Consumer protection rules would cover suppliers to Indiana agencies

The proposed rules would cover products and services supplied to Indiana state and local agencies and treat their providers as suppliers. The state agency definition excludes state educational institutions. The local agency definition excludes school corporations and charter schools. If passed, this provision would take effect July 1, 2026.

Only the attorney general could bring and enforce covered state agency cases; a lawyer acting for a local agency could bring and enforce its cases. These rules apply to cases over unfair, abusive, or deceptive conduct tied to covered sales to state or local agencies. The local government could ask the attorney general to handle its agency's case instead. If passed, this provision would take effect July 1, 2026.

A court could order a supplier to stop its conduct, set aside unlawfully collected money, or pay case costs. These orders apply in cases over unfair, abusive, or deceptive conduct tied to covered agency sales. Money set aside would go to affected buyers. Any investigation and case costs ordered must be reasonable. If passed, this provision would take effect July 1, 2026.