IASP Legislative Update 1.9.26

Dear IASP Members, Welcome back — and happy new year. As you reopen buildings, welcome students back from winter break, and re-establish routines, we hope the start of the spring semester is off to a smooth and steady beginning. A new year brings renewed energy in our schools — and in Indiana, it also brings a fast-moving legislative session. I'm pleased to share the first episode of the IASP Legislative Update Podcast for the 2026 legislative session. Throughout the session, this weekly update is designed to keep Indiana's school leaders at the center of the conversation — tracking the bills, the debates, and the decisions that directly impact your schools, your staff, and your students. 🎧 In this week's episode: Why lawmakers started early — and what December's activity means for schools House Bill 1137 (Healthy School Lunch legislation) and its phased approach House Bill 1176 and changes to charter and innovation network flexibility House Bill 1266, a broad framework bill focused on flexibility, staffing, curriculum clarity, and workforce pipelines Key movement in Senate Education, including: SB 78 (bell-to-bell limits on personal devices) SB 159 (parental control of school-issued devices at home) SB 199, which takes a direct look at social media providers and child protections The bigger picture: how Indiana lawmakers are taking a coordinated, multi-layered approach to technology, student well-being, and responsibility As always, our focus remains on practical implementation, clear timelines, and maintaining flexibility for schools — while ensuring school leaders are not left navigating these changes alone.