New Laws in Indiana Taking Effect July 2026: What You Should Know

On July 1st, dozens of Indiana laws from the 2026 legislative session will go into effect. While Hoosiers won't immediately feel the impact of some new laws, others, like the criminalization of homelessness and the full day ban on cell phones in schools, will be felt immediately. For more on the legal issues discussed here, see our Indiana criminal defense overview and Criminal Recklessness in Indiana guide.

Street Camping (SEA 285):

- Hoosiers experiencing homelessness who shelter or sleep on public property may be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in county jail, a fine of up to $500, or both, if they refuse or fail to use available temporary housing.

Sexual Grooming (SEA 119):

- A person at least 18 years old who knowingly or intentionally engages in a pattern of repeated or continuous contact with a child who is, or is believed to be, less than 14 years old — with the intent to make the child less resistant to future sexual conduct — or who communicates with such a child about sexual activity with the intent to gratify the sexual desires of either person, may be charged with sexual grooming, a misdemeanor.

Masked Criminals (SEA 160):

- Individuals who wear a mask of any kind to conceal or disguise their identity while committing a crime may face an enhanced punishment if convicted. The law adds mask-wearing to the long list of conditions a judge may consider as an aggravating factor when determining a sentence.

Immigration (SEA 76):

- Local units of government, schools, and universities cannot "in any way" limit or restrict the enforcement of federal immigration law, even unintentionally. Any policies that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement, "written or unwritten," are prohibited; county jails and courts must follow new rules for handling federal immigration detainer requests; and Indiana businesses that knowingly employ an illegal immigrant may lose their operating licenses.

Guns at Schools (HEA 1343; HEA 1249):

- Possessing on school property or a school bus an object or device that is substantially similar in coloration and appearance to a firearm is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. For an adult, possessing an actual gun on school property or a school bus remains a Level 6 felony, while a child bringing a gun to school is now a Level 5 felony, punishable by up to six years in prison.

Doxxing (SEA 140):

- Posting an individual's personal information — such as their name, home address, telephone number, Social Security number, or employer — on a social media site with the intent to cause bodily injury or property damage to that person, or to facilitate a crime against them, is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. The offense is a Level 5 felony, punishable by up to six years in prison, if the target is a member of the General Assembly.

Animals (HEA 1165):

- Under most circumstances, knowingly or intentionally killing a law enforcement animal is now a Level 5 felony, punishable by up to six years in prison. In addition, a judge may increase the sentence for any felony conviction beyond the statutory advisory term if the offense resulted in the death of, or severe permanent injury to, an animal.

Phones in Schools (SEA 78):

- All public and charter schools must restrict students' access to cell phones and other mobile communication devices throughout the entire school day, including passing periods, lunch, study halls, and other non-instructional time, with limited exceptions. Under the statute, a school may either prohibit students from bringing mobile devices to school altogether or establish a secure storage system that prevents students from accessing their phones from "bell to bell."

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If you have any questions on how these new Indiana laws taking effect July 1, 2026, will impact you and your loved ones, call Mo today at (347) 889-4944 or schedule a consultation!