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HB1316 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law.

Children
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Representative Robert Heaton
Last action
2026-01-06
Official status
Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific details about remedies available for those who sue or enforcement mechanisms.

Law Protecting Religious Beliefs in Adoption and Foster Care

This law stops government agencies from treating people unfairly based on their religious beliefs when they adopt or foster children, and it allows those people to sue if they are treated badly.

What This Bill Does

  • Prohibits a governmental entity from discriminating against a person in adoption and foster care matters based on the person's sincerely held religious belief.
  • Allows a person to sue a governmental entity for discriminating against the person and allows for certain remedies.
  • Provides that there is a two year statute of limitation for a discrimination claim.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who want to adopt or foster children
  • Government agencies involved in family and child welfare

Terms To Know

discrimination
Treating someone unfairly because of their race, religion, gender, or other personal characteristics.
sincerely held religious belief
A deeply held and genuine religious belief that a person truly believes in.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what remedies are available for those who sue.
  • It is unclear how this law will be enforced or if it will face legal challenges.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-06 House

    Authored by Representative Heaton

  2. 2026-01-06 House

    Coauthored by Representative DeVon

  3. 2026-01-06 House

    First reading: referred to Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law.
Child welfare provider protections.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning family law and juvenile law.

Child welfare provider protections.

Prohibits a governmental entity from discriminating against a person in adoption and foster care matters based on the person's sincerely held religious belief. Allows a person to sue a governmental entity for discriminating against the person and allows for certain remedies. Provides that there is a two year statute of limitation for a discrimination claim.