Indiana legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Indiana HB1278: A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations.
Status: Signed into law, March 4, 2026
Nursing matters; education programs.
What the bill says
An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations. SECTION 1. IC 25-23-1-3, AS AMENDED BY P.L.148-2023, SECTION 12, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 3. At any time there is a vacancy or expiration of a term, the Indiana State Nurses Association shall recommend to the governor a list of qualified nurses for appointment to the board in the number of not less than twice the number or (2) nurse appointments to be made. SECTION 2. IC 25-23-1-20.1, AS AMENDED BY P.L.148-2023, SECTION 16, IS AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS [EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026]: Sec. 20.1. (a) As used in this section, "eligible associate or bachelor's degree registered nursing program" means an a practical nursing program or an associate or bachelor's degree registered nursing program and (2) has an annual rate of successful completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) score of at least eighty percent (80%). (b) As used in this section, "nursing program" means any of the following: (1) A licensed practical nursing program. (2) An associate degree nursing program. HEA 1278 (3) A diploma nursing program. (4) A baccalaureate degree nursing program. (c) An eligible associate degree or bachelor's degree registered nursing program that has been operating for at least five (5) years may increase enrollment in the …
Sponsors
- Barrett, Brad (R) · primary sponsor
- Cindy Ledbetter (R, HD-075)
- Tony Isa (R, HD-051)
- Robin Shackleford (D, HD-098)
Latest actions
- : Public Law 89
- : Signed by the Governor
- : Signed by the President Pro Tempore
- : Signed by the President of the Senate
- : Signed by the Speaker
- : Joint Rule 15 Certification
- : Returned to the House with amendments
- : Third reading: passed; Roll Call 187: yeas 45, nays 0
- : Amendment #1 (Busch) prevailed; voice vote
- : Reread second time: amended, ordered engrossed
Votes
- HB1278.04.ENGS (February 17, 2026): 45 yea, 0 nay, passed
- HB1278.02.COMH (January 28, 2026): 94 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS; Governor, HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS; Nurses (Excluding Advanced Practice Registered Nurses), AGENCIES; Professional Licensing Agency (PLA)
Common questions
- What is HB1278?
- HB1278 is a bill in the Indiana Legislature (2026 Regular Session): A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations.
- What does HB1278 do?
- In its own words: An act to amend the Indiana Code concerning professions and occupations.
- What is the status of HB1278?
- Signed into law as of March 4, 2026. Latest action: Public Law 89 (March 4, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1278?
- Barrett, Brad (R), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1278?
- On the Indiana Legislature website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1278
Source: official Indiana record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.