Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1173: A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.
Status: In committee, January 5, 2026
Designated public forums.
What the bill says
A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.
From the introduced text:
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government. SECTION 1. IC 4-20.5-21.5 IS ADDED TO THE INDIANA CODE AS A NEW CHAPTER TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Chapter 21.5. Designated Public Forums Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "agency" has the meaning set forth in IC 4-20.5-1-3(a). The term includes a state educational institution. Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "designated public forum" means state owned real property that has been intentionally opened for expressive activity only for use by certain groups or for the discussion of certain subjects. The term includes civic centers and facilities available for lease by the public for events. Sec. 3. (a) Subject to subsection (b), an agency may impose time, place, and manner restrictions on speech in a designated public forum, provided that such restrictions (2) narrowly tailored to achieve the interest described in 2026 IN 1173--LS 6502/DI subdivision (1); (3) administered using the least restrictive means available; and (4) viewpoint neutral. (b) An agency may limit access under subsection (a) to certain subject matters or classes of speakers to align with the designated public forum's intended purpose; however, an agency may not exclude speech: (1) made by a religious or political group, including speech made for fundraising purposes, if the speech is consistent …
Sponsors
- Timothy Wesco (R, HD-021) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : Authored by Representative Wesco
- : First reading: referred to Committee on Local Government
Subjects: PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS, CHURCHES AND RELIGIONS, CIVIL RIGHTS
Common questions
- What is HB1173?
- HB1173 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.
- What does HB1173 do?
- In its own words: A bill FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning local government.
- What is the status of HB1173?
- In committee as of January 5, 2026. Latest action: Authored by Representative Wesco (January 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1173?
- Timothy Wesco (R, HD-021).
- Where is the official record for HB1173?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: /2026/bills/hb1173
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.