IndianaIndiana agencies could not penalize adoption providers for religious beliefs
Indiana government agencies could not deny adoption or foster care providers and parents contracts, licenses, or placements solely for sincere religious beliefs, but could favor same-faith placements.
What it does
Government agencies could not deny people or groups involved in adoption or foster care funding, contracts, licenses, or child placements solely for sincere religious beliefs. Agencies could still favor placing a child with someone of the same faith.
People or groups could sue a government entity within two years of an alleged violation, without first using an agency process. They could seek payment for harm and legal fees, but could not sue courts under this rule.
Argument forReligious providers and parents might face fewer denied contracts or placements because of their beliefs, making it easier for them to participate.
Argument againstAgencies might have less room to respond when a provider declines services for religious reasons, which could affect children awaiting placements.
More detail
Government agencies could not deny funding, contracts, licenses, or child placements solely because of a person's sincerely held religious beliefs. The rule covers individuals and groups involved in adoption or foster care, including those who provide or decline services, raise children, or follow policies consistent with their beliefs. An agency could still favor placing a child with someone who shares the child's religion or faith tradition. The proposed rule would take effect July 1, 2026.
A person could sue a government entity for violating these protections. Individuals and legal groups could sue government entities, but they could not sue courts under this rule. A person could sue without first using an agency process and could seek court orders, payment for harm, and reasonable legal fees and costs. These rules would take effect July 1, 2026; a lawsuit would have to start no more than two years after the alleged act.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jan 6Authored by Representative HeatonLatest
- Jan 6Coauthored by Representative DeVon
- Jan 6First reading: referred to Committee on Family, Children and Human AffairsIntroduced
Civil Rights & VotingGovernment & Ethics