Schools and colleges could not hire lobbyists with public money to lobby lawmakers

School districts, public schools, and their boards could not use public money to hire or contract with people required to register as lobbyists for lobbying state lawmakers. This covers school districts, their boards, and public schools other than charter schools. They also could not pay nonprofit groups that mainly represent them if those groups hire registered lobbyists. Staff and board members could still give lawmakers information. Indiana taxpayers or residents could sue over violations. The rules would start July 1, 2026.

State colleges and universities and their trustees could not use public money to hire or contract with people required to register as lobbyists for lobbying state lawmakers. This covers Indiana state colleges and universities and their boards of trustees. They also could not pay nonprofit groups that mainly represent them if those groups hire registered lobbyists. Staff and trustees could still give lawmakers information. Indiana taxpayers or residents could sue over violations. The rules would start July 1, 2026.

A school district could not move a scheduled school day to virtual instruction for the stated reason. This applies to Indiana school districts. The rule applies when teachers or other staff plan or coordinate an absence to join a protest, demonstration, or event to push a political cause. The district would be subject to a state funding cut for each day it breaks the rule. The rule would start July 1, 2026.

School employers could not take dues or fees from employees' wages to send to school employee groups. This covers school employers and payments to school employee groups. Contracts made or renewed before July 1, 2026, would remain protected unless they are later changed, extended, or renewed. The rule would start July 1, 2026, and apply to contracts made, renewed, changed, or extended after June 30, 2026.