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SB201 • 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 Parental Rights
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Senator James Tomes
Last action
2026-01-08
Official status
Introduced Senate Bill (S)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Protecting Children from Family Violence

This bill updates Indiana's laws about family violence to better protect children by changing how courts handle cases involving abuse.

What This Bill Does

  • Expands the definition of 'domestic or family violence' to include more types of harmful behavior that are not just physical.
  • Stops a court from sending certain kids back home unless it makes sure their safety is protected first.
  • Tells the office in charge of judges to create training for people who work with families about how to spot and deal with family violence.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Children who are victims of family violence
  • Parents, guardians, or custodians involved in court cases related to child safety

Terms To Know

Domestic or Family Violence
Acts that hurt someone in their home or family, which can be physical but also include other types of harmful behavior.
Judicial Administration Office
The office responsible for managing the work and training of judges and court staff.

Limits and Unknowns

  • It does not specify exactly what kinds of non-physical behaviors count as family violence.
  • The bill does not detail which topics must be included in the training program for judicial administration.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-08 Senate

    Authored by Senator Tomes

  2. 2026-01-08 Senate

    First reading: referred to Committee on Family and Children Services

Official Summary Text

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

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.

Protecting children from family violence.

Amends the definition of "domestic or family violence" to include additional acts or behaviors that are not necessarily physical. Prohibits a court from returning certain children to the child's parent, guardian, or custodian unless appropriate safety conditions are ordered. Requires the office of judicial administration to develop a training program, which must include certain topics relating to domestic or family violence. Makes technical and conforming changes.