Indiana Senate Sends Key Bills to Governor, Increasing Contract Transparency

Indiana lawmakers have passed Senate Enrolled Act 5, a bipartisan measure aimed at increasing transparency and oversight of state government contracts, which now awaits Governor Mike Braun's signature. The bill introduces new rules, including a ban on non-public, no-bid contracts, stricter requirements for vendors, elimination of unfilled government positions, and mandates for public reporting on state spending and federal fund flows. Specific exemptions were made for specialized agreements between the Department of Correction and private employers, as well as for child support contracts between the Department of Child Services and local prosecutors. Additionally, health care entities such as hospitals and insurers will be required to disclose ownership information to help uncover potential conflicts of interest. These efforts reflect a broader legislative push to improve accountability and transparency in Indiana's use of taxpayer dollars.