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SB265 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning labor and safety.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning labor and safety.

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Passed Legislature

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

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

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about the exact circumstances under which an employer's actions are considered infractions or the precise changes to unemployment insurance rates and benefits after June 30, 2026.

Indiana Labor Safety Act

This bill amends Indiana's labor laws to address employment matters, including protections against unfair treatment, increases in worker's compensation benefits over several years, and adjustments to unemployment insurance rates for those filing claims after June 30, 2026.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes it an infraction for employers to take adverse actions against employees under certain circumstances.
  • Increases the amount of worker's compensation and occupational diseases compensation benefits available over several fiscal years starting from 2027.
  • Adjusts unemployment insurance rates and provides additional weekly benefits for eligible individuals with dependents who file claims after June 30, 2026.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Employees facing potential adverse actions by employers under certain circumstances.
  • Individuals receiving worker's compensation due to injuries or disabilities.
  • People filing unemployment insurance claims after June 30, 2026.

Terms To Know

prima facie evidence
Evidence that is enough to prove something unless there is strong proof against it.
infraction
A minor violation of a law or rule.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify the exact circumstances under which an employer's actions are considered infractions.
  • It is unclear what specific changes will be made to unemployment insurance rates and benefits after June 30, 2026.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-08 Senate

    Authored by Senator Pol

  2. 2026-01-08 Senate

    First reading: referred to Committee on Pensions and Labor

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning labor and safety.
Various employment matters.

Current Bill Text

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

Various employment matters.

Provides that, under certain circumstances, an employer who takes an adverse action against an employee commits an infraction. Specifies that, under certain circumstances, an adverse employment action is prima facie evidence of an unlawful retaliation. Provides that, under certain circumstances, an employer who knowingly or intentionally fails to pay an employee or former employee commits an infraction. Increases the amount of worker's compensation and worker's occupational diseases compensation benefits available for injuries and disablements: (1) in fiscal year 2027; (2) in fiscal year 2028; (3) in fiscal year 2029; (4) in fiscal year 2030; (5) in fiscal year 2031; and (6) in fiscal year 2032 and thereafter. Amends the definition of "wage credits". Specifies the rate for unemployment insurance benefits for initial claims filed by an individual who is totally unemployed for any week beginning after June 30, 2026. Specifies, for initial claims filed for any week beginning after June 30, 2026: (1) the maximum weekly benefit amount; and (2) an additional weekly benefit for eligible and qualified individuals with dependents.