Senate Republicans to Prioritize Government Reform, Public Safety and Fiscal Discipline in 2026

The legislative session rolls on in Indianapolis.

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INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Senate Republicans will prioritize government reform, public safety and fiscal discipline during the 2026 legislative session, said Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville).

"Hoosiers expect their government to respect taxpayers and run as efficiently as possible, and that's why our government reform bill will headline our priorities for 2026," Bray said. "We also know public safety is top of mind for many citizens, which is why we are going to continue pursuing an amendment to our state constitution to allow judges to deny bail to those who are a threat to public safety. We will also continue to practice the fiscal discipline that has made Indiana the fiscal envy of the nation by saving budget decisions for budget sessions."

Prevent fraud and contain state spending on welfare programs
Senate Bill 1, authored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown)
WHAT: Root out waste, fraud and abuse in Indiana's welfare programs by increasing eligibility checks for SNAP, preventing illegal immigrants from claiming benefits and updating Indiana's laws to comply with new federal Medicaid reforms, including work requirements for able-bodied, working-age adults
WHY: Americans are outraged by the billions of dollars of welfare fraud in our nation – and the Minnesota scandal is Exhibit A. SB 1 is Indiana's latest effort to catch bad actors to preserve programs like SNAP and Medicaid for Hoosiers who need them most.

Protect Hoosiers by holding dangerous suspects without bail
Senate Joint Resolution 1, authored by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford)
WHAT: Amend the Indiana Constitution to allow judges to deny bail if a suspect clearly poses a substantial risk to any other person or the community
WHY: The majority of states and the federal government allow the most dangerous suspects to be held without bail, and Indiana judges should have that discretion to protect the public.

Continue prioritizing fiscal discipline
WHAT: Keep promises to taxpayers by concluding the 2026 session ahead of time and under budget, and prioritize fiscal discipline in the face of increased pressure from Democrats to prematurely spend taxpayer money
WHY: Though the state's revenue forecast has improved compared to April 2025, it's not responsible to spend money that hasn't yet materialized. Senate Republicans will hold the line on major spending proposals, as budget decisions should be made during budget sessions.

The Indiana General Assembly reconvened for the remainder of the 2026 legislative Jan. 5 and is scheduled to conclude by Feb. 27. Visit iga.in.gov to view livestreams and archive videos of session and committee meetings, view legislative calendars, review legislation and more.