HB 1257: Child services matters.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Adds four members to the statewide child fatality review committee, one of whom is appointed by each of the following: (1) The speaker of the house of representatives. (2) The president pro tempore of the senate. (3) The minority leader of the house of representatives. (4) The minority leader of the senate. Provides that a court may grant postadoption contact privileges to the birth parent of a child if the child is at least one year of age (rather than two years of age, under current law). Adds information that must be included in the annual report of the department of child services (department) concerning child fatalities or near fatalities in Indiana that are the result of child abuse or neglect. Requires the department to promptly disclose to the public certain information regarding child fatalities or near fatalities. Allows the department, upon request, to provide additional information regarding cases of child fatalities or near fatalities subject to certain requirements. Provides that the obligation of the department to conduct a detailed assessment of a report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect does not apply if the report is screened out and referred to a law enforcement agency. Provides that the department: (1) shall disclose information regarding reported child abuse or neglect to a member of the United States Congress representing Indiana or a member of the Indiana general assembly (state legislator) upon request of the state legislator; (2) may release information to the news media to confirm, clarify, correct, or supplement information concerning reported child abuse or neglect that has been made public by a source other than the department; and (3) shall, upon request by the news media, report to the news media specified information regarding the death of a child whose death is suspected to be the result of child abuse or neglect. Provides that if the information disclosed or released by the department includes a record that is redacted to exclude specified information, the record is not confidential. Provides that the department may provide unredacted reports or material to: (1) a service provider that requires access to the unredacted reports or material to assess whether the service provider's services are suitable for the child; and (2) the attorney general or a prosecutor for purposes of a criminal investigation by the attorney general or prosecutor. Provides that the statutory limit on the department's provision of services to a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child who is the subject of a petition alleging the child to be a child in need of services (CHINS) applies: (1) regardless of whether the child has been removed from the home of the parent, guardian, or custodian; (2) regardless of whether the services are provided at the direction of a court or at the direction of the department; and (3) beginning on the date on which the CHINS petition is filed. Makes technical and conforming changes.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 3 · Republican 8

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 4, 2026Public Law 84
2. March 4, 2026Signed by the Governor
3. February 27, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
4. February 27, 2026Signed by the President Pro Tempore
5. February 26, 2026Signed by the Speaker
6. February 26, 2026House concurred with Senate amendments; Roll Call 390: yeas 84, nays 0
7. February 25, 2026Motion to concur filed
8. February 24, 2026Third reading: passed; Roll Call 243: yeas 48, nays 0
9. February 24, 2026Returned to the House with amendments
10. February 16, 2026Second reading: ordered engrossed
11. February 16, 2026Senators Ford J.D., Qaddoura, Rogers added as cosponsors
12. February 10, 2026Senators Schmitt, Walker G added as cosponsors

Showing 12 most recent of 26 actions. Full history