KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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SB73 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.

Children Crime
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Senator Gary Byrne
Last action
2025-12-08
Official status
Introduced Senate Bill (S)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide specific details on how the defense for wearing masks will work or who it affects beyond those attending public assemblies.

Law About Masks at Public Assemblies

This law makes it illegal to wear masks at public assemblies in Indiana, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses and during certain crimes.

What This Bill Does

  • Makes wearing a mask at a public assembly a Class C misdemeanor the first time someone does it.
  • Increases the penalty to a Class A misdemeanor if someone wears a mask at a public assembly more than once.
  • Raises the punishment for rioting and disorderly conduct to a Level 6 felony if these crimes happen while wearing a mask.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who attend public assemblies

Terms To Know

Class C misdemeanor
A minor crime that has less serious penalties than other types of crimes.
Level 6 felony
A more serious type of crime with heavier punishments compared to misdemeanors.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what counts as a public assembly.
  • It is unclear how the defense for wearing masks will be applied in court cases.
  • There are no details on when this law would start or if it has been signed by the governor.

Bill History

  1. 2025-12-08 Senate

    Authored by Senator Byrne

  2. 2025-12-08 Senate

    First reading: referred to Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning criminal law and procedure.
Masks at public assemblies.

Current Bill Text

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

Masks at public assemblies.

Makes wearing a mask at a public assembly a Class C misdemeanor, and increases the penalty to a Class A misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense. Provides a defense under certain circumstances. Increases the penalty for rioting and disorderly conduct to a Level 6 felony if the offense is committed while wearing a mask.