Indiana Governor Signs Ten Bills into Law, Includes Parental Rights Measures

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has recently signed ten new bills into law, including measures that tighten regulation on long-haul water pipelines and reinforce parental rights in disputes with government agencies. One notable bill requires developers of major water pipelines to receive approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and meet strict permitting criteria, while another directs a study on local election scheduling and restricts future hospital mergers. Braun also plans to approve the creation of a commission to examine whether certain Illinois counties, dissatisfied with state policies and taxes, could be annexed by Indiana, though such a move would face substantial legal and political hurdles. Additionally, Braun issued two executive orders on energy policy: one limits the use of federal climate policy frameworks in state planning and regulatory analysis, and the other mandates a review of Indiana's coal-based power plants to consider extending their operational life. These actions collectively reflect Braun's broader approach to increase state control over water resources, energy generation, and regulatory autonomy, while signaling openness to cross-border cooperation with disaffected Illinois counties. The future of the annexation bid remains uncertain, as it would require approval from both Indiana and Illinois legislatures.