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HB1173 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Representative Timothy Wesco
Last action
2026-01-05
Official status
Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide details on the consequences of breaking the rules or specify which specific places will be considered 'designated public forums'.

Rules for Public Speaking Places

This bill sets rules for how Indiana state and local governments can manage places where people speak publicly, ensuring these places are open to different viewpoints.

What This Bill Does

  • Defines what a 'designated public forum' is.
  • Allows the government to set rules about when, where, and how people can speak in designated public forums as long as those rules serve an important purpose, are specific to that need, use the least strict methods possible, and treat all viewpoints equally.
  • Prevents the government from banning speech by religious or political groups if it fits the forum's purpose.
  • Prohibits the government from stopping someone from speaking just because their message is about religion or politics.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The state of Indiana
  • Local governments in Indiana
  • People who want to speak publicly

Terms To Know

Designated public forum
A place set aside by the government for people to express their opinions and ideas.
Time, place, and manner restrictions
Rules about when, where, and how people can speak in a designated public forum.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens if the rules are broken.
  • It is unclear which specific places will be considered 'designated public forums'.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-05 House

    Authored by Representative Wesco

  2. 2026-01-05 House

    First reading: referred to Committee on Local Government

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.
Designated public forums.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.

Designated public forums.

Defines a "designated public forum". Provides that the state or a political subdivision may impose time, place, and manner restrictions on speech in a designated public forum, provided that such restrictions are: (1) justified by a compelling interest of the state or political subdivision; (2) narrowly tailored; (3) administered using the least restrictive means available; and (4) viewpoint neutral. Provides that the state or a political subdivision may not exclude speech: (1) made by a religious or political group, if the speech is consistent with the designated public forum's purpose; or (2) solely because it expresses a religious or political viewpoint.