meet the requirements under this chapter to participate in the
pilot program.
Sec. 5. (a) To apply for participation in the pilot program, a
school corporation or charter school shall do the following:
(1) Apply on a form and in a manner established by the
department.
(2) Develop and submit a plan to the department that includes
the following:
(A) A description of the following:
(i) The educational programming the school corporation
or charter school intends to offer, including specific goals
and the measurable student outcomes to be obtained by
the school corporation or charter school.
(ii) How mastery based student performance will be
used, measured, evaluated, and reported by the school
corporation or charter school.
(iii) Any business, postsecondary educational institutions,
or community partners with which the school
corporation or charter school intends to work.
(B) If the school corporation or charter school intends to
suspend any requirements under IC 20-28 as listed in
section 8(a)(2) of this chapter, the school corporation's or
charter school's criteria and goals for teacher quality,
training, and compensation.
(b) The department shall do the following:
(1) Subject to subdivision (2), approve or deny an application
and plan submitted by a school corporation or charter school
under this section.
(2) Approve an application and plan only if the department
determines that the plan:
(A) will promote innovative educational approaches to
student learning; and
(B) is likely to improve student performance and outcomes.
Sec. 6. If a school corporation or charter school participates in
the pilot program, the school corporation or charter school shall
post the school corporation's or charter school's plan approved by
the department under section 5 of this chapter on the school
corporation's or charter school's website.
Sec. 7. (a) The department may make reasonable requests for
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information from a school corporation or charter school
participating in the pilot program for the purpose of assessing the
effectiveness of the plan.
(b) A school corporation or charter school shall respond to a
request for information under subsection (a) in a form, manner,
and frequency determined by the department.
Sec. 8. (a) Any of the following may be suspended for a school
corporation or charter school in accordance with the school
corporation's or charter school's plan approved under section 5 of
this chapter:
(1) Any statute or rule that may be suspended under
IC 20-26.5-2-3.
(2) Any provision under the following:
(A) IC 20-28-4.
(B) IC 20-28-11.5.
(C) IC 20-30-2-2.
(D) IC 20-30-4.
(3) Subject to subsection (b), any provisions under the
statewide assessment program under IC 20-32-5.1.
(b) A statewide assessment program test requirement may not
be suspended under subsection (a)(3) unless a school corporation
or charter school agrees to administer an assessment that can be
used to compare the performance of students who attend the school
corporation or charter with the performance of students who take
the statewide summative assessment.
(c) After a school corporation or charter school has participated
for at least three (3) years in the pilot program, the department
may:
(1) revoke the suspension of any statute or rule under
subsection (a) for the school corporation or charter school; or
(2) terminate the participation of the school corporation or
charter school in the pilot program;
if the department determines that the school corporation or
charter school has not met the specific goals and the measurable
student outcomes in the school corporation's or charter school's
plan approved under section 5 of this chapter.
Sec. 9. This chapter expires June 30, 2035.
SECTION 7. IC 20-25-17 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
UPON PASSAGE]:
Chapter 17. Indianapolis Local Education Alliance
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "alliance" refers to the
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Indianapolis local education alliance established by section 2 of this
chapter.
Sec. 2. (a) The Indianapolis local education alliance is
established.
(b) The alliance consists of the following nine (9) members:
(1) The superintendent of the school city or the
superintendent's designee.
(2) The mayor of a consolidated city or the mayor's designee.
(3) One (1) member appointed by the president of the board
who is not a member of the board.
(4) Four (4) members appointed by the mayor described in
subdivision (2), one (1) of whom is a representative of
business.
(5) Two (2) members appointed by the superintendent of the
school city as follows:
(A) A representative of parents who:
(i) reside; and
(ii) have students attending an innovation network
charter school (as defined in IC 20-25.7-3-6) located;
within the geographic boundaries of the school city.
(B) A representative of parents who:
(i) reside within the geographic boundaries of the school
city; and
(ii) have students who are enrolled in and attend a school
maintained and operated by the school city.
(c) The mayor or the mayor's designee under subsection (b)(2)
serves as the chairperson of the alliance. A quorum of the members
must be present for the alliance to take any action. A quorum
consists of a majority of the members of the alliance. An
affirmative vote by a majority of the members present is needed
for the alliance to make a recommendation or take any action.
(d) The first meeting of the alliance must be held not later than
July 1, 2025.
(e) The alliance operates independently from the school city.
(f) The alliance is not subject to IC 5-14-1.5. However, the
meeting at which the members of the alliance vote on the adoption
of the facilities and transportation implementation plan described
in section 3(a)(2) of this chapter must be open to the public.
Sec. 3. (a) The alliance shall do the following:
(1) Conduct school facility assessments for all applicable
public school, including charter school, facilities located
within the geographic boundaries of the school city.
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(2) Develop a facilities and transportation implementation
plan that includes the following components:
(A) A long term asset management and sustainability plan,
including a seat capacity target formula.
(B) Recommendations regarding additional school facility
structural changes necessary to achieve the desired result
for a collaborative system of schools that can serve all
students within the geographic boundaries of the school
city fairly.
(C) A process to approve or deny any levy requests related
to capital expenditures.
(D) A standardized template for revenue sharing
agreements and asset use agreements for all school
facilities and transportation assets within the geographic
boundaries of the school city.
(E) A method or way to address existing excess capacity in
school facilities.
(F) A method or way to increase collaboration between
schools, governmental entities, and community
organizations, including facilitating opportunities for
partnership with other governmental entities or local
nonprofit organizations to transform school facilities into
broader community assets for residents.
(G) Ensures the provision of uninterrupted transportation
services for homeless students or students in foster care as
provided by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education
Assistance Improvements Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.).
(H) Best practices in facilities management and operations.
(I) A system to track qualitative and quantitative data to
gauge the success of the plan.
(J) A system to manage any school facility or
transportation related debt.
(K) Recommendations regarding purchasing and
maintenance plans and contracts with vendors, as needed.
(L) A summary of the school facility assessments for all
applicable school facilities and recommendations based on
the assessments.
(M) An approach in which schools located within the
geographic boundaries of the school city will participate or
opt into participation in the implementation plan and at
what service level the schools may participate or opt in.
(N) The participation of all students in a single enrollment
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system.
(b) In developing the plan under subsection (a)(2), the alliance
shall consider additional flexibility and creativity regarding:
(1) what is considered a school facility, including
considerations surrounding colocation with other schools,
governmental entities, or community organizations; and
(2) ways to accommodate student needs throughout the school
day, including transportation:
(A) to and from school;
(B) for before and after school opportunities;
(C) for work based learning experiences;
(D) for extracurricular activities; and
(E) for specialized educational opportunities.
Sec. 4. The alliance may:
(1) contract with outside entities in developing the plan under
section 3 of this chapter; and
(2) include the following recommendations in the
implementation plan developed under section 3(a)(2) of this
chapter:
(A) The governance structure for a collaborative school
system.
(B) Opportunities for increased efficiency for the central
office of the school city.
(C) Future referendum planning.
(D) School consolidation.
(E) The expansion of high quality academic programming.
(F) Uniform school performance frameworks for all
schools within the collaborative school system.
(G) Special education policies.
Sec. 5. (a) This section does not apply to a proposed new charter
school if the organizer of the proposed new charter school
submitted to an authorizer on or before April 1, 2025, the proposal
to establish the new charter school.
(b) Beginning July 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025, a
charter may not be granted by an authorizer for a new charter
school located within the geographic boundaries of the school city
except for a charter that is:
(1) approved by the Indianapolis charter school board
established by IC 20-24-2.3-3; and
(2) granted by the executive (as defined in IC 36-1-2-5) of a
consolidated city.
Sec. 6. Not later than December 31, 2025, the alliance shall
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submit the school facilities and transportation implementation plan
to the following:
(1) The secretary of education.
(2) The board.
(3) The mayor described in section 2(b)(2) of this chapter.
(4) The legislative council in an electronic format under
IC 5-14-6.
Sec. 7. This chapter expires March 30, 2026.
SECTION 8. IC 20-26-4-4.5, AS AMENDED BY SEA 80-2025,
SECTION 115, AND AS AMENDED BY SEA 287-2025, SECTION
40, AND AS AMENDED BY SEA 366-2025, SECTION 4, IS
CORRECTED AND AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 4.5. (a) The definitions in IC 3-5-2
IC 3-5-2.1 apply to this section.
(b) If a vacancy in a school board office exists because of the death
of a school board member, the remaining members of the governing
body shall meet and select an individual to fill the vacancy must be
filled under IC 20-23-4-30. after the secretary of the governing body
receives notice of the death under IC 5-8-6 and in accordance with
section 4 of this chapter. IC 20-23-4-30. If IC 20-23-4-30(c)(2) applies
to the vacancy, the vacancy must be filled after the secretary of the
governing body receives notice of the death under IC 5-8-6.
SECTION 9. IC 20-26-5-47 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY
1, 2025]: Sec. 47. (a) As used in this section, "public school" means
the following:
(1) A school maintained by a school corporation.
(2) A charter school.
(b) If:
(1) a student enrolled in a public school makes an allegation
that an employee of the public school engaged in misconduct
with, or pertaining to, the student; and
(2) the public school determines that the allegation is
unsubstantiated or otherwise dismissed;
the public school shall, not later than fourteen (14) days after the
date the public school makes the determination, provide written
notification by mail, personal delivery, or electronic mail to the
employee of the public school and a parent of the student that the
allegation has been determined to be unsubstantiated or otherwise
dismissed.
SECTION 10. IC 20-26-16-1, AS AMENDED BY P.L.270-2019,
SECTION 14, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
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JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 1. This chapter applies to the following:
(1) A school corporation, including a school city (as defined in
IC 20-25-2-12). and
(2) A charter school.
(3) An accredited nonpublic school.
SECTION 11. IC 20-26-16-1.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 1.5. As used in this chapter,
"accredited nonpublic school" means a nonpublic school that:
(1) has voluntarily become accredited under IC 20-31-4.1; or
(2) is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency
that is recognized by the state board.
SECTION 12. IC 20-26-16-2, AS AMENDED BY P.L.270-2019,
SECTION 15, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 2. The governing body of a school corporation or
the equivalent for a charter school or accredited nonpublic school
may establish a school corporation, or charter school, or accredited
nonpublic school police department under this chapter.
SECTION 13. IC 20-26-16-3, AS AMENDED BY P.L.270-2019,
SECTION 16, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 3. The governing body of a school corporation or
the equivalent for a charter school or accredited nonpublic school
may do the following for the school corporation, or charter school, or
accredited nonpublic school police department:
(1) Appoint school corporation, or charter school, or accredited
nonpublic school police officers.
(2) Prescribe the duties and direct the conduct of school
corporation, or charter school, or accredited nonpublic school
police officers.
(3) Prescribe distinctive uniforms.
(4) Provide emergency vehicles.
SECTION 14. IC 20-26-16-4, AS AMENDED BY P.L.270-2019,
SECTION 17, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 4. An individual appointed as a school
corporation, or charter school, or accredited nonpublic school police
officer must successfully complete at least:
(1) the pre-basic training course established under IC 5-2-1-9(f);
and
(2) the minimum basic training and educational requirements
adopted by the law enforcement training board under IC 5-2-1-9
as necessary for employment as a law enforcement officer.
SECTION 15. IC 20-26-16-5, AS AMENDED BY P.L.270-2019,
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SECTION 18, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 5. (a) Notwithstanding section 4 of this chapter
and IC 5-2-1-9, an individual appointed as a school corporation police
officer before July 1, 2007, must complete, not later than July 1, 2010,
at least:
(1) the pre-basic training course established under IC 5-2-1-9(f);
and
(2) the minimum basic training and educational requirements
adopted by the law enforcement training board under IC 5-2-1-9
as necessary for employment as a law enforcement officer.
(b) As set forth in IC 5-2-1-9, an individual appointed as a school
corporation, or charter school, or accredited nonpublic school police
officer may not:
(1) make an arrest;
(2) conduct a search or a seizure of a person or property; or
(3) carry a firearm;
unless the school corporation, or charter school, or accredited
nonpublic school police officer successfully completes a pre-basic
training course under IC 5-2-1-9(f).
SECTION 16. IC 20-26-16-6, AS AMENDED BY P.L.156-2020,
SECTION 76, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 6. (a) A school corporation, or charter school, or
accredited nonpublic school police officer appointed under this
chapter:
(1) is a law enforcement officer (as defined in IC 5-2-1-2(1));
(2) must take an appropriate oath of office in a form and manner
prescribed by the governing body or the equivalent for a charter
school or accredited nonpublic school;
(3) serves at the governing body's (or the equivalent for a charter
school or accredited nonpublic school) pleasure; and
(4) performs the duties that the governing body or the equivalent
for a charter school or accredited nonpublic school assigns.
(b) School corporation, or charter school, or accredited nonpublic
school police officers appointed under this chapter have general police
powers, including the power to arrest, without process, all persons who
within their view commit any offense. They have the same common
law and statutory powers, privileges, and immunities as sheriffs and
constables, except that they are empowered to serve civil process only
to the extent authorized by the employing governing body or the
equivalent for a charter school or accredited nonpublic school;
however, any powers may be expressly forbidden them by the
governing body (or the equivalent for a charter school or accredited
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nonpublic school) employing them. In addition to any other powers or
duties, such police officers shall enforce and assist the educators and
administrators of their school corporation, or charter school, or
accredited nonpublic school in the enforcement of the rules and
regulations of the school corporation, or charter school, or accredited
nonpublic school and assist and cooperate with other law enforcement
agencies and officers.
(c) Such police officers may exercise the powers granted under this
section only upon any property owned, leased, or occupied by the
school corporation, or charter school, or accredited nonpublic school,
including the streets passing through and adjacent to the property.
Additional jurisdiction may be established by agreement with the chief
of police of the municipality or sheriff of the county or the appropriate
law enforcement agency where the property is located, dependent upon
the jurisdiction involved.
SECTION 17. IC 20-34-8-9, AS AMENDED BY P.L.9-2024,
SECTION 396, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 9. (a) This section applies to:
(1) a head coach or assistant coach who coaches an athletic
activity;
(2) a marching band leader;
(3) a drama or musical leader; or
(4) a leader of an extracurricular activity in which students have
an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest activity as determined
by the department in consultation with an organization that
specializes in the prevention of sudden cardiac arrest.
(b) An individual described in subsection (a) shall complete the
sudden cardiac arrest training course offered by a provider approved by
the department in a manner specified by the state board under
IC 20-28-5.5-1 or IC 20-28-5.5-1.5. The sudden cardiac arrest training
course described in this subsection must include training in the use of
an automated external defibrillator (AED). An individual described in
subsection (a) may not coach or lead the event in which students have
an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest until the individual
completes the training course required under this subsection. The
provider shall provide the school with a certificate of completion to the
school corporation, charter school, or state accredited nonpublic school
for each individual who completes a course under this subsection.
(c) Each school corporation, charter school, or state accredited
nonpublic school shall maintain all certificates of completion awarded
under subsection (b) for each individual described in subsection (a).
(d) (c) An individual described in subsection (a) who complies with
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this section and provides coaching or leadership services in good faith
is not personally liable for damages in a civil action as a result of a
sudden cardiac arrest incurred by an applicable student participating in
an event in which students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac
arrest for which the head coach, assistant coach, marching band leader,
drama or musical leader, or other applicable leader provided coaching
or leadership services, except for an act or omission by the individual
described in subsection (a) that constitutes gross negligence or willful
or wanton misconduct.
(e) (d) An individual described in subsection (a) may shall ensure
that an operational automated external defibrillator (AED) is present
at each event in which students have an increased risk of sudden
cardiac arrest for which the individual described in subsection (a) is
providing coaching or leadership.
(f) An automated external defibrillator (AED) described in
subsection (e) may be:
(1) deployed in accordance with the venue specific emergency
action plan for sudden cardiac arrest developed under subsection
(i);
(2) except as provided in subsection (g), located on the premises
where the event in which students have an increased risk of
sudden cardiac arrest occurs; and
(3) present for the duration of the event in which students have an
increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest.
(g) One (1) automated external defibrillator (AED) may be shared
by two (2) or more events in which students have an increased risk of
sudden cardiac arrest if the following conditions are met:
(1) The events in which students have an increased risk of sudden
cardiac arrest occur at the same time.
(2) The events in which students have an increased risk of sudden
cardiac arrest occur in locations that are in close proximity to
each other, as determined by the department.
(3) The automated external defibrillator (AED) is placed in a
designated location that is between the events in which students
have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest and meets the
requirement of subsection (f)(3).
(4) Each individual described in subsection (a) who conducts an
event in which students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac
arrest described in this subsection is aware of the designated
location of the automated external defibrillator (AED).
(h) (e) At each event in which students have an increased risk of
sudden cardiac arrest, an individual described in subsection (a) may
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shall inform all individuals who are coaching or providing leadership
at the event in which students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac
arrest of the location of the automated external defibrillator (AED).
(i) (f) A school corporation, charter school, and state accredited
nonpublic school may shall do the following:
(1) Ensure that an automated external defibrillator (AED)
described in subsection (e) is properly maintained.
(2) (1) Develop a venue specific emergency action plan for
sudden cardiac arrest that
(A) establishes a goal of responding within three (3) minutes
to a sudden cardiac arrest occurring within the venue; and
(B) requires the performance of periodic drills at times and
locations determined by the governing body.
(3) Distribute the plan described in subdivision (2) to the school
board.
includes elements recommended by the American Heart
Association, Heart Safe Schools Program, or another similar
nationally recognized evidence based program.
(4) (2) Share the plan described in subdivision (2) (1) with each
individual described in subsection (a).
(5) Post the plan described in subdivision (2) in a conspicuous
place so that it is visible by any participants of an activity at the
venue.
(6) (3) Before the beginning of the season of each event in which
students have an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, share the
plan described in subdivision (2) (1) with all applicable students.
(j) (g) A school corporation, a charter school, a state accredited
nonpublic school (as defined in IC 20-18-2-18.7), or an accredited
nonpublic school (as defined in IC 10-21-1-1) may apply for a grant
under IC 10-21-1-2(a)(1)(C)(viii) to purchase an automated external
defibrillator (AED) if the school corporation, charter school, state
accredited nonpublic school or accredited nonpublic school develops
a venue specific emergency action plan for sudden cardiac arrest.
SECTION 18. IC 20-51-4-5.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 5.5. (a) A parent of an eligible
choice scholarship student or an eligible school on behalf of a
parent of an eligible choice scholarship student may petition the
department to reconsider the eligibility of a choice scholarship
student enrolled in the eligible school if the parent has reason to
believe that the student was determined ineligible due to
enrollment data inaccuracies reported by a school.
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(b) If the department determines that a student described in
subsection (a) is eligible for a choice scholarship under this
chapter, the department may adjust the enrollment count of choice
scholarship students for the applicable eligible school.
(c) If the department adjusts a count used for a distribution
under this chapter, the department shall adjust subsequent
distributions to the eligible school that is affected by the adjusted
count, on the schedule determined by the department, to reflect the
differences between the distribution that the eligible school
received and the distribution that the eligible school would have
received if the adjusted count had been used.
SECTION 19. IC 21-12-8-9, AS AMENDED BY P.L.92-2020,
SECTION 100, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 9. (a) This section applies to an
applicant who attends or has attended any of the following:
(1) An approved secondary school.
(2) A state accredited nonpublic school.
(3) A nonaccredited nonpublic school.
(b) An applicant is eligible to receive a high value workforce ready
credit-bearing grant if the following conditions are met:
(1) The applicant is domiciled in Indiana, as defined by the
commission.
(2) The applicant:
(A) has received a diploma of graduation from a school
described in subsection (a);
(B) has been granted a:
(i) high school equivalency certificate before July 1, 1995;
or
(ii) state of Indiana general educational development (GED)
diploma under IC 20-10.1-12.1 (before its repeal),
IC 20-20-6 (before its repeal), or IC 22-4.1-18; or
(C) is a student in good standing who is completing a final
year of study at a school described in subsection (a) and will
be eligible upon graduation to attend an approved institution
of higher learning.
(3) The applicant is enrolled in an eligible certificate program, as
determined under section 2(4) of this chapter, at Ivy Tech
Community College, Vincennes University, or a program
approved by the commission.
(4) The applicant enrolls at least half-time for purposes of federal
financial aid.
(5) The applicant has not received any grant for the maximum
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number of academic terms specified for the grant in
IC 21-12-13-1 or IC 21-12-13-2.
(6) The applicant is not eligible for any state financial aid
program described in IC 21-12-13-1(a) or IC 21-12-13-2(a).
(7) The applicant is identified as financially independent from the
applicant's parents as determined by the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
(8) The applicant has correctly filed the FAFSA and, if eligible
for aid, accepts all offered federal scholarships and grants.
(9) Except as provided under subsection (c), the applicant
maintains satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the
eligible institution.
(10) The applicant has not previously received a baccalaureate
degree or an associate degree. or an eligible certificate.
(11) The applicant meets any other minimum criteria established
by the commission.
(c) This subsection applies to an applicant who does not maintain
satisfactory academic progress under subsection (b)(9) but meets all the
other conditions required under subsection (b). An applicant is eligible
to receive a high value workforce ready credit-bearing grant if the
applicant meets one (1) of the following:
(1) The applicant has not attended an eligible institution for the
immediately preceding two (2) academic years.
(2) The applicant:
(A) attended an eligible institution at any time during the
immediately preceding two (2) academic years; and
(B) maintained satisfactory academic progress, as determined
by the eligible institution, during the period described in
clause (A) in which the applicant attended the eligible
institution.
(d) If an applicant is identified as dependent as determined by the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the applicant must:
(1) meet the criteria specified in subsection (b), except for
subsection (b)(4), (b)(7), and (b)(9);
(2) enroll full time for purposes of federal financial aid;
(3) maintain satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the
eligible institution; and
(4) complete a workforce ready grant success program, as
determined by the commission, if the applicant graduates from
high school after December 31, 2018.
(e) If the demand for high value workforce ready credit-bearing
grants exceeds the available appropriation, as determined by the
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commission, the commission shall prioritize the applicants identified
as independent as determined by the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA).
SECTION 20. IC 21-13-1-5, AS AMENDED BY P.L.148-2016,
SECTION 1, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 5. "Fund":
(1) for purposes of IC 21-13-2, refers to the William A. Crawford
minority teacher scholarship fund established by IC 21-13-2-1;
(2) for purposes of IC 21-13-4, refers to the National Guard
tuition supplement program fund established by IC 21-13-4-1;
(3) for purposes of IC 21-13-5, refers to the National Guard
scholarship extension fund established by IC 21-13-5-1;
(4) for purposes of IC 21-13-6, refers to the primary care
physician loan forgiveness fund established by IC 21-13-6-3; and
(5) for purposes of IC 21-13-6.5, refers to the medical residency
education fund established by IC 21-13-6.5-1; and
(6) for purposes of IC 21-13-12, refers to the county deputy
prosecuting attorney and public defender scholarship fund
established by IC 21-13-12-6.
SECTION 21. IC 21-13-11-1.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 1.5. As used in this chapter,
"accredited nonpublic school" means a nonpublic school that:
(1) has voluntarily become accredited under IC 20-31-4.1; or
(2) is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency
that is recognized by the Indiana state board of education.
SECTION 22. IC 21-13-11-8, AS ADDED BY P.L.118-2016,
SECTION 23, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 8. The commission may use money in the fund to
provide grants to Indiana organizations that recruit science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics teachers for employment by Indiana
school corporations, charter schools, or accredited nonpublic
schools in Indiana.
SECTION 23. IC 21-13-11-10, AS ADDED BY P.L.118-2016,
SECTION 23, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 10. The commission shall develop an application
process for grants under this chapter that identifies recruiting
organizations and programs:
(1) that produce high student achievement and effective and
highly effective teachers; and
(2) that match science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
teachers with Indiana school corporations, charter schools, or
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accredited nonpublic schools in Indiana that would otherwise
encounter a shortage of qualified teachers in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics.
SECTION 24. IC 21-13-12 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]:
Chapter 12. County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Public
Defender Scholarship Program and Fund
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "accredited law school" means
an Indiana based law school that is approved by the American Bar
Association and, for purposes of Rule 13 of the Rules for Admission
to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys adopted by the Indiana
supreme court, has not been disapproved by the Indiana supreme
court.
Sec. 2. (a) As used in this chapter, "full-time deputy prosecuting
attorney" means an individual who is employed full time as a
deputy prosecuting attorney.
(b) The term does not include a:
(1) prosecuting attorney;
(2) chief deputy prosecuting attorney; or
(3) deputy prosecuting attorney appointed under
IC 33-39-6-2(b) through IC 33-39-6-2(e).
Sec. 3. (a) As used in this chapter, "full-time public defender"
means an individual who:
(1) is employed full time by a county as a public defender; or
(2) maintains a full-time equivalent caseload, as certified by
the Indiana commission on court appointed attorneys under
section 16 of this chapter, as a contractual or hourly public
defender.
(b) The term does not include any of the following:
(1) The state public defender.
(2) A deputy of the state public defender.
(3) A chief public defender.
Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "scholarship program" means
the county deputy prosecuting attorney and public defender
scholarship program established by section 5 of this chapter.
Sec. 5. (a) The county deputy prosecuting attorney and public
defender scholarship program is established.
(b) The commission shall receive and consider applications for
a county deputy prosecuting attorney and public defender
scholarship under this chapter.
(c) Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, the commission
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may award a county deputy prosecuting attorney and public
defender scholarship to an eligible applicant under this chapter.
Sec. 6. (a) The county deputy prosecuting attorney and public
defender scholarship fund is established for the purpose of
providing scholarships to attract and retain eligible applicants to
full-time deputy prosecuting attorney and full-time public defender
positions.
(b) The fund consists of gifts, grants, devises, or bequests made
to the commission to achieve the purposes of the fund.
(c) The commission shall administer the fund.
(d) The expenses of administering the fund shall be paid from
money in the fund.
(e) The treasurer of state shall invest the money in the fund not
currently needed to meet the obligations of the fund in the same
manner as other public funds may be invested. Interest that
accrues from these investments shall be deposited in the fund.
(f) Money in the fund at the end of a state fiscal year does not
revert to the state general fund but remains available to be used for
the purposes of this chapter.
(g) No state funds may be:
(1) appropriated or transferred to the fund; or
(2) used to award scholarships under the scholarship
program.
Any gifts, grants, devises or bequests made to the commission to
achieve the purposes of the fund may be used to award
scholarships under the scholarship program.
Sec. 7. The commission shall do the following:
(1) Develop a promotional program to inform and attract
students to participate in the scholarship program.
(2) Establish protocols and procedures concerning the
application process for the scholarship program.
(3) Develop protocols, in consultation with accredited law
schools, to ensure successful completion of the scholarship
program and assist graduates in completing the requirements
of the scholarship program.
(4) Establish, in coordination with the governor's office, a
guide for the management of the scholarship program by
commission personnel.
(5) Designate personnel or contract with a third party vendor
to manage the scholarship program.
Sec. 8. (a) An applicant who is enrolled as a full-time or
part-time student in an accredited law school after June 30, 2026,
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may qualify for a scholarship under this chapter.
(b) To qualify for a scholarship under this chapter, an applicant
must meet the following requirements:
(1) Apply for a scholarship on a form supplied by the
commission.
(2) Have applied and been accepted for enrollment as a
full-time or part-time student in an accredited law school.
(3) Agree in writing to:
(A) work as a full-time:
(i) deputy prosecuting attorney; or
(ii) public defender;
in Indiana for at least five (5) consecutive years
immediately following the date the applicant is admitted to
practice law in Indiana; and
(B) repay all or a prorated amount of the scholarship, as
determined by the commission, if the applicant fails to
meet the requirements under clause (A).
(4) Submit a written essay, as determined by the commission.
(5) Complete a curriculum path established for the practice of
law in Indiana that must include the study of the rules of
evidence, criminal and civil rules of procedure, substantive
criminal law, and constitutional law that is specific to Indiana.
The curriculum path must also include opportunities for
experiential learning.
(6) Meet any other criteria established by the commission.
Sec. 9. The commission shall consider each application under
section 8 of this chapter and determine the eligibility of the
applicant for the scholarship.
Sec. 10. Before receiving a scholarship under this chapter, the
applicant must enter into a contract with the commission agreeing
to:
(1) the terms and conditions described in section 8(b)(3) of
this chapter; and
(2) any other terms and conditions established by the
commission.
Sec. 11. (a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c), if an applicant
meets the requirements under section 8 of this chapter, the
commission may award the following:
(1) For an applicant who is enrolled full-time in an accredited
law school, a scholarship to the applicant in an amount of
twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) for:
(A) each academic year that the applicant attends the
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accredited law school; and
(B) not more than a total of three (3) academic years.
(2) For an applicant who is enrolled part-time in an
accredited law school, a scholarship to the applicant in an
amount of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for:
(A) each academic year that the applicant attends the
accredited law school; and
(B) not more than a total of four (4) academic years.
(b) The commission may not award a scholarship under this
chapter in an amount of more than a total of sixty thousand dollars
($60,000) to an individual applicant.
(c) If the total amount to be distributed from the fund in a state
fiscal year exceeds the amount available for distribution, the
amount to be distributed to each eligible applicant shall be
proportionately reduced so that the total reductions equal the
amount of the excess.
Sec. 12. To maintain eligibility for a scholarship under this
chapter, a student who receives a scholarship under this chapter
must remain in good standing with the applicable accredited law
school.
Sec. 13. An individual shall repay the amount of the scholarship
awarded to the individual under this chapter in a timely fashion, as
determined by the commission, if the following apply:
(1) The individual received a scholarship under this chapter.
(2) The individual is no longer enrolled in an accredited law
school.
(3) The individual either:
(A) did not graduate with a law degree from an accredited
law school; or
(B) was not admitted to practice law in Indiana within two
(2) years from the date the individual graduated with a law
degree from an accredited law school.
Sec. 14. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), if an
individual:
(1) receives a scholarship under this chapter; and
(2) fails to work as a full-time:
(A) deputy prosecuting attorney; or
(B) public defender;
in Indiana for at least five (5) consecutive years immediately
following the date the applicant is admitted to practice law in
Indiana as described in section 8(b)(3) of this chapter;
the individual shall repay the total amount of the scholarship
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awarded to the individual under this chapter in a timely fashion.
However, an individual shall repay a prorated amount of the
scholarship, as determined by the commission, based on the
number of consecutive years the individual worked full time as
described in section 8(b)(3)(A) of this chapter.
(b) The commission may extend the length of time in which an
individual must complete the requirements of an agreement
described in section 8(b)(3) of this chapter if the:
(1) individual submits a petition to the commission in a
manner prescribed by the commission; and
(2) commission determines that extenuating circumstances
prevented the individual from timely meeting the
requirements described in section 8(b)(3) of this chapter.
(c) The commission may waive repayment under subsection (a)
and section 13 of this chapter if the individual has been declared to
be totally and permanently disabled under 34 CFR 685.213.
(d) The commission may enter into an agreement with the
department of state revenue established by IC 6-8.1-2-1 or another
third party vendor to assist in the enforcement of subsection (a)
and section 13 of this chapter.
Sec. 15. An individual who receives a scholarship under this
chapter:
(1) may work part of the five (5) consecutive year period as a
full-time deputy prosecuting attorney and part of the five (5)
consecutive year period as a full-time public defender as long
as the individual works a total of five (5) consecutive years as
described in section 8(b)(3) of this chapter; and
(2) is not required to work in the same full-time deputy
prosecuting attorney or full-time public defender position in
Indiana for the five (5) consecutive years.
Sec. 16. The Indiana commission on court appointed attorneys
shall annually certify to the commission whether a full-time public
defender described in section 3(a)(2) of this chapter is maintaining
a full-time equivalent caseload for meeting eligibility requirements
of the scholarship program.
Sec. 17. The commission shall administer the scholarship
awarded under this chapter as a financial aid award.
Sec. 18. (a) Subject to subsection (c), the amount of a
scholarship awarded under this chapter may not be reduced
because the student receives other scholarships or forms of
financial aid.
(b) Except as otherwise provided under law and subject to
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subsection (c), the amount of any other state financial aid received
by a student may not be reduced because the student receives a
scholarship under this chapter.
(c) The total amount of scholarships or other financial aid a
student receives may not exceed the total amount of the cost of
tuition to attend the accredited law school.
Sec. 19. An applicant is eligible to receive a scholarship under
this chapter only if an appropriation has been made to carry out
the specific purposes of this chapter.
Sec. 20. (a) The commission shall maintain complete and
accurate records in implementing the fund, including records of
the following:
(1) The receipt, disbursement, and uses of money from the
fund.
(2) The number of applications for the county deputy
prosecuting attorney and public defender scholarship.
(3) The number and amount of county deputy prosecuting
attorney and public defender scholarships that have been
awarded by the commission.
(4) Any other information collected concerning the fund or
county deputy prosecuting attorney and public defender
scholarships awarded under this chapter.
(b) Not later than November 1, 2026, and each November 1
thereafter, the commission shall submit a report that summarizes
the records described in subsection (a) to the:
(1) governor; and
(2) general assembly in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6.
Sec. 21. The commission may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2
necessary to carry out this chapter.
SECTION 25. IC 21-41-11-0.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA
CODE AS A NEW SECTION TO READ AS FOLLOWS
[EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 0.5. As used in this chapter,
"accredited nonpublic school" means a nonpublic school that:
(1) has voluntarily become accredited under IC 20-31-4.1; or
(2) is accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency
that is recognized by the Indiana state board of education.
SECTION 26. IC 21-41-11-4, AS ADDED BY P.L.2-2014,
SECTION 99, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 4. The principal institute is established within the
university to achieve excellence in teacher and student performance by
strengthening leadership and management skills of practicing Indiana
public and accredited nonpublic school principals.
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SECTION 27. IC 21-41-11-7, AS ADDED BY P.L.2-2014,
SECTION 99, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 7. (a) The director of the institute shall, with staff
support, develop a plan to accomplish the goals of the institute. The
plan must be approved by the advisory board and must include
procedures to teach principals the following:
(1) How to develop the leadership skills and management
techniques necessary for providing quality education in Indiana
schools.
(2) How to improve teacher and student performance, including
how to conduct meaningful and relevant staff evaluations.
(3) How to strengthen communication and leadership skills
required for the establishment of a broad based support for public
education.
(4) Management skills for use in improving curriculum and
instruction.
(5) How to improve the school environment.
(b) The director of the institute shall, with staff support, and subject
to approval by the advisory board, develop a plan for continuing
education by the institute of public and accredited nonpublic school
principals who have completed initial training at the institute.
SECTION 28. IC 21-41-11-8, AS ADDED BY P.L.2-2014,
SECTION 99, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 8. To be eligible for admission to the institute, a
participant must be a practicing public or accredited nonpublic school
principal for a public or accredited nonpublic school located in
Indiana. Admission preference must be given to those school principals
who have at least three (3) years of administrative experience in
Indiana public or accredited nonpublic schools and intend to continue
as public or accredited nonpublic school principals.
SECTION 29. IC 21-44-1-10, AS AMENDED BY P.L.126-2009,
SECTION 1, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]: Sec. 10. "Eligible institution", for purposes of:
(1) sections 2 and 11 of this chapter and IC 21-44-2, means a
university, college, or other educational institution that:
(A) operates in the United States; and
(B) offers a health education program leading to a
baccalaureate, graduate, or postgraduate degree in a health
related field including:
(i) medicine;
(ii) dentistry;
(iii) optometry;
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(iv) nursing;
(v) physical therapy;
(vi) occupational therapy; or
(vii) other allied health fields; and
(2) IC 21-44-3, refers to a postsecondary educational institution
that qualifies as an eligible institution under IC 21-44-3-1(4); and
(3) IC 21-44-3.5, means a state educational institution that
offers a health education program leading to a graduate or
postgraduate degree in a health related field, including:
(A) medicine;
(B) dentistry;
(C) optometry;
(D) nursing;
(E) physical therapy;
(F) occupational therapy; or
(G) other allied health fields.
SECTION 30. IC 21-44-3.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]:
Chapter 3.5. Eligible Institution Requirements
Sec. 1. If an eligible institution requires a standardized
admissions test for admission to a graduate or postgraduate health
education program, the standardized test shall be:
(1) required of all students seeking admission to the graduate
or postgraduate health education program; and
(2) focused on knowledge and critical thinking.
Sec. 2. All eligible institutions that are not open enrollment
eligible institutions shall require:
(1) "A" through "F" grade based assessments for each course
required to graduate; or
(2) another merit based system that:
(A) assesses a student based on the quality of the student's
academic work; and
(B) is applied uniformly and equally to all students.
SECTION 31. IC 36-2-6.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]:
Chapter 6.5. Local Board Regarding County Transfers or Gifts
to a School Corporation
Sec. 1. This chapter applies to a county having a population of
more than one hundred thousand (100,000) and less than one
hundred ten thousand (110,000) and that has not more than one (1)
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school corporation.
Sec. 2. Notwithstanding any other state law or rule, if a county
transfers or gifts any unencumbered funds to a school corporation
located in the county, the county executive may establish a local
board to exercise oversight and manage the use of the funds.
Sec. 3. (a) A local board established in accordance with section
2 of this chapter consists of the following members:
(1) One (1) member appointed by the county executive.
(2) One (1) member appointed by the county fiscal body.
(3) One (1) member appointed by the mayor of the city or
executive of the town having the largest population within the
county.
(4) One (1) member who is a representative of the county's
business community, appointed by the county executive.
(5) The president of the governing body of the school
corporation located within the county.
(b) The term of a member appointed under subsection (a)(1),
(a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) is two (2) years. A member serves until a
successor is appointed and qualified. A member may be
reappointed after the member's term has expired.
(c) If a vacancy of a member appointed under subsection (a)(1),
(a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) occurs on the local board, the appointing
authority shall appoint a new member. That member serves for the
remainder of the vacated term.
(d) A local board member appointed under subsection (a)(1),
(a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) may be removed for cause by the appointing
authority who appointed the member.
(e) Each member, before entering upon the member's duties,
shall take and subscribe an oath of office in the usual form. The
oath shall be endorsed upon the member's certificate of
appointment. The certificate shall be promptly filed with the
records of the local board.
(f) A member may not receive a salary, but is entitled to
reimbursement for any expenses necessarily incurred in the
performance of the member's duties.
(g) The expenses of the local board shall be paid by the county.
Sec. 4. (a) The members may adopt the bylaws and rules that the
members consider necessary for the proper conduct of their duties
and the safeguarding of the funds entrusted to their care. A
majority of the members constitutes a quorum, and the affirmative
vote of a majority of the members appointed to the board is
necessary to authorize any action.
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(b) The members of the local board shall elect one (1) of the
members as president and one (1) member as treasurer to perform
the duties of those offices.
Sec. 5. A local board established in accordance with section 2 of
this chapter shall have oversight and management of any funds
described in section 2 of this chapter to use for projects for the
applicable school corporation.
Sec. 6. This chapter shall be liberally construed to effect the
purposes of this chapter.
Sec. 7. Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, to the
extent the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the
provisions of any other general, special, or local law, the provisions
of this chapter are controlling, and compliance with this chapter
shall be treated as compliance with the conflicting law.
SECTION 32. IC 36-7-2.4 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE
AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE
JULY 1, 2025]:
Chapter 2.4. School Corporations and Charter Schools
Sec. 1. This chapter only applies to planning and zoning
ordinances or regulations under IC 36-7-4.
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "charter school" has the meaning
set forth in IC 20-24-1-4.
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "nonpublic school" has the
meaning set forth in IC 20-18-2-12.
Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "public school" has the meaning
set forth in IC 20-18-2-15(1).
Sec. 5. As used in this chapter, "unit" means a county, city, or
town.
Sec. 6. A public school, charter school, or nonpublic school shall
be considered a permitted use in all zoning districts of a unit.
Sec. 7. A land use application for any approval that is required
by a unit for a public school, charter school, or nonpublic school
may not be denied for the sole reason that the requesting entity is
seeking to establish a public school, charter school, or nonpublic
school.
SECTION 33. [EFFECTIVE UPON PASSAGE] (a) The general
assembly recognizes that SEA 366-2025 repeals IC 20-26-4-4
effective July 1, 2025, and that SEA 287-2025 amends IC 20-26-4-4
effective July 1, 2025. The general assembly intends to repeal
IC 20-26-4-4 effective July 1, 2025.
(b) This SECTION expires January 1, 2026.
SECTION 34. An emergency is declared for this act.
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Speaker of the House of Representatives
President of the Senate
President Pro Tempore
Governor of the State of Indiana
Date: Time:
HEA 1515 — CC 1Every fact on this page links to its source, starting with the official bill record.