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HB1232 • 2026

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

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

Education
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Representative Craig Haggard
Last action
2026-01-12
Official status
Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary does not provide specific details about enforcement mechanisms or implementation timelines.

Teaching the Bible as Literature

This bill requires public schools to teach the Bible as literature and prohibits government entities from denying benefits based on religious beliefs or separation of church and state principles.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires all public schools, including charter schools, to include the Bible in their curriculum as a piece of literature.
  • Prohibits governmental entities from denying benefits to any person based on Article 1, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana, separation of church and state principles, or the establishment clause.
  • Allows someone who feels they have been treated unfairly due to these prohibitions to sue the government entity.
  • Gives winning plaintiffs in lawsuits against governmental entities the right to receive court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Public school students and teachers
  • Government agencies that provide benefits or services

Terms To Know

Prevailing plaintiff
A person who wins a lawsuit against a governmental entity.
Establishment clause
Part of the U.S. Constitution that prevents the government from creating an official religion or favoring one religion over another.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify when it will take effect.
  • It is unclear how this law would be enforced in schools and by government agencies.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-12 House

    Representatives Prescott, DeVon, Davis added as coauthors

  2. 2026-01-05 House

    Authored by Representative Haggard

  3. 2026-01-05 House

    First reading: referred to Committee on Education

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning education.
Schools, funding, and religion.

Current Bill Text

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

Schools, funding, and religion.

Requires a public school, including a charter school, to teach the Bible as literature. Prohibits a governmental entity from denying benefits to any person on the basis of: (1) Article 1, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana; (2) separation of church and state; or (3) the establishment clause; and establishes certain exceptions. Permits a person adversely affected by a violation to file a civil action against the governmental entity. Authorizes a: (1) prevailing plaintiff in a suit brought against a governmental entity; and (2) prevailing party, in a suit brought by a governmental entity; to obtain court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.